In a recent pre-arbitration settlement with the NALC, the Postal Service agreed that a steward who is processing and investigating a grievance shall not be unreasonably denied the opportunity to interview postal inspectors on appropriate occasions, e.g., with respect to any events actually observed by said inspectors and upon which a disciplinary action was based. In the administration of this settlement, steward's requests to interview postal inspectors should be directed to the postmaster or his designee. Such requests will then be forwarded to the inspector-in-charge who will determine whether the steward's request to interview the postal inspector will be granted. We recognize that the administration of this settlement is potentially time consuming, however, there are certain legal aspects which must be taken into consideration by the inspector-in-charge before such meetings can be arranged. In this regard, we must make every effort to operate within the time constraints outlined in Article XV of the National Agreement. Postal inspectors will be advised of this settlement and its intent via a separate memo from Headquarters' Inspection Service. Please take the necessary steps to advise appropriate field managers of the above-referenced settlement.
Document Type: National Pre-Arbitration Settlement
APWU National Grievance Number: N8N0224