USPS Position Letter: Article 19; Handbooks and Manuals (1984)

In this case, employees who worked 6 hours beyond their lunch break were given a second lunch break. In our view, management’s action was in accord with ELM 432.34 which provides that “Except in emergency situations or where service conditions preclude compliance, no employee may be required to work more than six continuous hours without a meal or rest period of at least one-half hour.” Accordingly, we find no contractual violation and the grievance is denied.