NRLCA MAIL COUNT GUIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SEPTEMBER 2011 One
stopOne stopOne stopOne stopOne stopOne stopSmallSmallRural Route
Inspection Box CountMedium boxSmallMediumLargeLargeB-24 - sI :: ...
:1, J ....UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEC7SL....,...,.......... DC
..Aprll 18. 19 UMr. Dallas N. PieldsDirector, Labor
RelationsRational Rural Letter Carriers' Association1750
Pennsylvania Avenue, B.W.Suite 1204Wasbington, D.C. 20001-33"Re: J.
Wig9 intonKeDlo, U "'46IlJl-4B-e: 12585Dear Hr. rield.: RLeACD
March 24, 1983, we met to cUscus the above-captionedgrievance at
the foarth step of oar colltraetaal grtevaDe:t!proceclure.':he
matters pre.ented as well as the applicable coDtractualprovisions
have been reviewed aDd giveD carefal con.ideration.orbe question
inth1l grievUlce ia whether or DOt aDag_entviolated tbe 1981
DS'S/IILCA Rational Igr....Dt ben .ervice toa rural box in vbich
ail vas vu 41acontieued. lJ.Ibedv.lliDCJ had beee ..ac&JJt for
over to days.'art 525.323, of the 11-37, IlaDdboot, clearly iDdicat
that adwelling which is vacant than 90 daya is not to tDcladecS on
the latelt Fom 4003, Offic:ia1 aural IouteDelcription. Vacut. .eau
Dot pbytically occupied. .Accor4ingly, as w fiDd no violation of
the lationa! this grievance is deDied.Sucerely, Labor Relations
Department8-25 .. .i ==!.- . UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE ""11II...
PIUL..w---.oc_Mr. Dalla. N. FieldsDirector, Labor aelltionsNational
Rural Letter Carriers'Association Duke Street, Suite Alexandria, VA
22314-3403_R.tCEIVEDOft 21 '86HRLCAIe: G. $netlaarPolk City, IA
50226BU-4X-e 3738Dear Mr. Fields IOn Karen 13, 19.6, ve .et to
discuss the above-captionedgrievance at the fourtb step of our
contractual grievanceprocedure.The issue in this grievance i.
vb.ther the rural carrier isentitled to receive credit for
..1lboxe. for cu.tomer. vhorec.i"e deUvery of uU. througb g.neral
s.Uvery.The union' contends that dwellings that bave not bn
vacantmore tban 'O-days should be included in the aa11box count.It
is the position of th. Poatal service that in accordancevith
Bandbook M-37, Part 525.223c, and aandbook "-38, 'art526.633, (4)
and bu.in r.c.Lving d.liv.ry.olely through general delivery are not
included in theuilbox count.Accordingly, this grie.ance i. d.nied.
Ii.it. vere extended .by DepartMnt ....POST.4LSERVICEMr. Randy
AndersonDirector of Labor RelationsNational Rural Letter
Carriers'Association1630 Duke Street, 4th FloorAlexandria, VA
22314-3465Re: EOOR-4E-C 02161678Lowell VetterChanhassen, MN
55317Dear Randy:On several occasions, the most recent being May 7,
2004, we met to discuss the above-captioned grievance at the fourth
step of our contractual grievance procedure.The issue in this
grievance concerns the clarification of a "mail receiving unit"
whendefining "centralized delivery" for the purpose of applying a
rural time allowance.During our discussion. we mutually agreed that
the tallowing will constitute full andcomplete settlement of this
grievance:In Article 9.2.C.3.b.4, of the National Agreement
states:Centralized delivery, for the purpose of establishing a
rural timeallowance, is defined as any mail receiving unit where
the carrier hasaccess to more than individual customer's receptacle
by openingonly one door, such as Cluster Box Units, Apartment
Receptacles,Delivery Centers. Postal Centers, Mailrooms, etc."The
Rural Carrier Duties and Responsibilities, Handbook Po-603 in
section 535.223,b. Centralized Boxes. provides:"Show the number of
centralized mailboxes on the route as of the lastday of the count.
Centralized mailboxes are defined as any mail-receiving unit where
the carrier has access to more than one customer'sreceptacle by
opening only one door. This includes such items as caus,apartment
receptacles, delivery centers, postal centers, mailrooms, etc.Not
included are boxes served through nonpersonnel rural units."The
parties agree that in the instant case the rural carrier entered
through one door tomake multiple deliveries. It is our
understanding that the carrier did not distribute mailinto a "mail
receiving unit" such as a Cluster Box Unit, Apartment Receptacles,
DeliveryCenter, Postal Center, Mailroom, etc. The parties agree
that this type of delivery pointwould not be considered a "mail
receiving unit".475 L:ErfiwT Pl.ov. 'SNWAlHGItlN OC 202eo-4'00
2Therefore, the parties agree for the purpose of applying a rural
time allowance, this typeof delivery would not be considered as
centralized delivery.Based upon the circumstances of the instant
case, the parties agree that no furtheraction is necessary.Please
sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter as your
acknowledgment ofagreement to settle this case.Sincerely,~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ 'ith. tokowskitract Administration(NRLCNNPMHU)Labor
RelationsRandy onDirector 0 Labor RelationsNational Rural Letter
Carriers'AssociationDate: I J J ~ IDJ:JooyDelivery Services
632.526POM Issue 9, July 2002 355Updated With Postal Bulletin
Revisions Through December 3, 2009632.524 LocationCurbside
mailboxes must be placed so that they may be safely and
conveniently served by carriers without leaving their conveyances.
They must be reasonably and safely accessed by customers. Boxes
must also be on the right-hand side of the road and in the carriers
direction of travel in all cases where driving on the left-hand
side of the road to reach the boxes would pose a traffic hazard or
violate traffic laws and regulations. On new rural or highway
contract routes, all boxes must be on the right side of the road in
the carriers direction of travel. Boxes must be placed to conform
to state laws and highway regulations. Carriers are subject to the
same traffic laws and regulations as are other motorists. Customers
must remove obstructions, including vehicles, trash cans, and snow,
that make delivery difficult. Generally, mailboxes are installed at
a height of 41 to 45 inches from the road surface to the bottom of
the mailbox or point of mail entry. Mailboxes are set back 6 to 8
inches from the front face of the curb or road edge to the mailbox
door. Because of varying road and curb conditions and other
factors, the Postal Service recommends that customers contact the
postmaster or carrier before erecting or replacing their mailboxes
and supports. 632.525 GroupingBoxes should be grouped wherever
possible, especially at or near crossroads, service turnouts, or
other places where a considerable number of boxes are presently
located. 632.526 More Than One FamilyIf more than one family wishes
to share a mail receptacle, the following standards apply:a. Route
and Box Number Addressing. On rural and highway contract routes
authorized to use a route and box numbering system (e.g., RR 1 BOX
155), up to five families may share a single mail receptacle and
use a common route and box designation. A written notice of
agreement, signed by the heads of the families or the individuals
who want to join in the use of such box, must be filed with the
postmaster at the distributing office.b. Conversion to Street Name
and Number Addressing. When street name and numbering systems are
adopted, those addresses reflect distinct customer locations and
sequences. Rural and highway contract route customers who are
assigned different primary addresses (e.g., 123 APPLE WAY vs. 136
APPLE WAY) should erect individual mail receptacles in locations
recommended by their postmasters and begin using their new
addresses. Customers having different primary addresses but wishing
to continue sharing a common receptacle must use the address of the
receptacles owner and the care of address format:JOHN DOEC/O ROBERT
SMITH123 APPLE WAYCustomers having a common primary address (e.g.,
800 MAIN ST) but different secondary addresses (e.g., APT 101, APT
102, etc.) may continue to share a common receptacle if
single-point delivery is 632.527 Postal Operations Manual356 POM
Issue 9, July 2002Updated With Postal Bulletin Revisions Through
December 3, 2009authorized for the primary address. Secondary
addresses should still be included in all correspondence.632.527
LocksThe use of locks, locking devices, or inserts on curbside
mailboxes on rural and highway contract routes is prohibited. See
the list of curbside mailbox manufacturers for approved locking
style mailboxes (a current listing of approved manufacturers and
models can be obtained from the office listed in section 632.511).
