COVID-19 Test Kit Fulfillment Pilot Extended

On July 27, 2022, the APWU and USPS agreed to once again extend the COVID-19 Test Kit Fulfillment Pilot MOU in 23 sites throughout the country. The MOU continues work performed in PSAs and Annexes identified in the original MOU dated January 12, 2022. These duties include kitting (i.e., packing) and labeling of COVID-19 test kit packages by Clerk Craft employees, career and PSEs, working in these facilities. This is the third extension of the MOU.

The most recent extension adds additional language which guarantees PSEs who perform these COVID-19 test kit duties with a minimum of 20 hours each service week. If 20 hours are not available in the kitting operation, the PSEs will be paid up to the 20-hour guarantee. However, the MOU also states, “if management determines there is not a consistent minimum of 20 hours of work in the kitting operation due to a reduction in kitting volume, the Postal Service may separate those PSEs for lack of work”. Any separations under this provision must be done “by inverse relative standing on the appropriate PSE roll”.

APWU President Mark Dimondstein praised the extension of the MOU, stating, “I want to thank Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks and the Clerk Craft officers responsible for negotiating this extension. Once again, we have provided more work opportunities for both our career workforce and our PSEs. Once again, postal workers and the APWU are ensuring this vital public service continues to be accessible to the public through the ongoing pandemic.”

The extension continues until October 7, 2022 unless the parties further extend it by mutual agreement. The MOU is linked to this article for easier access to the document.