Region #E98M1E-C 99244505
The subject grievance alleging violation of Article 32 of the 1998 National Agreement was discussed in Step 2 meetings the latest of which was held on August 10, 1999, between Tom DeGarlais, NPMHU AVP and Nancy Oman, Acting Labor Relations Specialist.
RELEVANT FACTS:  The union contends that on July 20, 1999 at 1530, three (3) mail handlers were preparing to unload a drop shipment trailer when management instructed them to allow the driver to unload the truck.  It is the union's position the mail handler craft shall assist contract drivers unloading drop shipments inside the trailer. As corrective action the union requests management cease and desist allowing contract drivers to unload mail without assistance from the mail handler craft, compensate mail handler R. McFall for two (2) hours at the overtime rate and provide the union with a copy of the pay adjustment.
CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS:  Article 32 of the National Agreement.
DISCUSSION/DECISION:  Both parties agree the stipulated award, E90M-1E-C 92047564, states, "Unload Drop Shipment.  Assisting in unloading drop shipments is understood to require mail handlers to physically handle the mail, freight, equipment and transported material inside the trailer, truck or delivery vehicle."
Based on the foregoing, this grievance is sustained, mail handler Robert McFall shall be compensated two (2) hours at the overtime rate and the union shall be provided with a copy of the pay adjustment.  This grievance only pertains to unloading drop shipments and is not representative of grievances pertaining to Highway Contract Route (HCR) drivers unloading/loading their own vehicles.
Nancy Oman
Acting Labor Relations Specialist                                    cc: Managers, Processing and Distribution