The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count NATIONAL RURAL LETTER CARRIERS’ ASSOCIATION February-March 2014 NATIONAL MAIL COUNT TRAINING 1
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Mail Count - Overview n n n Definition of count Dates to remember Pre-count conference Review of forms o PS Form 4239 o PS Form 4241 Option elections and leave agreements 2
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Mail Count - Overview n n Who Counts? In accordance with Article 9. 2. C. 3. a. (1), a national mail count will be conducted for twelve (12) working days beginning February 22, and ending March 7, 2014. All routes will be counted except those routes which both the regular carrier and management agree in writing not to count. The mail count will be effective at the beginning of the fourth full pay period following the end of the count period (April 19, 2014). 3
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count n The following routes MUST be counted and are not included in the option out election process: o o n All routes in an auxiliary status as of February 7, 2014 All vacant routes with no regular carrier assigned as of February 7, 2014 USPS Headquarters directive – the following routes must also be counted: o o All routes receiving DPS letter mail that have been assigned an employer provided RHD vehicle between September 7, 2013 and February 7, 2014 All routes that have been introduced to DPS letter or flat mail after August 17, 2013 through January 22, 2014 4
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count n During the time period from January 11, 2014 through February 7, 2014, regular rural carriers and the employer may “opt out” a regular route to the 2014 mail count n Although the employer is entitled to count all regular rural routes for the 2014 National Mail Count, any regular carrier wishing to have their route “opted out” must request and complete a copy of the 2014 National mail count “option out” election form no later than February 7, 2014 n Local management will complete their portion of the 2014 National Mail Count “option out” election form no later than February 7, 2014 5
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count n If a regular carrier does not request and complete the “option out” election form by close of business (COB) February 7, 2014 the route will be scheduled for a mail count beginning February 22, 2014 n If the regular carrier is not available to receive the completed copy of the “option out” election form, management will ensure that the carrier receives a copy of the completed form when they return to the office 6
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count n Place the completed original election form in the route file n Local management should provide copies of the “option out” election forms to their respective District in accordance with local procedures 7
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count 8
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Important Dates Date Action January 11 Beginning of “option out” period January 22 Delivery Point Sequence (DPS) letters must be running by this date Delivery Sequence Flats (FSS) must be introduced for delivery on this date to qualify for the national count January 22 Rural route inspections may begin for all routes scheduled to be counted End of the “option out” period Pre-count conferences must be completed by COB this date The last day to have an employer provided RHD vehicle assigned to a route with DPS letters to qualify for RHD rate February 7 February 8 9
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Important Dates Date Action February 21 98 percent DPS quality threshold for routes being introduced to DPS letters must be completed by COB this date February 22 A 12 -day national count begins on rural routes March 7 Last day of the 12 -day national mail count. All route inspections must be completed by this date. April 19 New route evaluations go into effect. 10
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count “HOT” Topics n DPS Letter standard for LLV routes: 43 pieces per minute o n LLV must be placed on route by February 8, 2014 in order to qualify for new DPS letter rate Dismount Distance (Walking Speed) standard: 0. 00429 minutes per foot (2. 647 miles per hour) 11
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count “HOT” Topics n Route Conversions n Auxiliary routes will be converted to regular routes within 30 days of increasing to 42 weekly standard hours. If increase is a result of a mail count, then the conversion will be effective with the mail count. Regular rural routes may be converted to auxiliary status if they decrease to less than 35 weekly standard hours n 12
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count “HOT” Topics Route Consolidations n Encumbered regular routes may be consolidated and the excessing and/or reassignment provisions of Article 12 will be applied when the route evaluation decreases to less than 37 weekly standard hours 13
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count “HOT” Topics PS Form 4241 has been modified by changing the header descriptions for Columns 21 and 22 to include prepaid parcels. In addition, the election boxes to convert an auxiliary route to a regular route were removed. This action will be programmed to automatically occur when the standard hours of a rural route reach 42: 00 or more hours as a result of a mail count. 14
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count “HOT” Topics n n PS Form 4241 -M has been modified to include a new row to provide the distinction between the allowance factor for DPS letters with an Employer-provided vehicle assigned to a rural route; and to increase the allowance factor for Authorized Dismount Distance (Feet) to. 00429. Also, the header descriptions for Columns 21 and 22 were changed to include prepaid parcels. 15
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures 5” 6 1/8” 3/8” 1 9/16” 16
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures 18 ” 17
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Procedures n All classes of mail must be counted daily Before it is cased o Manager/counter must exercise extreme caution to ensure all entries are correct o Carriers may verify all counts of mail, including timed functions o n Carriers may observe mail count o o o Relief Days Annual Leave Days Must be in non-duty status Must not participate in office work activities Cannot be on sick leave, SWOP, or OWCP 18