The Postal Service does not allow carriers to open locked boxes and
does not accept keys for this purpose.632.528 Unstamped
NewspapersCurbside mailboxes are to be used for mail only, except
for newspapers regularly mailed at Periodicals rates. Publishers of
these newspapers may, on Sundays and national holidays only, place
copies of the Sunday or holiday issues in the rural and highway
contract route boxes of subscribers, with the understanding that
these copies must be removed from the boxes before the next day on
which mail deliveries are scheduled. 632.529 Newspaper ReceptaclesA
receptacle for the delivery of newspapers may be attached to the
post of a curbside mailbox provided that no part of the receptacle
interferes with the delivery of mail, obstructs the view of the
flag, or presents a hazard to the carrier or the carriers vehicle.
The receptacle must not extend beyond the front of the box when the
box door is closed. No advertising may be displayed on the outside
of the receptacle, except the name of the publication. 632.53
Nonconforming MailboxesCarriers must report to the postmaster any
existing mailboxes that no longer conform to postal regulations.
The postmaster sends PS Form 4056, Your Mailbox Needs Attention, to
the owners of these boxes to request that they remedy the
irregularities or defects. All newly installed or replacement
mailboxes must be approved models in accordance with USPS-STD-7. A
current listing of approved manufacturers and models can be
obtained from the office listed in section 632.511.632.54 State and
Local RegulationsSome states have enacted laws that are more
stringent and specific about the type of mailbox that may be used,
the post or support that must be used to mount the mailbox, and the
location of the delivery equipment. Regulations and recommendations
published here might not reflect appropriate requirements for your
area. When providing guidance to the general public concerning
mailbox placement and replacement, advise them not only of postal
regulations but also of any mailbox regulations that you know have
been enacted by state or local authorities.632.6 Apartment House
Receptacles632.61 GeneralSpecifications for construction and
approval procedures for manufacturers are covered in USPS-STD-4
(RDD), Postal Service Standard, Apartment Domestic Mail Manual
Updated 7-5-11508508.3.2.1Additional Services: Customer Mail
Receptacles2.3.4 Mailbox LocationCurbside mailboxes meeting the
applicable standards in 3.0 must be placed where they protect the
mail and can be conveniently served by carriers without leaving
their vehicles. These boxes must be on the right side of the road
in the direction of travel when required by traffic conditions or
when driving to the left to reach the boxes would violate traffic
laws by the carrier. 3.0 Customer Mail Receptacles3.1 Basic
Information for Customer Mail Receptacles3.1.1 Authorized
DepositoryExcept as excluded by 3.1.2, every letterbox or other
receptacle intended or used for the receipt or delivery of mail on
any city delivery route, rural delivery route, highway contract
route, or other mail route is designated an authorized depository
for mail within the meaning of 18 USC 1702, 1705, 1708, and 1725.
3.1.2 ExclusionsDoor slots and nonlockable bins or troughs used
with apartment house mailboxes are not letterboxes within the
meaning of 18 USC 1725 and are not private mail receptacles for the
standards for mailable matter not bearing postage found in or on
private mail receptacles. The post or other support is not part of
the receptacle. 3.1.3 Use for MailExcept under 3.2.11, Newspaper
Receptacle, the receptacles described in 3.1.1 may be used only for
matter bearing postage. Other than as permitted by 3.2.10, Delivery
of Unstamped Newspapers, or 3.2.11, no part of a mail receptacle
may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including
items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from,
or inserted into a mail receptacle. Any mailable matter not bearing
postage and found as described above is subject to the same postage
as would be paid if it were carried by mail. 3.1.4 Clear
ApproachCustomers must keep the approach to their mailboxes clear
of obstructions to allow safe access for delivery. If USPS
employees are impeded in reaching a mail receptacle, the postmaster
may withdraw delivery service. 3.2 Curbside Mailboxes3.2.1
Manufacturer SpecificationsManufacturers of all mailboxes designed
and made to be erected at the edge of a roadway or curbside of a
street and to be served by a carrier from a vehicle on any city
route, rural route, or highway contract route must obtain approval
of their products under USPS Standard 7, Mailboxes, City and Rural
Curbside. To receive these construction standards and drawings or
other information about the manufacture of curbside mailboxes,
write to USPS Engineering (see 608.8.0 for address). 997Domestic
Mail Manual Updated 7-5-11508508.3.2.2Additional Services: Customer
Mail Receptacles3.2.2 Custom-Built MailboxThe local postmaster may
approve a curbside mailbox constructed by a customer who, for
aesthetic or other reasons, does not want to use an approved
manufactured box. The custom-built box must generally meet the same
standards as approved manufactured boxes for flag, size, strength,
and quality of construction. 3.2.3 Locked BoxA mailbox with a lock
must have a slot that is large enough to accommodate the customers
normal daily mail volume. The USPS neither opens a locked box nor
accepts a key for this purpose. 3.2.4 Mailbox PostThe post or other
support for a curbside mailbox must be neat and of adequate
strength and size. The post may not represent effigies or
caricatures that tend to disparage or ridicule any person. The box
may be attached to a fixed or movable arm. 3.2.5 AdvertisingAny
advertising on a mailbox or its support is prohibited. 3.2.6
LocationSubject to state laws and regulations, a curbside mailbox
must be placed to allow safe and convenient delivery by carriers
without leaving their vehicles. The box must be on the right-hand
side of the road in the direction of travel of the carriers on any
new rural route or highway contract route, in all cases where
traffic conditions are dangerous for the carriers to drive to the
left to reach the box, or where their doing so would violate
traffic laws and regulations. 3.2.7 Address IdentificationEvery
curbside mailbox must bear the following address information:a. A
box number, if used, inscribed in contrasting color in neat letters
and numerals at least 1 inch high on the side of the box visible to
the carriers regular approach, or on the door if boxes are
grouped.b. A house number if street names and house numbers have
been assigned by local authorities, and the postmaster authorizes
their use as a postal address. If the box is on a different street
from the customers residence, the street name and house number must
be inscribed on the box. 3.2.8 Owners NameThe mailbox may bear the
owners name. 3.2.9 More Than One Family Sharing a ReceptacleIf more
than one family wishes to share a mail receptacle, the following
standards apply:a. Route and Box Number Addressing. On rural and
highway contract routes authorized to use a route and box numbering
system (e.g., RR 1 BOX 155), up to five families may share a single
mail receptacle and use a common route and 998Domestic Mail Manual
Updated 7-5-11508508.3.3.1Additional Services: Customer Mail
Receptaclesbox designation. A written notice of agreement, signed
by the heads of the families or individuals who want to join in the
use of such box, must be filed with the postmaster at the delivery
office.b. Conversion to Street Name and Number Addressing. When
street name and numbering systems are adopted, those addresses
reflect distinct customer locations and sequences. Rural and
highway contract route customers who are assigned different primary
addresses (e.g., 123 APPLE WAY vs. 136 APPLE WAY) should erect
individual mail receptacles in locations recommended by their
postmasters and begin using their new addresses. Customers having
different primary addresses who wish to continue sharing a common
receptacle must use the address of the receptacles owner and the
care of address format:JOHN DOEC/O ROBERT SMITH123 APPLE
WAYCustomers having a common primary address (e.g., 800 MAIN ST)
but different secondary addresses (e.g., APT 101, APT 102, etc.)
