Clerk Craft

Request for Proposals

The Postal Service has posted a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a “Time-Definite Surface Network,” seeking comments from private companies that are interested in subcontracting work currently done at Bulk Mail Centers. The draft RFP is the latest step in a process that began last year when the Postal Service announced it was considering outsourcing some of the duties performed at the 21 BMCs across the country.

The Postal Service has informed the APWU that the draft RFP is an attempt to gather more information about pricing. The document is intended to help the USPS prepare the final RFP, but it is not expected to have a significant impact on management’s decision about whether to subcontract.

Automated Postal Centers

The USPS began deploying Automated Postal Centers (APCs) in February 2004, and plans to install them throughout the country. APCs are designed to reduce lines at windows and provide customers an alternate way to send mail and purchase services. They provide many of the services currently available at full-service windows, including:

Weighing and rating letters, flats, and parcels up to 70 pounds. Dispensing variable rate postage. Providing mailing options and special services. Certified mail; Express mail forms. ZIP Code lookup.
Providing receipts.

A USPS provides the APWU with a list of APC sites and associated revenue as of Aug. 25, 2005.

Clerk Craft officers are in discussions with the Postal Service about management’s plans to restructure departments associated with the Expedited Service Function, which includes processing and tracking Express Mail.

In the interim, at the local level, the union shall challenge any abolishment or reversion of duty assignments of Administrative Clerk-Express Mail, Level 6, (Occupation Code 2340- 81xx) and Express Mail Technician, Level 7 (Occupation Code 2340-82-xx).

Grievances protesting such abolishments and reversions shall cite the following:

Management’s actions violate Article 37, because the work is not “going away;” it is being shifted to other full-time duty assignments.

In addition, management’s actions violate Article 1.6a or 1.6b (as applicable) if the work is shifted to non-bargaining unit employees.

Management’s actions violate Article 7 if the work is shifted to non-Clerk Craft bargaining unit employees, such as Mail Handlers or Letter Carriers.

Regardless of any potential grievance at the nation level, local grievances shall be filed on any violations of the contract.