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Responsibilities n Advise your manager, on a timely basis, of any disagreements that cannot be resolved with the counter n n Disputed items must be brought to managers attention prior to casing and delivery Do not enter into any agreements that violate The National Agreements, MOUs, or Postal Service Policies 19
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Pre-Count Conference n Purpose o o Must be completed by COB Friday, February 7, 2014 o Mandatory for all involved in the count o Brief conference - generally 20 minutes or less o n Resolve issues & concerns prior to count New procedures not discussed during this conference cannot be introduced between pre-count conference and the count Pre-count Conference Checklist o Refer to mail count guide and check list. o Do not enter into any agreements outside of these guidelines 20
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Mail Flow n Mail Flow o Consistent with normal conditions o Honor mailer in-home dates where possible o Must not require additional clerk work hours expressly for clearing mail prior to count n Clerk hours must not be curtailed or increased on the last day of count o Normal cut-off times should be observed n Mail is distributed to ensure a normal flow on the day preceding the count and the last day of the count 21
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Definition of “Available Mail” n All mail distributed and placed on carrier case ledges, in hampers, trays, or on the floor beneath the carrier case, and that which is in distribution case up to the cutoff or final withdrawal time prior to the scheduled departure to serve the route. 22
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Withdrawal of Mail n n n Procedures established for count period same as throughout the year Allowance is for all carriers in a unit, not individually - 30 minutes weekly Carriers may be required to record DUVRS – on PS Form 4240 comments section— limited to one total linear measurement of letter and flat mail in a single entry and number of box holders sets received 23
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Withdrawal of Mail n n Cutting straps or plastic shrink wrap is carrier’s responsibility whether withdrawal is received or not Carriers who receive withdrawal may be required to withdraw mail throughout the year 24
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Rural Route Count Of Mail n n n Daily worksheet and mail count record Only document used to record volume & time data Available for daily carrier review PO-603, 535. 11. c—” When management completes Form 4239, it will be shown to the carrier, upon request, before the mail is trayed or strapped out to allow verification of the count data” Signed daily by person conducting count After Form 4239 has been completed each day, the PM retains the original & a copy is given to the carrier 25
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Letter Size - Column 1 n Letters o o All letter-size mail 6 -1/8” or less in width Small magazines & catalogs o o Ø 6 -1/8” or less in width & 3/8” or less in thickness o o No maximum thickness 3/8” applies only to small magazines & catalogs Detached address cards, regardless of size o o Turn up every 50 th or 100 th piece in each tray DPS letters returned or which would have been returned from the street (if the carrier cases DPS) are not deducted from DPS totals (these letters receive a double credit) Do not include accountables - Column 8 only PS Form 3982 -R cased is credited in Column 1 26
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures Column 1 6 1/8 ” This mail piece does not exceed 6 1/8 inches. It would be recorded as a letter. 27
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Sector/Segment - Column 2 n Sector/Segment Letters o Processed on Postal automated equipment in sector/segment order o All for same shelf generally within a 20” span o All mail up to 6 1/8” in width 28
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Sector/Segment - Column 2 n Sector/Segment Letters n Credit as Sector/Segment Letters the smaller amount of DPS letter mail (by zone(s)) received when a route continually crosses between zones. o Ref. Step 4 J 06 R-4 J-C 11406137 Hillsboro, IL (see page 1 in the NRLCA Mail Count Guide Supporting Documents) 29
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - DPS Letters - Column 3 n Delivery Point Sequence Letters (DPS) o o End of Run Report will be used to record DPS piece count, either party may verify by manual count Mail up to 6 1/8” in width processed on automated equipment in DPS order Record in Column 3 all DPS Letters, whether cased or not DPS errors are also credited as Column 1 (Letters) or Column 4 (Flats) for double credit. There is no deduction from original count of DPS 30
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - DPS Letters - Column 3 n If fewer than 2, 400 pieces of DPS mail are averaged per week during the entire mail count period and/or the route was not validated before the count as meeting the 98 percent quality threshold, mail processed as DPS will be cased and recorded as sector/segment in Column 2 on PS Form 4241 (Rural Delivery Statistics Report), or if it does not qualify as sector/segment mail, recorded in Column 1, Letter Size. n Ref: 11 -1 -2012 letter from USPS HQ, “Delivery Point Sequence Letter Implementation Procedures” (see NRLCA Mail Count Guide Supporting Documents, pages 81 -83) 31
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - DPS Letters - Column 3 n If a route serves multiple zones and receives DPS letter mail separately for each zone, and does not complete service to the other zone(s) prior to returning to deliver the original zone, only the larger amount of DPS letter mail is credited as DPS Letter Mail in Column 3. The smaller amount(s) of DPS letter mail (by zone(s)) would be credited in Column 2. n Ref Step 4 J 06 R-4 J-C 11406137 Hillsboro, IL (see Supporting Documents, page 1) 32
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - DPS Letters - Column 3 o All DPS letters, for both LLV and POV vehicle routes, will be entered in this column. The appropriate time allowance factor will be automatically determined based on the “vehicle data” entry (EMA or Govt. Veh. ) on the PS Form 4241. Ø LLV must be placed on route by February 8, 2014 in order to qualify for new DPS letter rate 33
