USPS Denies Existence of Program to Eliminate Tour 2

In response to an inquiry from APWU President Burrus, the Postal Service has denied that it is “considering or is in the process of implementing a nationwide program establishing a two-tour operation, which is intended to eliminate or greatly reduce Tour 2 assignments, operations, and staffing.”

In an Oct. 17 letter to the Postal Service, Burrus noted that the union had not been informed of the program, and asserted that therefore such a program would violate the Collective Bargaining Agreement. He asked the USPS to provide documentation detailing the specifics of the program, and requested a meeting with postal managers with knowledge of the initiative.

Management’s Nov. 14 letter says, “While the Postal Service is reviewing various options designed to improve operational efficiencies in light of decreased mail volume, the Postal Service has not implemented the nationwide program you suggest. Rather, operations will be reviewed on a site-by-site basis and any action taken to improve operational efficiencies will be based on local circumstances.”

The USPS letter said, “Regarding your request to produce documentation regarding ‘any nationwide or region- or district-wide program, plans or initiatives to eliminate or reduce Tour 2 operations and/or Tour 2 staffing,’” no such documentation exists.”

The union president has reiterated his request for a meeting, which the Postal Service’s letter did not address.