There were two issues in this National Level Arbitration. First, did the 2006 Change in the DSI Qualification Standard Violate the 1994 DIE Settlement Agreement? And second, was the 2006 Change in the DSI Qualification Standard Barred by the 2004 Das Award? Beginning in 1977, and continuing until the 2006 the qualification standard for the Driver Instructor and Examiner position (DIE) required that the successful bidder hold a license to drive all vehicles used in the local post office. In those post offices in which tractor trailers were in use, this meant that only those employees holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) could qualify for the DIE position, since they were the only employees holding a license to drive all vehicles in the post office. Although DIE positions were posted for bid by all employees, and were to be awarded to the best qualified bidder, regardless of craft, the CDL requirement effectively insured that all DIE positions were held by members of the Motor Vehicle Craft. Occasionally, a member of another craft, who had a CDL as a result of prior employment, qualified and was the successful bidder on a DIE position, but on being selected for that position, was transferred to the Motor Vehicle Craft.
Award Summary: Arbitrator Goldberg ruled that the Postal Service’s 2006 change in the DSI qualification standard did not violate the 1994 DIE Settlement Agreement, the 2004 Das Award, or the Article 19 requirement that changes in handbooks that directly relate to wages, hours and working conditions must be “fair, reasonable, and equitable”. The Postal Service’s failure to provide the Union with the 15 day statement required by Article 19 did not warrant an Award overturning the 2006 change in the DSI qualifying standard.
Document Type: National Arbitration
APWU National Grievance Number: Q00V4QC06231177
Arbitrator Name: Stephen Goldberg