may continue to share a common receptacle if single-point delivery
is authorized for the primary address. Secondary addresses should
still be included in all correspondence. 3.2.10 Delivery of
Unstamped NewspapersGenerally, curbside mailboxes are to be used
for mail only. However, publishers of newspapers regularly mailed
as Periodicals may, on Sundays and national holidays only, place
copies of the Sunday or holiday issues in the rural route and
highway contract route boxes of subscribers if those copies are
removed from the boxes before the next scheduled day of mail
delivery. 3.2.11 Newspaper ReceptacleA receptacle for newspaper
delivery by private carriers may be attached to the post of a
curbside mailbox used by the USPS if the receptacle:a. Does not
touch the mailbox or use any part of the mailbox for support.b.
Does not interfere with the delivery of mail, obstruct the view of
the mailbox flag, or present a hazard to carrier or vehicle.c. Does
not extend beyond the front of the mailbox when the box door is
closed.d. Does not display advertising, except the publication
title. 3.3 Wall-Mounted Centralized Mail Receptacles3.3.1
Manufacturer RequirementsManufacturers of wall-mounted centralized
mail receptacles used for mail delivery must receive approval under
the specifications and procedures in USPS Standard 4. The
specifications and other information can be obtained by writing to
USPS Engineering (see 608.8.0 for address). 999Domestic Mail Manual
Updated 7-5-11508508.3.3.2Additional Services: Post Office Box
Service3.3.2 Customer Requirements The installation of proper
equipment is required for delivery service. The type of equipment
must be approved by the USPS under 3.3.1 and must be appropriate
for the structure. Customers should discuss the types of approved
equipment permitted for their structures with their postmaster
before purchasing and installing delivery equipment. 4.0 Post
Office Box Service4.1 Fees for Post Office Box ServiceSee Notice
123Price List.4.2 Basic Information for Post Office Box
Service4.2.1 PurposePost Office box service is a premium service
offered for a fee to any customer requiring more than free carrier
delivery or general delivery and for no fee to customers who are
not eligible for carrier delivery. The service allows a customer to
obtain mail during the hours the box lobby is open or access is
otherwise available. Post Office box service is provided only
through receptacles owned or operated by the USPS or its agents.
Post Office box service does not include alternate means of
delivery established to replace, simplify, or extend carrier
delivery service. A postmaster and a box customer may not make any
agreement that contravenes the regulations on Post Office box
service or its fees. 4.2.2 DefinitionThe term Post Office box (or
its address abbreviation PO BOX) designates this service in an
address. The term box customer applies only to the person who signs
the application as an individual or to the organization on whose
behalf an individual signs the application. 4.2.3 Box SizeThere are
five box sizes. A facility might not have each size. A customer is
assigned a box size based on the customers needs and the
availability of boxes. The postmaster may require a customer to use
a larger size box if the customers mail volume increases beyond the
capacity of the present box. 4.2.4 Number AssignmentA number is
assigned to each Post Office box. Mail intended for delivery
through a box must show the assigned Post Office box number in the
address immediately above the city, state, and ZIP Code. 4.2.5 Box
AvailabilityWhen no box of the appropriate size is available, an
application for box service may be handled, at the postmaster's
discretion, in any one or more of the following ways:a. By
referring the customer to another postal facility with available
capacity. b. By placing the customer's name on a waiting list for
box service. c. By providing general delivery service until an
appropriate size box becomes available.1000M-52 lol '".. .i _ ::;
IU.MUL .........UNITED STATES POSTAL SERViCE475 L'Enlant Plaza
SWWashington, DC 20260Hay 13. 19B3Mr. Dallas N. FieldsDirector,
Labor RelationsNational Rural Letter Carriers' Association1750
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Suite 1204Washinston, D.C. 20006-3399Re:
Class ActionLinden, MI 4a451H1R-4B-C 11305Dear Mr. Fields:Ll , , f.
JNRLCAOn January 13, 1983, we met to discuss the
above-captionedgrievance at the fourth step of our contractual
grievance The matters presented as as the applicable
contractualprovisions have been reviewed and given careful
consideration.The question in this grievance is whether or not
managementviolated the 1981 National A9reement when
non-preferentialmail to a 5treet or route, but known to be
waste,:was discarded rather than distributed to the rural
carriersduring the 1982 mail count.According to the file,
distributors in this local office havenormally discarded
non-preferential mail of no obvious valuewhen it was recognized as
being rather thandistribute It to the rural carrier. was not
specifi-cally done with the intention of depriving the rural
carriersof mail count-volume during the two-week counting
period.However, we mutually-agreed that the discarding of mail
inthis is inconsistent with postal procedure and shouldbe
discontinued. If discontinuance of this activity willresult in an
increase of the workload of the rural carriers inthis office,
carriers will be entitled to a recount, ifthey desire.We mutually
agreed that if the carriers desire a recount underthese
circumstances, it shall be accomplished under theMr. Dallas N.
FieldsM-522special count provisions of Article 30, Section
l.C.12.a.3.,of the National Agreement. The special count must be
within 90 oays of receipt of this decision.Retroactive
compensation, if appropriate, shall be from the1982 mail
count.Sincerely, 4 L. EugeneLabor Relations partmentP-93rs"On.,..11
.......... =: ...If' i _ :l ...... ::.- .UNITED STATES
POSTAL-SERVICE.75 L'Enfanl "au. SWWatlingUln, l)C aoztCIOctober 24,
1983Mr. Dallas N. rieldsDirector, Labor RelationsNational Rural
Letter Carriers' Association1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Suite
1204Washington, D.C. 20006-3399Re: J. kasley SC 29483BIR-3P-C
19988Dear Mr. Fields:On August 30, 1983, we met to discuss the
above-captionedgrievance at tbe fourth step of our contractual
grievanceprocedure.The qrievance concerns the contention by the
union that all;presort mail should be cut and sorted'before being
given tothe rural carrier on route 4.Based on information presented
and contained in the irievancefile, the is Tne mall in 15
beinghandled presently the same way it was handled during
theSeptember 1982 mail count. Postmasters may take steps to errors
by working the mail througb thedistribution case before sending to
the rural carrierJandpresort mail that contains minimal errors may
be sentdirectly to the rural carrier. liMits extended by mutual
consent.Sincerel;;?-A .---Robert L. EUgeLabOl:' Rela .
nsH70.70.'Mr. Leo J. Root ...Dirlctor of "'rRelations. NIItloMl
RanllIttIr CiIITI..... Auociliion1830 Duke StnMtt. 4th Float
.AIaInctia. VA 2 2 3 1 ~Ra: H85R-iH-C96076679. Claa ActIonL8tg0, FL
34640-9998De. Mr. RoOt:On several occaslonsw the most recent being
Jan.aary 29; 1997, we met todiscuss the above-captioMd CJi'Vanc8 at
the fourth step of our COl drac:tualgrievance procedure. . .