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - DPS Letters - Column 3 n Delivery Point Sequence Letters (DPS) o School or business is closed Ø Ø o Inverted DPS Letters Ø Ø o 7 or less pieces each piece column 1 (letters) 8 or more one credit column 6 (parcels) 1 additional DPS letter is credited for every 4 DPS Letters received inverted. Appropriate credit added to the DPS total by rounding down to the nearest whole number. Multiple Runs Ø Ø Ø Only One Run is counted as DPS Management will determine which run Other run(s) counted as Sector-Segment if qualified 34
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Flats - Column 4 n Newspapers, magazines, flats, catalogs & rolls Other sized mail - default from letters & parcels o Catalogs must fit in empty case separations Ø If not, count as parcels o Weight is not a consideration o Letters larger than 6 -1/8” in width o Full case separations should be tied out by carrier to allow more mail to be cased Ø No additional credit given o Flats processed on USFM 1000 receive an n additional 17. 5% credit. Address orientation and mail piece size will determine how pieces are classified. 35
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures Column 4 6 1/8 “ This piece exceeds 6 1/8 ” in height, it would be recorded as a flat in column 4. 36
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 The NRLCA National Board does not believe the imposed DPS flat implementation procedures are fair, reasonable, and equitable; therefore the issue has been appealed directly to National Arbitration. In the meantime the following procedures will be followed: 37
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 § § Record in this column all mail processed on the Flat Sequencing System equipment in delivery point sequence flat order. The parties have agreed that the end of run report will be used as a data source to record the number of DPS flats on PS Form 4239 during a mail count. 38
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 § The parties further agree that either the rural carrier or manager may verify the piece count from the EOR report by counting each piece…Should either party elect to verify the piece count, the resulting number will be recorded in column 5, rather than the piece count from the EOR. REF: Letter of Mutual Understanding, 9 -16 -2011 39
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 §Do not include sequenced flats provided directly from mailers in the DPS flat volume. §Do not deduct any mail pieces from the DPS flats. §All mail processed as “DPS flats” are considered “DPS flats” regardless of size or rigidity. (This is not the NRLCA position) 40
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 n Missent, Missorted, PO Box mail, Forwards, and Undeliverable as Addressed DPS flats brought back to the office will receive additional credit in Columns 1, 4, or 6 as appropriate. No deductions will be made from Column 5. n Multi-Point errors and Missequenced errors that are identified, delivered and tracked by the carrier will receive additional credit in Columns 1, 4, or 6 as appropriate. No deductions will be made from Column 5. 41
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 § School or business is closed 4 or less pieces; each piece additional credit column 4 (flats) § 5 or more pieces; one additional credit column 6 (parcels) No deductions will be made from Column 5. § 42
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 Multiple Zones (Zip Codes) n Route serves more than one zone and DPS flats are received separately for each zone; all mail will be credited as DPS flats in Column 5. n If the route completes service to the other zone(s) prior to returning to deliver to the original zone, no additional credit will be provided. n If the route continually crosses between zones, prior to returning to deliver mail to the original zone(s), additional credit will be provided for the smaller zone(s). 43
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 Multiple Zones (Zip Codes) n The following method will be used to determine additional credit: o o o 1. The piece count of the smaller volume zone from the daily end-of-run report, multiplied by. 0499 minutes per piece, equals additional time. 2. This time is entered in Column 17 and annotated as "DPS flats multi-zone". 3. Do not reduce the total pieces recorded in Column Ref: Step 4 B 06 R-4 B-C 11205381 Manchester, CT (Supporting Documents 103 -104) n 44
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count DPS FLATS Column 5 It is the NRLCA position that only one run of DPS flats per day will be credited in column 5 and carried to the street. Any additional runs will be credited as raw mail in column 1, 4, or 6 as appropriate. 45
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column 6 n Rigid Parcels o Rigid article that exceeds any one of these dimensions: Ø Ø Ø n 5” in height, 18” in length, 1 9/16” in width A rigid article 5” x 18” x 1 9/16 is a flat Address orientation is used to determine the height Non-Rigid Parcels o Non - rigid article that does not fit in the letter or flat separation with other mail without damage to the article. o Includes “DO NOT FOLD OR BEND” Ø Provided the piece will not fit in the case with other mail without damage to the article o Determine “fit” based on 2 inch cells unless management has directed the use of 1 -inch cells 46
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column 6 (cont. ) Direct bundles, tubs, or sacks prepared by the distribution operation Ø o Mail all for one single address Postage due parcels Ø Count as postage due AND a parcel o Parcel size pieces with detached address cards are credited in Column 7, Boxholders o Do not include direct bundles tied out at the carrier’s case Ø Casing & strap out credit given - no additional time 47
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column 6 (cont. ) o All parcels for Village Post Office (VPO) post office boxes will be recorded in this column. o Each container/bundle of mail for the VPO post offices boxes will also be credited as one parcel. 48
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Parcels - Column 6 (cont. ) q One parcel credit for DPS letter mail received for delivery for a closed school or business when there are eight (8) pieces or more of mail, (seven (7) pieces or less are credited individually under column 1). This is not deducted from column 3. q One parcel credit for DPS flat mail received for delivery for a closed school or business when there are five (5) pieces or more of mail, (four (4) pieces or less are credited individually under column 4). This is not deducted from column 5. 49
