USPS – NPMHU Contract Interpretation Manual
ARTICLE 37 SPECIAL PROVISIONS Section 37.1 Mail Handler Watchmen Former mail handler watchmen, whose positions have been abolished, shall continue to be treated in accordance with the seniority, posting and reassignment provisions of this Agreement. The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, in Sections 1201 and 1202 of Title 39 of the United States Code, excludes “any individual employed as a security guard” from the production and maintenance bargaining units of the Postal Service. Mail handler watchmen positions have been eliminated, first through attrition and then through the procedures required by Article 12. As stated in this section, former watchmen previously represented by the NPMHU, whose positions have been abolished, shall continue to be treated in accordance with the seniority, posting, and reassignment provisions of the National Agreement. Section 37.2 Inspection of Lockers The Employer agrees that, except in matters where there is reasonable cause to suspect criminal activity, a steward or the employee shall be given the opportunity to be present at any inspection of employees' lockers. For a general inspection where employees have had prior notification of at least a week, the above is not applicable. For any inspection of an employee’s locker that is not based on reasonable cause to suspect criminal activity, or any general inspection of lockers where employees have not had prior notification of at least a week, either a steward or the employee(s) affected shall be given the opportunity to be present at the inspection. Section 37.3 Local Distribution of Personnel Action Roster Notices Copies of information bulletins, which contain notification of personnel changes and are currently posted on post office bulletin boards, will be given to the Mail Handler's Union on a regular basis. Section 37.4 Energy Shortages In the event of an energy crisis, the Employer shall make every reasonable attempt to secure a high priority from the appropriate Federal agency to obtain the fuel necessary for the satisfactory maintenance of postal operations. In such a case, or in the event of any serious widespread energy shortage, the Employer
Version 3 – March 2011
Article 37 Page 1