APWU and USPS
Questions and Answers
MOU Regarding "Peak Season Exception Periods"
The following questions and answers are provided for further clarification and guidance regarding the September 28,
2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Re; Peak Season Exception Periods,
1. Are Holiday Clerk Assistants (HCAs) Bargaining Unit Employees?
Answer: No. While HCAs are not Bargaining Unit employees they will not be utilized in a manner
that is inconsistent with those contractual provisions relative to PSEs.
2. Will Holiday Clerk Assistants be assigned a distinct 0/A Code?
Answer: Yes
3. Does the "Peak Season E-exception Periods" apply to any high volume period other than
reporting periods 3 and 4, such as Valentines' Day, Mothers' Day, etc.?
Answer: No.
4. Why does the MOU refer to Exception Periods, in the plural?
Answer: There are now two different Peak Season Exception Periods, one for Function 1 (Mail
Processing) one for Function 4 (Retail.) The Function 1 Peak Season exception period is defined in
the CBA as reporting periods 3 and 4 (Four pay periods.) The Function 4 Peak Exception Period is
defined in the MOU as three consecutive pay periods within reporting periods 3 and 4.
5. What does the "In addition'' language mean in paragraph #2 of the MOU?
Answer: "In addition" clarifies the fact. that Holiday Clerk Assistants can be hired under paragraph #1
and that they can also be hired as reemployed annuitants under paragraph #2.
6. Why is the National Defense Authorization Act referenced in the MOU?
Answer: This is the Act that allows for the OPM Waiver of any potential penalties to retirement
benefits if an annuitant assumes non-career assignments such as the Holiday Clerk Assistant
position.
7. If a former PSE, who was separated for lack of work, declines a call back opportunity to work
as a Function 1 PSE for the Peak Season Exception Period (or as a Holiday Clerk Assistant in
Function 4), does he/she forfeit their standing on the retention list for reappointment as a PSE
in accordance with page 290' of the 2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Answer: No.
Document Type: Question & Answer
Craft: Clerk