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239—Letter, Flat, or Parcel? Label Orientation: o o Relevant in determining a letter vs. flat. Relevant in determining a flat vs. parcel. Width is defined as the dimension perpendicular to the address label. Carrier has option of handling articles as flats or parcels, regardless of how credited. o How carriers normally handle the mail piece does not determine credit given. 50
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures Column 6 5 “ The article on the left is a parcel. It exceeds 5 inches in height. 5 “ The article on the right is a flat. It does not exceed any of the parcel dimensions. Rigid articles of the same size can be either flats or parcels depending on address orientation. 51
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures Column 6 1 9/16” This article would be counted as a flat. It does not exceed any of the parcel dimensions. 52
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures Column 6 This article is a hard (Rigid) mailing tube. It would be recorded as a parcel because it exceeds 1 9/16 inches in width. 53
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Carrier Count Procedures Column 6 18 “ This article is a hard (Rigid) mailing tube that exceeds 18 inches in length. It would be recorded as a parcel. 54
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece Examples of mail pieces counted as Parcels o Flexible mail piece is greater than 6 1/8 inches in width Ø Contains rigid item Ø Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width Ø Area of rigid item = or greater than 80% of area of flexible mail piece o Flexible mail piece is 6 1/8 inches or less in width Ø Contains rigid item Ø Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width Ø Area of rigid item = or greater than 80% of area of flexible mail piece 55
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece Examples of mail pieces counted as Flats o o o Flexible mail piece is greater than 6 1/8 inches in width Ø Contains rigid item q Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width q Area of rigid item less than 80% of area of flexible mail piece Flexible mail piece is greater 6 1/8 inches in width Ø Contains rigid item q Does not exceed 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width Exception: Ø The flexible mail piece does not fit in the letter (or flat ) separation with other mail without damage to the mail piece q Parcel 56
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239—Rigid Article in Flexible Mail Piece Examples of mail pieces counted as Letters Flexible mail piece is 6 1/8 inches or less in width o Contains rigid item Ø Exceeds 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width Ø Area of rigid item less than 80% of area of flexible mail piece Flexible mail piece is 6 1/8 or less inches in width o Contains rigid item Ø Does not exceed 5 inches in height, 18 inches in length, or 1 9/16 inches in width Exception: o The flexible mail piece does not fit in the letter (or flat ) separation with other mail without damage to the mail piece Ø Parcel 57
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rigid item inside flexible mail piece, Riverside, CA - Step 4 7 3 8 16 6 3 16 6 16 51 8 Ref #2 Flexible mail piece > 6 1/8” width containing rigid item exceeding 5” height, 18” length, or 1 9/16” in depth. The area of rigid item < 80% of area of flexible mail piece. THIS IS A FLAT 58
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rigid item inside mail piece Riverside CA Step 4 Reference Previous Slide : The flexible mail piece is: 6 3/16 X 8 7/16 = 6. 1875 X 8. 4375 = 52. 21 square inches. The rigid item that was inside the flexible mail piece is: 5 1/8 X 6 3/16 = 5. 125 X 6. 1875 = 31. 71 square inches. 31. 71 ÷ 52. 21 = 60. 7% The rigid item is less than 80% of the flexible mail piece; therefore, the mail piece would be credited as a: FLAT 59
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Boxholders - Column 7 n Boxholders o o o Daily Number of boxholders taken out for delivery Actual Pieces - not sets All simplified address mail, including samples with detached labels Boxholder count must not exceed # of families or boxes (as appropriate) Samples with detached address cards Ø Number of samples recorded as boxholders Ø If address cards specifically addressed - letters Ø If address cards simplified addresses - 2 boxholders Carriers have the option to handle boxholders separately or case them 60
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Boxholders - Column 7 Boxholders are counted only when they are delivered. n Examples: n A 12 -day mail count begins February 22 and ends March 7. A boxholder is received in the office on February 21 with a requested delivery date of February 24. This boxholder would be delivered on February 24 and would be included in the count. n Conversely, a boxholder received in the office on March 6, with a requested delivery date of March 10 would be delivered on March 10 and would not be included in the count. 61
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count n PS Form 4239 - Accountables - Column 8 Registered, Certified, Numbered Insured, Return Receipt for Merchandise, Express Mail & Signature Confirmation Includes any accountable mail found in DPS o Total number of articles received daily for delivery o L routes using firm delivery sheets – one accountable credit per page Ø Firm delivery receipt should only be used for addresses receiving two or more accountables o Bar coded International mail requiring a signature o Includes Signature Waiver Express Mail items not requiring a PS Form 3849 o An Arrow Key is not credited in column 8 Accountable articles are not recorded in Columns 1, 2, 4, 6, or 11. o n 62
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Column 8 Accountable Mail Guaranteed By End of Day Express Mail n n n Handle as an accountable May be found in DPS Delivery not time sensitive—must be delivered by end of day—when the carrier reaches that delivery point Carriers should not deviate from their normal line of travel to deliver Waiver of signature available Signature Waiver Express Mail Items not requiring a PS Form 3849 are credited in this column 63
Express Mail Service PS Form 4239 - Accountables - Column 8 Adult Signature Services o Adult Signature Required: Ø o Requires the signature of someone 21 years of age or older at the recipient address. Requires verification of age by delivery employee Adult Signature Restricted Delivery: Ø requires delivery of mail piece to addressee (or authorized agent) who is over 21 years of age. Requires verification of age and identity by delivery employee.
Express Mail Service PS Form 4239 - Accountables - Column 8 Accountable mail for Village Post Office (VPO) post office boxes will be recorded in column 8.
