The issue in this grievance is whether the work in the 185 operation is designated to the appropriate craft in accordance with Regional Instruction 399. After reviewing this matter, we mutually agreed that no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. During our discussion, we further agreed that the determining factor for craft jurisdiction is the purpose of the operation. The number of separations is not necessarily the determining factor on whether or not an operation is a distribution or separation. If the work being performed primarily distributes the mail at the opening unit for stations, branches, carrier units, AOs, etc., then the craft assigned should be clerks. In addition, the term "further processing" should not be construed as meaning that anytime further processing of the mail takes place in a facility, it automatically means that function is assigned to the mail handler craft. Accordingly, we agreed to remand this case to the parties at Step 3 for further processing, including arbitration if necessary.
Document Type: Step 4 Agreement
APWU National Grievance Number: H7C2EC203
Craft: Clerk