.The.issue In this gr:Ievance Is whether management can requlre.nnI
carrI..towithdrawmall from more thin one ~ cas" ~ additional
comp8nsation.During cur discussion. we mutually asPect that the
following will conStitute fulland complete settlement of this
grievance: .. The parties agree that. th~ case(sr may be used as.
8ndConsIdered a distribution case In aecord8nce with Part 212.11
ofHandbooic POo603. RlnI Carrt. DutJ_1II1CI ReIpNIbI1lt1ea.:RUraI
Cn... with wIthdrawaItlme may be requhd to withdrawmall3-tlmes each
morning fram all the dlltributlon caIU. .Haww.., aftnaI withdrawal
(181*81 from th8 3 previouswithdrawaJa) of PI eterentI8I
IetterIInCI flats anIY Involves onedesignated letter and flat Case
just blforeleavlng far the route.pursuant to Part 212.14 of the
PQ.603. .Thnfore, If th.1oca1 otrIce Isrequiring the nnJ c8rr1....
towithdraw maD froo\ more thIin on. hot case on the tin..
withdrawal,just befol'8.leavtng for the route, it shall either
case. or detennlneadditional appropriate compensation. .H-70.70Mr.
Leo Root .re: H95R-4H-C 96076679. Page2Pi....wAdretLrn the ~ copy
db.1etler. yru ~o f ~ It to iettle.1hIs case. .' .. .Sincerely,..
."W-11lAsOR RB.ATIONSd UNITEDSTi1TESPOSTI1L SERVICEMr. Randy
AndersonDirector of Labor RelationsNational Rural Letter
Carriers'Association1630 Duke Street, 4th FloorAlexandria, VA
22314-3465Re: EOOR-4E-C 02146601Donavan MozenaSpencer, IA 51301Dear
Randy:On several occasions, the most recent being May 7,2004, we
met to discuss the above-captioned grievance at the fourth step of
our contractual grievance procedure.The issue in this grievance
concems how withdrawal credit is recorded when a ruralroute's
official route description includes service at an intermediate post
office(s).During our discussion, we mutually agreed that the
following will constitute full andcomplete settlement of this
grievance:If the "head-out" office and/or the intermediate
office(s) requires the carrier to withdrawmail, the Rural Deiivery
Statistic Report, PS Form 4241, and/or other rural routeevaluation
forms, would reflect yes" for withdrawal credit for the
route.Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter as
your acknowledgment ofagreement to settle this
case.Sincerely,Judith StokowskiContract
Administration(NRLCAlNPMHU)Labor Relations475 L:ENFANT PlAZA
SWWASHINGTON DC 202604100~ ~R a n d Y ~ nDirector 0 Labor
RelationsNational Rural Letter Carriers'AssociationDate: ffley 2
ZOo y' ..'" ,..= i lLS-t . -.........UNITEDSTATES POSTAL SERVICE475
L'enfant Plaza, SWWashington, CC 20260June 21, 1982Mr. Wilbur S.
WoodPresidentNational Rural Letter Carriers'AssociationSuite
12041750 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. .20006Dear Mr.
Wood:M-44RECEIVEDJiJ" l.L HZNRLCAEnclosed is our position paper on
four specific questionswhieh WQ to arise during the 1982 mail
count. Itis proviaed for your information in an effort to eliminate
inadvance any possible misunderstanding. Should yeu have
anyquestions, please contact Boward R. Carter of our
staff.Sincerely, Di.rectorOffice of Grievanceand ArbitrationLabor
Relations DepartmentEnclosureM-44A. M-37, 525.12 Col. Q Loaaing
TimeQuestion Are carriers entitled to loading time for
placingbundles of mail' into a or gurney?Answer "The required to
place mail in gurneys or hamperswill be included in loadins This
excerpt from M-37, 525.12Col Q was intended to address situations
required the carrierto load mail from the floor or other location
intoa orqurney for transport to the vehicle. A co:umon example of
this'is boxho1der mail which is not ordinarily cased. Loading
timewould include time neeced to 'place boxholder bundles intoa
hamper or gurney. It would also be applicable if, becauseof space
restrictions, carrier is required to strap-out mail;placQ on or
easa lodsa, and agurney or hamper the end of carrier-case aisle.
wasnot to to situations the car=ier straosout mail and places it
directly into a gurney or hamper in lieu-of placing on floor.B.
References M37, 525.12 Col. 0 (Sequencing parcels)M37, 211.2,
211.3, and 524.2 Withdraw of MailOuestion Does obtaining parcei
post entitlea carrier to the withdraw allowance?Answer Obtaining
the parcel is not considered part ofwitharaw of mail. In the
references cited, an 1mportant referencehas been overlooked. M-38,
Section 344.23 states that gurneys and shall be located convenient
to carriers. By conven-iently located, it is meant for the or
gurney to be in closeproximity to the caJ:rieJ:'s case. If the
hamper/gurney is so .1ocated, and all other mail is prepared as
required' in Section21.1..3 of the M-3?, t:hen t;hc 'that i:hc
c=rier WAll a. steps to obtain parcel hamper/gurney would not
justify allowinq time. If the parcel is not accordingto section
244_23 of M-38, action shou1d be taken to do 50a Finally,if
physical lay-out of the office or space constraints make
it:L"Upossible to comply with the provisions of the M-38, and it:
is notpossible to have the hampers/gurneys transported to the
carrierarea by a clerk or consideration should begiven to changing
the procedures at the office to allow for carrier. withdraw of all'
mail. .--'M-44c. References 1-1-37, 211.2, ,211.3 and 524.2Question
If a carrier is required to take mail from sacksis he eligible for
the withdraw credit? section 2l1.2c of the M-37 states in part "If.
flats are in sacks, remove them promptly and stack neatly onthe
floor or in when provided." Section 21l.3a ofthe M-J7 states "Mail
will be.placed on your case ledge or asdescribed in part 2l1..2b
and c when you report." Except forthe provi5ion for a final from
the "hot case", thereis no provision for a partial credit for
carrier withdraw ofmail. If a carrier is required to a portion of
thewithdraw function, such as dumpinq mail from sacks,- then
thecarrier is entitled to the withdraw allowance.D. M-37, 525.12
Col. RQuestion Are carriers entitled to time in addition to the
di$mount allowance for doors,climbing stairs, etc?Answer The
dismount allowance was intended to reduce theactual time entries on
the Form 4241. It was designed tobe applicable to the majority of
dismount situations (i.e.,dismount from entering through doors,
traversing quantities of etc.). The time required to obtaina key
from a keyholder, unlock a door, and replace the key was considered
in determining the allowance. Therefore, if function is resuired of
a rura1 carrier, then that carrieris entitled to credit Column R)
for the time associated withunlocking the door in addition to the
standard dismount Finally, because the allowance designed to eover
the normalsituation, it is that time adjust=ents be necessary(using
Collliun R) in certain other atypical situations. if the carrier is
required to use an elevator, or totraverse an inordinate amount of
steps, etc., an additiona1 time may be warranted. .e-In
anticipation that the above explanation may raise,there is no
specific guideline as to where a minimaJ. amount ofsteps becomes an
inordinate numbe= of steps. For example, itcan't be said the ten
(10) is minimal eleven (11) is inordinate.That determination must
be. made by the manager on loeation,and like all management
actions, it is challengable by the carrierthrough the grievance
procedure. Managers should remember thatthe dismount allowance is
computed at an average of four milesper hour for the distance
traveled. While the intention of theallowance was to minimize the
need for Column R entries, where conditions exist, managers must
consider the impact ofthose conditions on the time needed to
perform the dismount function.POSTAL IULLmN 21631, 8-6-87, Pag.