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - COD & Customs – Column 9 n CODs & Customs Due Received for Delivery o Number of CODs & Customs Due articles assigned to the carrier for delivery Ø Carrier attempts item or delivers and collects fees and completes forms at time of delivery Form 3816 completed o Complete a separate Form 3821 for each COD delivered. Only one Form 3821 is required for multiple COD articles that are not delivered. Record number of completed Form 3821 in Column 14 o CODs and Customs Due mail for Village Post Office (VPO) post office boxes will be recorded in this column. o 66
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Postage Due - Column 10 Postage Due Number of postage due pieces taken out for delivery o Double credit for parcels that are postage due in Column 6 and in this column o Do not include in Columns 1, 2, or 4 o One postage due credit for each bundle of postage due with a single postage due amount o 67
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Postage Due - Column 10 Postage Due o Carriers are not required to go to the door with postage due letters, only postage due parcels that will not fit in the mail receptacle. o Postage Due mail for Village Post Office (VPO) post office boxes will be recorded in this column. 68
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - CHANGE OF ADDRESS - Col. 11 n COA o o o No accumulation of COAs prior to count 2 minutes if required to write on PS Form 3982 or complete any of the following forms: PS Form 3575 PS Form 3546 Carrier initiated Form 3575 Z for MLNA Ø 10 day “Hold For Order” that expires during count o o Entries on 1564 or 4232 are not recorded as COA NOTE: PS Form 3982 Label is credited in Column 12. Do not credit in Column 11 69
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 3982 - PARS Label Column 12 n COA credit is 15 seconds for PS Form 3982 Label n Credit is given on the day the 3982 Label is received by the carrier n Management should distribute the labels as they are received in the delivery unit n Credit is only given for either the 3982 Label or the 3575/3546 COA Card **NOT BOTH** 70
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count COA/PARS Label Credit n n There is no double credit for any single COA. Receipt of the yellow 3982 label triggers the credit. If the carrier receives a 3982 label and simply peels it off and sticks it on the PS Form 3982, the route is credited in column 12. If the carrier is required to write the address on the 3982 while processing the COA order (3575, 3546, 3575 Z), then the route is credited in Column 11 when the yellow 3982 label is received. Note: Under PARS, the carrier should not be processing 3575’s received from customers unless required to do so by management. These forms should remain in the mail stream (credited in column 20 as a piece collected) and go directly to PARS for processing. If the manager requires the carrier to process (in any way) the 3575, 3546, etc. , then the route is credited in column 11 when the yellow label is received. 71
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Marked-up - Column 13 n Marked - Up Undeliverable As Addressed mail requiring carrier endorsement o As specified in DMM 507, 1 -4. 1 and PO-603 242 o Mark Ups must be carefully counted in the correct category o 72
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Marked-up - Column 13 n. Credit one mark-up for each bundle of UAA mail o CFS Machinable o CFS Non-machinable o Insufficient Address (IA) o Undeliverable As Addressed o o Unable To Forward Unable to Forward (UTF) Formerly (FOE) Undeliverable Bulk Business Mail – (UBBM) Other Undeliverable BBM (OUBBM) “or current resident” mail that is vacant or misaddressed Attempted Not Known (ANK) o No Such Number (NSN) o No Such Street (NSS) o No Mail Receptacle (NMR) o Vacant (VAC) o Refused (REF) o Illegible (ILL) o In Dispute (DIS) o Temporarily Away (TA) o Unclaimed (UNC) o 3 M (MMM Bundle) If Required By Management o Excess Boxholders - In Excess of Requirements 73
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Marked-up - Column 13 n Mark-up for each piece that is individually endorsed o Deceased (DEC) o Forwardable parcel, requiring hand mark – up o CFS No Record Mail o Transcribing information to PS Form 3982 -R (RBNR) o Address Searches receive mark-up credit o Marking mail for CFS processing if necessary o Other required individual carrier endorsements in DMM 507. 1. 4. 1 as appropriate, and undeliverable mail the Postmaster or Supervisor requires the carrier to individually endorse. 74
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Mark-up - Column 13 Items that DO NOT receive credit as Mark-Ups: n Pieces for which a Form 3579 has been completed n Mail missorted or missent to the route n Hand-offs due to route adjustments and territory changes o Credit has already been given in the main count of mail n 911 conversions whether to the same route or transferred to another route n Left notices for parcels 75
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Clearance Receipt – Col. 14 n n Form 3821 Completed Required by PO 603 431. 4 Number of Form 3821 s completed by the carrier o Not required if carrier has no accountables o May receive more than one credit per day Ø Multiple CODs - one for each COD delivered o Should be used all year, not just during count o 76
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Non Signature “Scan” Items Column 15 n Credit for all items that only require a scan with the hand held scanner and do not require a signature on PS 3849 Ø 18 seconds per authorized scan Ø These items are also credited in column 4 or 6 as appropriate. o Delivery Confirmation o Bar coded International mail Ø Move to Column 8 if prompted for signature o Signature Waiver Express Mail Items not requiring a PS Form 3849 are credited in Column 8 77
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Non Signature “Scan” Items Column 15 n n n Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice (SCAN) PS Form 5630 Carrier Pickup manifest scanned Saturation and Bundle Scanning o o Record Saturation scans completed daily in this column Management will provide Saturation Mail Barcode for designated Saturation mailing(s) Carriers required to scan barcode for designated mailing on the day delivery is complete Additional compensation may be applicable if barcode is not located in carriers work area 78
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Non Signature “Scan” Items Column 15 n Eighteen (18) seconds per scan for all Prepaid Acceptance barcodes n USPS Tracking Number Bar Codes (PVI label) n Non-signature scan items for Village Post Office (VPO) post office boxes will be recorded in this column. n Scanning barcode on cell phone to pair with scanner 79
