Updates on Scanner, Geotab Device Notifications

In the last issue, we reported that the Postal Service had notified the APWU about several changes and additions to Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) scanners. One of these changes is that they intend to add a feature for a Notice 76-T checklist, like the Notice 76 checklist performed by letter carriers on delivery vehicles each morning, prior to leaving the office for their routes. PVS operators should perform these inspections. During their vehicle inspections, prior to the operation of the trucks, it is important that the scanners and the PS Form 4533 allow enough time for the Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-trip and post-trip inspection.

Geotab

The Postal Service issued a contract for telematics integration of all Postal Service vehicles. The Geotab device is a GPS unit that logs location, speed, and vehicle condition information.

The data retention for Geotab is only three months. This information could be useful and helpful to the APWU in research and investigation, so a delay in requesting this information could make it difficult to obtain. This also could be helpful when we suspect that the Postal Service has edited the Surface Visibility logs for the scanners or has instructed the operators to input inaccurate information, such as arrival and departure times.

The MVS Division has received many calls and inquiries regarding the proper use of Geotab data in discipline, mainly regarding speeding from location to location. When the Postal Service notified the APWU about the pilot program for Geotab Telematics, we had many questions for the Postal Service, including “Will this information be used to issue discipline?” Their response was much like the 2017 Step 4 settlement (USPS# Q10V-4Q-C 16466169/APWU# HQTV 20160275) on scanners that said the data would not be the sole source of evidence.

Any discipline would be in accordance with Article 16 and management must carry out an investigation (see below). The Postal Service takes the position that employees jamming devices would be subject to discipline.

7. Could the telematics data information be utilized for discipline? Could this information be the sole source of discipline?

RESPONSE: As stated on the previous Fleet/APWU meeting on 05/04/2023, all discipline is handled at a local level based on local fact circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Although telematics data will not be a sole source for discipline, the data may be referenced as part of a larger body of facts.

Subcontracting Geotab Installation

Postal Service management continues to claim that any subcontracting of Geotab installation will be determined at the field level. This also means that the Local Fleet Management must give advanced notice of the subcontracting of the installation of the Geotab units, per Article 32.1 C. Many locations have received a form letter of “Due Consideration” that is identical to other Geotab installation notices throughout the country. In some locations, the fleet manager will even claim that USPS Headquarters told them they must subcontract the installation. If this is taking place in your location, you should perform a thorough Article 32.1C investigation and file a grievance if necessary (see below).

5. What time frame would the Article 32 notifications for the installation of the telematics device be given to the Local Union? Please provide copies of 32.1. C notifications by installation.

RESPONSE: As stated on the previous Fleet/APWU meeting on 05/04/2023, Article 32 notifications are managed at the local level. The decision to contract is at the VMF Managers discretion. VMF Managers were advised to provide Article 32 notification prior to the commencement of contracted work in accordance with Article 32.1.C. Telematics installation began in late January 2023.

If you have questions regarding the information usage from Geotab please see your steward. A copy of the USPS Geotab RFI response is also on the APWU website. ■