11'f All Offirrs ll'ilh R"ral DtlivtryM-38 REVISION-MAIL WITHDRAWAL
ON RURAL ROUTESThe following change in the mail withdrawalpolicy
should allow rural delivery managers toreview the current
withdrawal procedure used intheir office and determine whether a
change in thisprocedure would be beneficial. Where a change
isproposed, the regular rural carriers in an office bymajority vote
may elect to withdraw mail if theyalso agree to conduct the daily
unit volume record-ing. The recording of volume means entering
thedaily linear footage of letter and Oat mail receivedin a single
entry in the comment section of Form4240, Daily Trip Report. In
addition. they shouldrecord the number of boxholder sets received.
Inall instances. the procedure used should be thesame throughout
the office.The withdrawal time allowance will be added toor
deducted from the evaluation of any route thathas the withdrawal
function added or subtracted inthe same manner that the Postal
Service adds orsubtracts time to a route when it authorizes or
re-moves from a route evaluation parcel lockers,USPS ownedlleased
vehicles, etc.Part 351 of Handbook M-38, Managnnent ofRuralDtlivery
Strviets, is revised to read as follows:I1 350 Carri.r Work
Methods-Office.' 351 Obtoinlng Mall351.1 Carriers will withdraw
mail from distribu-tion cases when the mail has not been placed
ontheir case ledge by a clerk or mailhandler in accord-ance with
Part 352.1. However, all carriers. includ-ing those exempt from
general mail withdrawal reoquirements. must make a final withdrawal
oflenersand preferential Oats from the designated distribu-tion
case before leaving for the route.351.2 Changes in withdrawal
procedures for ruralroutes will be made in accordance with the
follow-ing:a. Managers may change the methods, means,and/or
personnel by which such operations areconducted in an offices with
rural delivery. Whenmanagement determines it would be
operationallyadvantageous to change the withdrawal
procedurescurrently used in a unit, the local NRLCA steward(or
state steward if a local steward is not available)must be advised
of the proposed change. If man-agement proposes a change in
withdrawal and themajority of regular carriers in the unit wish to
per-form the withdrawal function, all carriers in theunit will
withdraw all mail, provided they agree toassume the
responsibilities associated with dailyunit volume recording.If the
majority of carriers elect not to performthe withdrawal function,
mail will be provided tothem in accordance with Part 352.1. In
these cases,management will perform the daily unit volume
re-cording function.Not.: The withdrawal allowance will be
creditedto any route where a carrier is required to performanv
withdrawal function other than a final with-drawal from a
designated final distribution casebefore leaving to serve the
route.h. Improvements in efficiency at the individualoffice and
assurance that withdrawal of mail, if byan employee other than the
rural carrier, will notnormally require the carrier to wait for
mail. mustbe supplied in writing to the Management Section-al
Center. Additionally. when it is proposed toremove the withdrawal
function from rural c ; ~ r r i e r sin a unit. an analysis of
rural and clerical time re-quired to perform mail withdrawal must
be accom-plished.c. Assessment will be on an office-by-office
basisat management discretion.d. Normally, there should be no
significantschedule changes resulting from a change in themethod of
withdrawing mail.A future revision of Handbook M-38. Managt-mtnt of
Rural Delivery StTVices, will include this revi-sion.-Dtlivery
StTVit:tS Dept. 8-6-87.'nPREVENT THEFTKEEP CASH OUT OFPUB'llC
VIEW'(Continued from page 477) Deliver on first delivery trip all
mail received at the central distribution facility prior to
established city delivery cutoff time." Section 612.12-0ther Second
and Third-Class. Deliver not later than second delivery day after
day of receipt (daily receipt to begin at 1'2:00 midnight unless
Regional Postmaster General approves different time). Deliver mail
received on Saturday, no longer than Tuesday. Deliver circulars
received on a day preceding a holiday no later than the second
delivery date following the holiday. Section 612.13-Third arid
Fourth-Class Parcels. Where possible, schedul e delivery of parcels
on a delivery trip which will permit achievement of publ ished
service standards for these classes of mail. Withdrawal of Mail The
withdrawal procedure established for the count period should be the
same as that which will normally be followed the remainder of the
year. The most frequent dispute on withdrawal of mail results from
a misunderstanding on dumping of sacks. If withdrawal of mail is by
employees other than rural carriers, mail must be placed on your
carrier ledge or, as described in 211.2 of the M-37 Handbook. If
you withdraw your mail as outlined in 211 .2, you should "place
letter mail on your case ledge, either in trays or stacked loose,
no more than one row high. The mail must be faced right with stamps
down whether you place it loose on the case ledge or work it
directly from a tray." If you withdraw your own mail , you should
"place flat mail on, under, or near your case in neatly stacked
piles. If flats are received in sacks, remove them promptly and
stack neatly on the floor- or in hampers when provided . Examine
sacks after dumping to insure that they are empty. Remove sack
labels and deposit empty sacks in the designated place." It is on
those two issues that most of the disagreements occur if someone
other than the rural carrier withdraws mail. Section 211.3 states,
"If withdrawal of mail is by employees other than rural carriers:
a. Mail will be placed on your case ledge or as described in Part
211.2.b and c. when you report." That simply means if someone other
than you withdraws your mail, they must dump mall from sacks ami
stack them in neat stacks on or near your carrier case. If you are
required to dump sacks, you are entitled to withdrawal of mail
allowance. This does not include cutting of straps or plastic
wrappers from bundles of mail. That is a carrier's responsibility.
Even Flow of Mail Mail should be distributed to insure a normal
flow on the day preceding the count period and the last day of the
count period. The manager should not work extra for August 13, 1983
clerk hours for the expressed purpose of clearing out mail volume
prior to the count and clerk hours should not be curtailed on the
day the count should end. The mail count, this year, will begin on
Saturday, September 17, and end on Friday, September 30. Excessive
effort should not be exerted prior to the beginning nor should mail
be curtailed on the final day of mail count. The worksheet for
counting should be used in the same manner it has been used in
previous mail counts. All mail should be recorded on the Daily
Count Form (PS Form 4239) and a copy of that Daily Count Form
should be provided the carrier before the mail is strapped out. If
any dispute over numbers contained on the Daily Count Form are
encountered, that dispute should be resolved prior to the delivery
of that day's mail. For those offices under the CMU-CFS forwarding
procedures, rememb er, the separation labeled "Moved, Left No
Address," has been removed and a new separation labeled "CGA
(Change of Address) and Entry Mail" should be placed on your case.