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Loading Time - Column 16 n Actual time to transfer mail from work area to vehicle o o n Includes placing mail in the vehicle Return of equipment used to designated location PO 603 262. 1 “Load all mail in the vehicle so it is in sequence of delivery to ensure that no time is lost on the route searching for the proper bundles and parcels or containers. ” 80
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Loading Time - Column 16 n n n n Management should observe loading operation during the year and daily during the count Loading time recorded in MINUTES & SECONDS Do not include time to sequence parcels Loading time includes final hot case withdrawal, if the withdrawal allowance is not received Loading time in excess of 15 minutes must be fully explained in comments (this is a management function) No negotiated loading times (must be daily actual time) Unloading and reloading time not included—automatic allowance 81
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Must Meet 3 Qualifications: 1. 2. 3. Authorized by management Recurring nature (Daily or Weekly) Not covered by any other allowance Must record ACTUAL TIME in minutes & seconds Ø Ø No rounding No locally negotiated times 82
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Acceptable - Other Suitable Allowance Column 17 o Weekly combined service & safety talks Ø Usually 5 minutes—record actual time Trips to the CFS mail/throwback case including time to deposit mail o Time to walk to and from hold mail location including time to deposit mail, if away from carrier case o Saturday close out when no personnel on duty o Non-personnel Units o Time to sweep collection box o 83
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Acceptable Column 17 entries (Cont. ) Return of arrow key, only if no other accountable mail o Riffling DPS mail where breaker cards are not in use o Separating collection mail, when more than 2 separations are required o Edit Book entries in addition to what was previously required on back of PS Form 4240 o Ø No o time for adds/deletes or name changes Actual time, if required throughout the year, to answer official communication, telephone calls, or speak to customers at counter 84
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Acceptable Column 17 entries (Cont. ’d) Time to put "notice left" parcels on the proper shelf, if required o Time to locate and retrieve errors associated with the Mail History Tracking System (MHTS) process. This is normally done during the riffling process o The actual time spent separating and casing the mail into Village Post Office (VPO) post office boxes will be recorded on a daily basis in Column 17. This time begins when the rural carrier unlocks the centralized boxes and ends upon locking the centralized boxes. o 85
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Additional credit for the functions below if not in close proximity; defined as 50 feet (round trip) from the closest edge of carrier’s case. Distance over 50 feet (round trip) is credited at. 00429* minutes per foot in Column 17 for: Retrieving DPS Mail o Retrieving Parcel Hamper o Returning Articles to Accountable Cage in afternoon only o n The 50 foot criteria may not be applied to any other office or street function / *NOTE: The change to the dismount distance standard in the July 3, 2012 Interest Arbitration Award also applies to the following Pre-arbitration decisions (Pre-Arb E 95 R-4 G-C 99088097, Humble TX; Pre-Arb D 95 R-4 D-C 01037982, Louisville KY) as it relates to the “ 50 foot rule” for DPS Letter Retrieval; Parcel Hampers; and Return of Accountables in the afternoon. 86
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Additional time to pickup and or return scanner or cell phone ONLY: o If not within a reasonable distance of carriers line of travel for other work functions and/or if not in conjunction with other paid work activities 87
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Not Other Suitable Allowance – Col. 17 n Not allowable as Column 17 Locked pouch service o Personal time o Non-recurring service talks o LLV inspection & refueling o NDCBU collection compartments (outgoing mail) o Time to pick up samples for delivery (close proximity) o 88
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Not Other Suitable Allowance - Column 17 n Not allowable as Column 17 Vehicle Breakdowns o Time associated with stamp stock Ø Intermediate only o Conversations with Managers o Giving customers directions (on route) o Filing Forms 3575 Ø Clerical duty- should not be built into rural route unless required by local management o 89
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Authorized Dismounts - Column 18 n Authorized Dismounts o Must be authorized by management for Ø Collection boxes Ø Intermediate Offices Ø Non-Personnel Units Ø Apartments, centralized equipment Ø Businesses/Schools Ø Hardship deliveries Ø Village Post Offices (VPO) 90
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 – Authorized Dismounts - Column 18 n Authorized Dismounts o Recorded on a daily basis - Closed on Saturday - 5 days o Collection and delivery of accountables or parcels is not entitlement to authorized dismount credit o No credit for locked pouch - included in time allowance 91
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 -Auth. Dismount Distance – Column 19 n Authorized Dismount Distance Measure with mechanical measuring device o Establish authorized parking location, should be available 90% of the time – not handicapped, fire lane, etc. o Satchel / carts may be authorized to save extra trips o Most direct/efficient distance from point of dismount from vehicle to delivery point and return o Record to closest foot o 92
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 -Auth. Dismount Distance – Column 19 n Authorized Dismount Distance Carrier makes more than one trip a day Ø Heavy volume (not parcels) Ø Credit given for each trip o Includes dismount distance at Village Post offices (VPO) o o Make daily entries based on number of trips o Management should maintain dismount log for each route 93
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Letters & Flats Collected – Column 20 n Letters and Flats Collected o One piece for each loose individual letter & flat collected on the route o One piece for every bundle of letters or flats collected on the route - not individual count 94
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Letters & Flats Collected – Column 20 o Do not include pieces deposited in collection compartments or collection boxes o Carriers must keep mail collected from CBU collection compartments and collection boxes separate from other collection mail o Credit one piece for each tray/container of letters and/or flats collected from customers o Returning delivered PS Form 3982 -R 95
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Pick-up Request /Prepaid Parcel Event Column 21 n There are two events that qualify for the 90 second credit provided in Column 21; o o n (1) Carrier Pickup notification and (2) acceptance of pre-paid parcel(s) not associated with carrier pickup. If both events are performed at the same address, only one credit is given in Column 21. 96
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Pick-up Request /Prepaid Parcel Event Column 21 n Carrier Pickup Request Record each carrier pick up request received even if no qualifying pieces are collected. o Request must originate through the web application o Credit only requests during the mail count period o n Prepaid Parcel Event o Record each Prepaid Parcel pickup event 97
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Pick-up Request /Prepaid Parcel Event Column 21 n Carriers are not required to go to the customer’s door to collect mail for any reason other than a carrier pick up request, which should include at least one qualifying piece (Priority, Express, International, Merchandise Return Service, Parcel Return Service). n One event credit will be provided in Column 21 even if the official pickup request results in no qualifying pieces being collected. 98
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Pick-up Request /Prepaid Parcel Event Column 21 n If a carrier is instructed by their manager to dismount and go to a customer’s door to collect pre-paid parcels; the carrier would receive credit in Column 21 (Carrier Pickup Request/Prepaid Parcel Event) for the event and the mail collected will be credited as appropriate in Column 20(obvious Letters and Flats) or Column 22 (Carrier Pickup Items/Prepaid Parcels or Column 23 (Parcels Accepted). 99
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Pick-up Request /Prepaid Parcel Event Column 21 n If a carrier accepts a pre-paid parcel, Merchandise Return Service (MRS) or a Parcel Return Service (PRS) at the mailbox or at the delivery point (such as a business where a dismount and distance is provided) credit is provided in Column 21 (Carrier Pickup Request/Prepaid Parcel Event) and Column 22 (Carrier Pickup Items/Prepaid Parcels). 100
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Carrier Pick-up Items/Prepaid Parcels Column 22 Record in this column each pickup item received (Express mail, Priority mail, Prepaid Parcels, or International Mail). Note: Obvious letters and flats collected in conjunction with the carrier pickup are not included in this standard. Ref: National Grievance Settlement Q 00 R-4 Q-C 08030088 Also includes Prepaid Parcels collected without a carrier pickup request. 101
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Parcels Accepted – Col. 23 n Ordinary & Insured Parcels Accepted o n Parcels requiring carrier to weigh, rate and affix postage Do Not include as Parcels Accepted: o Flats, bulky envelopes o Collection box parcels o Parcels undeliverable or refused on the route o Carrier pickup parcels (Express, Priority, Prepaid Parcels, & International only), -- credit is given in Column 22 102
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Parcels Accepted – Col. 23 n When a carrier collects UPS Parcel Return Service (PRS) whether or not in conjunction with a carrier pickup request, credit will no longer be provided in Column 23 (Ordinary and Insured Parcels Accepted). n The proper credit will be provided in Column 20 or Column 21 and Column 22 as appropriate. 103
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Reg & Cert Accepted- Col. 24 n Registered & Certified Accepted Rural carrier must perform one of the following: Ø Weigh, rate, and affix postage Ø Postmark receipt Ø Endorse and return a receipt via Form 3800 or 3896 q. May involve assistance from a clerk o Rural carrier does not complete any of these Ø Credit provided in Column 20, 21 and 22, or 23 as appropriate o 104
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Reg & Cert Accepted- Col. 24 n Certificate of Mailing Accepted o Also enter in column 24 the number of Certificate of Mailing accepted by the carrier during the mail count. A customer may use PS Form 3877 (Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail) or a facsimile, when three or more certificates of mailings are presented at one time. In that case, only one credit is provided for processing PS Form 3877. q Ref: Step 4 CO 6 R-4 C-092806648 Wellsboro, PA 16901 (Page 159 of Supporting Documents) 105
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Reg & Cert Accepted- Col. 24 n Not credited in Column 24 o Accountables returned when notice left o Certified items from collection box or collection compartment 106
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Money Order Applications – Column 25 n Money Order Applications Processed o Applications must only be accepted from customers residing on the route o If the carrier lives on their own route, and regularly purchases money orders throughout the year, credit is allowed. o Management must review each application daily 107
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Return Receipts - Column 26 n Return Receipts - “L” Routes Only o L Routes that handle accountable items on Form 3883 -A (Firm Delivery Receipt) o Number of return receipts attached to accountable items listed on Form 3883 Example: L route received 10 certified pieces, four were listed in a firm delivery book. Two certifieds out of the four listed had return receipts attached o Credit two receipts in Column 26 n Entries in Column 26 - Not authorized for non “L” routes 108
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Locked Pouch- Column 27 n Locked Pouch Weight of Locked Pouch Ø Transporting mail to or from designated post offices/contract stations Ø Weight in lbs. of all mail, including parcels o To determine daily weight for Form 4241 Ø Total the pouch weight of all days Ø Divide total by number of days of count Ø Divide the daily weight by the number of locked pouch stops o Average Daily Weight goes in the total Column 27 on Form 4241 o 109
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Waiting Time - Column 29 n Waiting Time o Time spent by carrier waiting for mail after official starting time. Normally associated with time used by management to count mail o Wait time is recorded to ensure it is not included in the actual time required to serve the route. Waiting time is not part of total office time on PS Form 4241 A o Starting time may be adjusted to prevent waiting time 110