Preferably, this separation should be located in front of the A-Z
separations. In a recent meeting with Postal Headquarters'
Officials, they assured Us if mail count seminars are held for
Postal Managers, either at the MSC or District level,
representatives from the NRLCA would be invited to participate in
those seminars just as we did last year. Complete mail count
instructions were contained in The National Rural Letter Carrier
issue dated August 14, 1982. Except for those items highlighted in
this article, the special count in September should be held under
the same guidelines as those outlined in that issue of The National
Rural Letter Carrier magazine. 478 M-54LABOR RELATIONS
UNITEDSTIJ.TESa;aPOSTIJ.L SERVICEMr. Gus BaffaPresidentNational
Rural Letter Carriers'Association1630 Duke Street.
4thFloorAlexandria, VA 23314-3465Re: E95R-4G-C 99088097Class
ActionHumble, TX 77338-9998Dear Mr. Baffa:The parties recently met
in pre-arbitration discussion regarding the above referenced
case.The issue in th is grievance is whether rural carriers are
entitled to additional time credit, abovethe standard withdrawal
allowance, for retrieval of parcel hampers.During our discussion,
we mutually agreed that the following will constitute full and
completesettlement of this grievance:All rural carriers are
required to retrieve their parcel hamper without additional time
credit,whether or not the rural carrier receives withdrawal credit,
provided the parcel hamper is in closeproximity to the rural
carrier's case. The parties define close proximity as 50 feet
(round trip).During the mail count, if the parcel hamper is not
within 50 feet (round trip), the route will be .provided additional
credit under Column R for only the distance beyond the 50
feet.Measurement will be from the closest edge (Wing) on the front
side of the carrier's case to theclosest edge of the parcel hamper.
The distance beyond 50 feet will be credited at .00284minutes per
foot. The credit will not exceed more than one round trip per
day.The parties agree that this settlement will be applied to all
mail counts SUbsequent to the 2003national rural mail count and
will be considered the settlement in any other grievance
concerningthis issue.Please sign and return the enclosed copy of
this letter as your acknowledgment of agreement tosettle the above
captioned case and remove it from the pending national arbitration
tisting.Sincerely, l!uJLk-.u:A.ndrea B. Wilson, ManagerContract
Administration(NRLCAlNPMHU) Date: ..:JI /9! f/.o475 L'5""""T
'1.Al.< SWW,lSHI"GTQN DC 2C260410JVWN/....S"S./XHGus Baffa,
Pres;National Rural ettAssociationDate: 3- /1... M 69.100.'lir.
st.v.n R. Dir.ctor,'Lahor a.lationsRational Rural, L.tt.r'Carrier.'
AilociationSuite '1001448 ,DUke StrtAl.xandria; VA a.: 84a-4'-C Cla
ActionColumbia, 'xc ' 6520iD.ar IIr. Sad th:On F.bruarY,l, 1991,
you m.tvitb Andrea Wilson in.pr.arbitration discussion of the
abov.-r.f.r.Dc.d c,s.,Th. issue in is wheth.r chang.. in
offic.procedur that will affect the rout. can h...d. during the.ail
count. 'During the it vas 'mutually agre.d ,the
folloWingwouldrepr.sent' full and compl.te ttlnt of this cas.:,Any
chang.. in office procedur as th.ypertain mail count shouldb.
discussed at the conf.r.nce which is to be held at 1t'15 daysb.fore
the start of the ..il count.Pl.as. sign and r.turn the .nclos.d
copy of this ,Syour of agr to ttl.ca no. 26467 and rove it fro. the
p.nding listing.Sinc.rely" /: /Gr..df .Director, Labor,a.lations,
National aural Letter'. Carri.rs' Association,DATI 2.. :1'1'
---M-75
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ArDolaGrlevanc. , ArbitrationDiYldon olr.ctor of Labar
aelationaNattol Aur.l L.tt.r Carriers M-4
'INiTiO POST,,:.. AOOM 90''475 L'ENFANT Pl..AZA SWWAS/1INQTON OC
2ll.."60,&'00... TEL (2021 288-3818___ FAX 12021 2883074OFFICE
OF THEASSIS':ANT POSTM.\STE.q l.A80A RElATIONS OErtARTMENTMr.
Steven R. SmithDirector, Labor RelationsNational Rural
LetterCarriers' Association4th Floor1630 Duke StreetAlexandria, VA
22314-3465Re: H7R-4B-C 29248C Brubakeraochester HI 48307Dear Mr.
Smith:On october 9, 1991, we Met to discuss the
above-captionedgrievance at the fourth step of our contractual
grievanceprocedure.The issue in this grievanee is whether
manageMent violatedthe National Agreement, specifically the rural
mail countinstructions when the grievant was not compensatea
actualtime for separation of collection mail during mail
count.Durinq our discussion, we mutually agreed that the
followingconstitutes full and COMplete settlement of this
grievanee.Part 421.2 of the Rural Carrier and
ResponsibilitiesHandbook PO-603 requires that rural carriers are to
and deposit mail in the location desi9nated by yourpostmaster or
supervisor". Compensation is provided forfaeing and depositing
mail. Management shall not requirerural carriers to deposit mail
into more than twa designatedlocations.Please siqn and return tbe
enclosed copy of this decision asyour acknowledgment of aqreement
to settle this case.Time limits were extended by mutual
consent.Sincerely,. UUk"71-JAndrea WilsonGrievance and
ArbitrationDivision Steven R. SmithDirector, Labor
RelationsNational Rural tetterCarriers' AssociationDa te OCT
291991LABOR RELATIONS UNITEDSTIJTESIJii POSTJ1L SERVICEDonnie
Pitts, PresidentNational Rural Letter Carriers'Association1630 Duke
StreetAlexandriat VA 22314-3467Dear Donnie:Re: QOOR-4Q-C
08030088Article 34Washington. DC 20260-4101C-15In accordance with
Article 34.6 of the USPS/NRLCA National Agreement, the
partiesrecently met regarding the above referenced national
grievance.The dispute concerns the proposed standard allowance for
the duties associated withthe carrier pickup program and prepaid
ordinary and insured parcels accepted asdetermined by an Article 34
Postal Service study.During our discussion, we mutually agreed that
the following will constitute full andcomplete settlement of this
grievance:The duties associated with carrier pickup requests will
be credited dUring a rural mailcount applying the following
standard:A route will be credited 90 seconds for each carrier
pickup request completedduring the mail count and 9 seconds for
each carrier pickup item received(Express Mail. Priority Mail or
International Mail). This includes all the duties inthe office and
on the street associated with the carrier pickup request.Prepaid
ordinary and insured parcels accepted or letters and flats
collected inconjunction with the carrier pickup items will not be
included in the new standard. At thistime. letters and flats
collected and ordinary and insured parcels accepted continue
toreceive the appropriate credit as outlined in Sections 535.12.n
and 535.12.0 ofHandbook P0-603. Rural Carner Duties and
Responsibilities.The parties agree that this settlement will be
applied to rural routes involved in carrierpickup beginning with
the 2008 national rural mail count. Rural carriers will continue
tobe compensated for duties associated with carrier pickup requests
pursuant to the April8. 2004 Memorandum of Understanding concerning
the Carrier Pickup Program and theApril 15. 2004 Compensation
Instructions through April 25, 2008.475 L'ENFANT PlAZA SW DC
20260.. 4100WoMV.USPS.COMC-15-2-Please sign and return the enclosed
copy of this letter as your acknowledgment ofagreement to settle
the above captioned case and remove it from the pending
nationalgrievance listing.Sincerely.illiam DaigneaManagerContract
Administration (NRLCA)Date: I z. .. () ']Donnie Pitts, National
Rural Letter Carriers'Association.. Mr. Randy AndersonDirector of
Labor RelationsNational Rural Letter Carriers'Association1630 Duke
Street, 4th Floor VA 22314-3465Re: B95R-4B-C 02237945Oass
ActionNorth Reading, MA 01889Dear Randy:On several occasions, the
most recent being June 22, 2004, we met to discuss
the.above-captioned grievance at the fourth step of our contractual
grievance procedure.This grievance concerns the 2002 Middlesex
Central District's EXFC ServiceImprovement Guide SOP for
Missequenced. and Missent in which ruralcarriers onDPS would
deposit this.mail into a separate "MMM" case. Specifically,
theissue in this grievance is whether management violated the
National Agreement by notcompensating carriers for segregating the
"MMM" mail and placing/depositing the mailat the designated "MMM"
During our discussion, we mutually agreed that the following will
constitute full andcomplete settlement of this grievance:When rural
carriers are required to segregate Missequenced, Missorted and
Missent.found in their DPS mail and deposit this mail into a
separate case other than thetraditional throwback case, credit
during the mail count should be allowed as one mark-up for each
required bundle.The parties agree that if an additional tiip is
required to adesignated "MMM" caselocation, the additional trip,
including the placing/depositing of mail or bundlesof mail onor
into the provided equipment,ls compensable. During the mail count
the actual timerequired to place the MMM" mail in the .designated
location is credited in column "R".However, no time will be allowed
for the separating/casing of individual mail pieces on orinto the
provided equipment at the designated location. This function should
beperformed at the carrier's case.Accordingly, we agree to remand
this case to the parties at Step 2 for possiblesettlement or
further processing and arbitration, if necessary. The parties will
also applythis settlement to grievances held in abeyance pending
the outcome of this grievance. Ifresolution is not reached, the
grievance(s) will be processed in accordance With Article15 of the
National Agreement.475 L'E!AHT Pv.zA SoN DC
20260-4100_.USI"S.cx:NPlease sign and return the endosed copy of
this letter as your acknowledgment ofagreement to settle this
case.Sincerely,,.iJdith StokowskiContract Administration
(NRLCAfNPMHU)Labor RelationsU. S. Postal ServiceDate: {; - :<
l./- 0 VRandyDiredor 0 . abOr RelationsNational Rural Letter
Carriers'Associationl.ABOR REi..ATIONS~ UNITEDSTiJTES~ POSTiJL
SERVICEMr. Dale A. HoltonPresidentNational Rural Letter
Carriers'Association1630 Duke Street, 4thFloorAlexandria, VA
23314-3465Re: C95R-4C-C 98023318G. Mycock IIIBear, DE
19701-9998Dear Dale:The parties recently met in pre-arbitration
discussion regarding the abo.ve referencedcase.The issue in this
grievance ;s whether rural carriers are entitled to
additionalcompensation when required to perform an additional
trip(s) to the street due to mail thatcould not be accommodated on
the first trip, either due to the volume of mail or thephysical
size of the parcels, or both.Handbook PO-603, Rural Carrier Duties
and Responsibilities, Section 141.2, VehicleRequirements states,
"Your personal vehicle must be large enough to accommodate
thenormal mail volume and constructed to proted the mail from loss
or damage."During our discussion, we mutually agreed that the
following will constitute full andcomplete settlement of this
grievance:Adequate Size VehicleThe parties agree that the above
provision indicates that a rural carrier, who is requiredto furnish
a personal vehicle, should provide a vehicle of sufficient size
that will normallycarry all of the mail for the route. The parties
agree that generally, the carrier's personalvehicle may be of
adequate size to accommodate all the mail for the carrier's route
inone trip, but there may be occasions on which there are unusually
large and/ornumerous parcels that would prevent the carrier from
loading all of the mail intended fordelivery in the carrier's
personal vehicle.Additional Trip(s)For the purposes of this
agreement, an additional trip{s) is when
managementauthorizes/requires the carrier to deliver mail that
would not fit in the carrier's personalvehicle, which is of
sufficient size In accordance with Handbook P0-603, Section
141.2,or the Employer provided vehicle on the first trip due to the
volume of mail or the475 L'ENfANT Pt..AzA SWWASHNGTON DC
20260-4100WNW.USPS.COM. ~-2-physical size of the parcels, or both.
In all cases, the carrier must consult withmanagement as to the
need for an additional trip(s). Management will determine if
anadditional trip(s) is necessary. Management may require the
carrier to make anadditional trip(s), utilize a leave replacement,
curtail mail or take other action in lieu ofrequiring the carrier
to make an additional trip(s).Compensation for Additional
Tripes)When it is determined by management that an additional
trip{s) is necessary, the PostalService agrees that a regular rural
carrier (covered under Section 7{b){2) of the FairLabor Standards
Act) or a leave replacement (when compensated on the evaluation
ofthe regular or auxiliary route served and when actual workhours
do not exceed fortyhours per week) will be compensated at two
minutes for each mile involved in theadditional tripes) and for
actual loading time at the carrier's straight time rate
(Article8.3.A.). If an additional trip is authorized and it is more
efficient for the carrier to split theroute in two separate
segments for delivery, management may authorize this method
ofdelivery rather than delivering to each box on the route, then
retuming and delivering themail that could not be accommodated on
the first trip. If management authorizes thismethod, carriers as
described above, will be compensated at two minutes for each
mileinvolved in retuming to the post office at the completion of
the first segment andreturning to the route, as well as actual
loading time at the carrier's straight time rate.The carrier, in
both circumstances, will also receive Equipment Maintenance
Allowance(EMA) for each mile the carrier is required to drive to
complete his or her route when thetotal miles (all trips) for the
day exceed 40 miles.Forms 1314, Regular Rural Carrier Time
Certificate, and 1314-A, Auxiliary Rural CarrierTime Certificate,
will be revised to include fields for reporting the time for an
additionaltripes). The parties expect revision of the forms and
necessary reprogramming to becompleted no later than one year from
the date of this settlement. In the interim, theparties agree that
such time will be recorded on Form 8127, Rural Carrier
SupplementalPayment, (and the carrier will be compensated at the
national average hourly rate forregular rural carriers) or the
current Form 1314-A, as appropriate.In certain circumstances,
management may eject to include credit associated with asecond
trip(s) in the evaluation of the route rather than prOViding
compensation asdescribed above.Mail Count PeriodShould an
additional trip(s) be necessary during the mail count period, the
timeassociated with the additional tripes) will not be recorded on
the mail count forms,however the associated mail piece{s) will be
recorded appropriately for the intendedroute and compensation for
the additional trip(s) will be granted as provided above.Christmas
PeriodAn additional trip(s) performed by a regUlar rural carrier or
substitute rural carrier(Designation 72) during the Christmas
period will not be compensable. but the carrier will-3-receive
additional EMA as prescribed above. However, a regular rural
carrier or asubstitute rural carrier (Designation 72) may be
entitled to Christmas overtime inaccordance with Article 9.2.K of
the National Agreement. With the exception of thesubstitute rural
carrier (Designation 72), leave replacements (when compensation
isbased on the evaluation of the regular or auxiliary route served
and when actualworkhours do not exceed forty hours per week) will
be compensated for performing anadditional trip(s) during the
Christmas period as prescribed above.Excessive Additional TripsIf
it is determined that the number of additional trips required is
excessive, managementmay require a rural carrier to provide a
larger personal vehicle or may adjust the carrier'sroute, in
accordance with the following:Regular Rural Carrier's, Substitute
Rural Carrier's (Designation 72), or RCA's(Designation 74) Personal
VehicleIf management authorizes an additional trip, utilizes a
leave replacement. curtailsmail or takes other action due to the
size of the carrier's [regular rural carrier; orsubstitute rural
carrier (Designation 72) or RCA (Designation 74) serving aregular
route full time] personal vehicle on more than 12 days in any six
monthperiod. management may require the rural carrier to provide a
larger vehicle thatwill significantly reduce additional trips or
may adjust the route at the option of thecarrier. If the carrier
chooses to provide a larger personal vehicle, such vehiclemust be
provided within 60 days of being notified of excessive trips (or
showproof of purchase/bill of sale). Additional trips during the
Christmas overtimeperiod will not count toward the more than 12
days.Should the carrier be unable to provide a larger vehicle,
management willconsider assigning an Employer provided vehicle to
the route if available, and ifthe Employer provided vehicle will
significantly reduce the additional trips, prior toadjusting the
route. If management adjusts a route due to the number ofadditional
trips, such adjustment will limit the impact to the route
whenpracticable, and will attempt to target removal of deliveries
that wouldsignificantly reduce additional trips.Employer Provided
VehicleIf management authorizes an additional trip, utilizes a
leave replacement, curtailsmail or takes other action due to the
size of the Employer provided vehicleassigned to the route on more
than 12 days in any 6 month period, managementmay adjust the route.