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4239 - Counting Time- Column 30 n Counting Time used by carrier to verify the count of mail by Manager o Do not include time used by manager counting o Do not include time used by carriers observing on non-scheduled days o Time recorded to ensure it is not included in actual time required to serve the route o Counting Time is not part of total office time on PS 4241 A actual time o 111
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Items Not Included On the 4239 n Items automatically credited to each Rural Route evaluation Stamp Stock/Rural Reach Credit (20 minutes/week) o Scanner (retrieval/setup/return) (6 minutes/week) o Strapping out (based on formula, PO-603, 543. 1) o Other office & personal time (30 minutes/week) o Withdrawing mail (30 minutes/week), if appropriate o USPS vehicle allowance (minimum 30 minutes/week) , if appropriate o Reload/ Unload (18 minutes/week) o 112
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count PS Form 4241 n Summary of Count o Time Used - Actual from PS Form 4240 Ø Hours and hundredths Box count and stops should be accurate as of the last day of count, which may differ from that counted during the route inspection o Number of boxes, not families o Seasonal boxes listed are only the actual seasonal deliveries, not all boxes on the route o Carriers should review totals on PS Form 4239 against totals on PS Form 4241 o 113
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Option Elections & Leave Agreements n n Manager must meet with each regular carrier to discuss options: o High - Higher pay, but less time off (J or H route) o Low - Lower pay, but more time off (K or J route) Requirements for High Option Route’s evaluation must fall in more than one route classification (standard hours between 44: 11 and 50: 43) o In order to be eligible for high option the regular carrier must have a minimum of ten years of service from his/her retirement computation date. o Demonstrated no 2080 problems previous year o Commit in writing to use sufficient annual leave (not LWOP) so as not to exceed 2080 hrs. o 114
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Option Elections & Leave Agreements "H" ROUTES 41 42 43 44 45 46 (40: 30 TO 41: 29) (41: 30 TO 42: 29) (42: 30 TO 43: 29) (43: 30 TO 44: 29) (44: 30 TO 45: 29) (45: 30 TO 46: 29) (44: 11 TO 45: 15) (45: 16 TO 46: 21) (46: 22 TO 47: 27) (47: 28 TO 48: 32) (48: 33 TO 49: 37) (49: 38 TO 50: 43) "K" ROUTES (47: 24 TO 48: 35) (48: 36 TO 49: 47) (49: 48 TO 50: 59) (51: 00 TO 52: 11) (52: 12 TO 53: 23) (53: 24 TO 54: 35) (54: 36 TO 55: 47) (55: 48 TO 56: 59) (57: 00 TO 57: 36) "J" ROUTES 41 42 43 44 45 46 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Non "L" Route - < 12 Deliveries per mile 47 48 "L" Route - > 12 Deliveries per mile 115
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Option Elections & Leave Agreements n n n The Form 4241 contains two (2) signature blocks for the regular carrier to sign. One block pertains to the certification of the mail count totals. The carrier should not sign this block if he/she disagrees with the count totals. The second block is signed only if the regular carrier is eligible and desires to elect the higher route classification. By signing, the rural carrier agrees to use sufficient annual leave during the guarantee period to assure that the total actual work hours will not exceed 2080 during the guarantee period. Failure to sign will result in the route being classified in the low option. Signing this block has no effect if the route/carrier is not eligible for high option. Signing the leave commitment box does not signify that you agree with the mail count 116
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Option Elections & Leave Agreements n n n Do not mark the option as High if the regular carrier does not have a minimum of ten years of service from his/her retirement computation date Appropriate markings and carrier signature must be documented for route to be placed in high option. Carriers are not required to sign the leave commitment unless they are eligible for, and desire, High Option. 117
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Disagreements n Attempt to resolve disagreements at the local level o n Disputed items must be brought to managers attention prior to casing and delivery If disagreement cannot be resolved locally o Provide written details to Postmaster for review & resolution. If not resolved: Ø Ø Mail a copy to the NRLCA District Representative (or designee) District will evaluate and provide written reply to local management Local management will advise the carrier in writing If carrier is not satisfied with decision, grievance procedure is next step 118
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Annual Route Inspection n Carrier’s responsibilities Travel route normally o Report boxes vacant over 90 days o Identify hazards & possible corrective actions o 119
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Annual Route Inspection n Must be conducted for all routes being counted There is no requirement to inspect routes not being counted (Except as provided in M-38 Part 512) Purpose of Annual Inspections o Historical Data (not a pay document) o Allows management to assess route conditions Ø Ø Ø Verify boxes, stops, families, dismounts Ensure safe and efficient line of travel Identify needed improvements Assess carrier performance Identify safety hazards 120
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Annual Route Inspection The stop count only effects routes that are served by using a privately owned vehicle and then, only potentially impacts the EMA. The minimum number of stops necessary to serve all receptacles on the route; i. e. , the number of times a carrier must move the vehicle in order to serve all boxes on the route, are counted as stops. 121
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Annual Route Inspection 122
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Annual Route Inspection n Manager’s responsibilities Perform inspections - cannot be delegated to a craft employee, unless detailed to a higher level assignment o Inspection with regular carrier, if possible o Accompany the carrier while delivering the route o Can request carrier to use another vehicle day of inspection - cannot require o 123
The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association February-March 2014 National Mail Count Rural Mail Count REMEMBER THIS IS YOUR MONEY! IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS LET SOMEONE KNOW AS SOON AS THEY OCCUR AND THOROUGHLY DOCUMENT ALL DISPUTED ITEMS! 124
Скачать презентацию The National Rural Letter Carriers Association February-March 2014
a609b99e903fb8823fcdd0bfded824c7.ppt