If management adjusts a route due to the number ofadditional trips,
such adjustment will limit the impact to the route whenpracticable,
and will attempt to target removal of deliveries that
wouldsignificantly reduce additional trips. Additional trips dUring
the Christmasovertime period will not count toward the more than 12
days.-4-Leave Replacement's Personal Vehicl@If management
authorizes an additional trip, utilizes another leave
replacement,curtails mail or takes other action due to the size of
a leave replacement's (allbargaining unit leave replacement rural
carriers except Designations 72 and 74)personal vehicle on more
than seven days in any 20 consecutive leavereplacement workdays
(excluding the Christmas overtime period), managementmay consider
the following in the order presented below:1) If it would resolve
the situation, management will assign the leavereplacement to
another leave replacement vacancy in the office, providedleave
replacements have been offered and declined the assignment
inaccordance with Article 30.2.E of the National Agreement.2) If it
would resolve the situation, management will assign the
leavereplacement a different second or third available assignment
on thematrix.3) If it would resolve the situation, management may
grant a requestedtransfer to another offiGe provided a leave
replacement vacancy exists inthat office.4) Management may require
the leave replacement to provide a largervehicle to significantly
reduce additional trips. The leave replacement willnot be entitled
to assignments other than their primary assignment if itmay result
in an additional trip until the larger vehicle is provided.5)
Management is not required to continue to employ the leave
replacement.In the future, if either party has a concern(s)
regarding second trips, a meeting at thenational level will be
scheduled to discuss such concern(s).This agreement is effective on
the date signed. Compensation for the time involved inperforming an
additional trip(s); two minutes per mile, actual loading time and
EMA asappropriate will be paid for instances occurring on or after
the date of this pre-arbitrationsettlement. All grievances held in
abeyance pending the outcome of this case will beresolved pursuant
to the following:If the grievant performed an additional trip(s),
exceeded 40 miles for the day andwas not provided additional
compensation for EMA, the grievant will becompensated EMA for each
mile in excess of 40 miles driven to complete theadditional
trip(s). .-5-Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this
letter as your acknowledgment ofagreement to settle the above
captioned case and remove it from the pending nationalarbitration
listing.Sincerely, Dale A. Holton, PresidentNational Rural Letter
Carriers'AssociationDate: __iJ_S- _r
IM-58.40iiiilWuNnmsmru..-_---------- _CiM1'OST4" SikV1aApril 7,
1999MANAGERS, DELIVERY PROGRAM SUPPORT (AREA)MANAGERS, OPERATIONS
PROGAAM SUPPORT (O'STIRCnSUBJECT: Influenolng Mall CountIt has come
to ttl. dentlon of this onte. that, In lome Instances, efforts have
beenmade to unduly influence rural mail count volume. No onB should
attempt toInfluence mailers to avoid mailing during mall ccunt
periods or to send out specialmailings specifically during mall
count pertods.This issue, whO, originally brought folWard through
the grievance process. Isapplicable to both management and craft.
Postmasters and supervisors should notInfluence customers to change
their malDng dates solely for the purpose of affectingthe results
cfthe mall t:Ounl VVhile are not realized by pg,tma$tersand
supervIsors, and customers ultimately declcle When to mal"
lntruence rromInterested parties may have the appearance of
affecting the Integrity of the count.Conversely, carriers should
nat attempt to c:aerce mailers to send out mailingsspec,ncaUy
during iii mail count period or have friend, or relatives send
mailings toaddresses on their routes or to themaelves (If they live
on the'r route). This type ofinfluencing does realize apersonal
gain and WOUld most dennltely have theappearance of affecting the
integrity at the count.. .The count period II IItabU,hed to be a
period where the parties can eXJ)eet nonnalmall volume now atrected
only by the mailers and our CU$tomers. The mIssIon 01tne Postal
ServIce With respect to a normal rural mall count Is to count,
case, anddeliver the maU, not add to or take away from the volume
by contrived :sGhemes. DeliverY Policies and ProgramsM-58.20L.A8OP
RElAr:O's UNITEDSTATES POSTIJL SERVICEMr. Gus
BaffaPresidentNational Rural Letter Carriers'Association1630 Duke
Street, 4thFloorAlexandria, VA 23314-3465Re: Q95R-4Q-C
02102188Class ActionWashington, DC 20260-4100Dear Mr. Baffa:The
parties recently met in pre-arbitration discussion regarding the
above referenced case.The issue in this grievance is whether the
address orientation or address label placement on a.mail piece has
any affect on the mail piece being recorded as a letter or flat
during a mail count.During our discussion, we mutually agreed that
the following will constitute full and completesettlement of this
grievance:For the purpose of recording a mail piece during a mail
count as a letter or flat, the manner inwhich the address Is
oriented on the mail piece will be relevant. In accordance with
Section535.12.a. of Handbook PO-603, Rural Carrier Duties and
Responsibilities, a mail piece 6 1/8inches or less in width that
can be cased in the separations of the carrier cases is recorded as
aletter. For the purpose of the mail count, the width of the mail
piece will be defined as thedimension perpendicular to the address
label. Therefore, a mail piece measuring 5 Y:! inches by 7inches
would be recorded as a flat if the label or address an the mail was
placed parallel to the 5Yz dimension. In this example, the 5 Yz
inch dimension would be considered the length becausethe label
orientation is parallel to the 5 Y2 inch measurement and the 7 inch
dimension is the widthbecause the address is perpendicular to the 7
inch measurement.The parties agree that this settlement will be
applied to all mail counts subsequent to the 2003national rural
mail count and will be considered the settlement in any other
grievance concerningthis issue.Please sign and return the enclosed
copy of this letter as your acknowledgment of agreement tosettle
the above captioned case and remove from the pending national
arbitration listing.Sincerely, a!&nJAndrea B. Wilson,
ManagerContract Administration(NRlCAlNPMHU)Date: ,J/!9/t?...3475
PLAZA SWWASI
