We mutually agreed that there was no interpretive dispute between the parties at the national level as to the meaning and intent of the 1981 National Agreement, as it relates to a steward's request to interview a non-postal witness. The issue has been closed by the following memorandum of understanding between the parties:
In accordance with Article 17 of the 1981 National Agreement, a steward's request to leave his/her work area to investigate a grievance shall not be unreasonably denied. Subsequent to determining that a non-postal witness possesses relevant information and/or knowledge directly related to the instant dispute under investigation, a steward may be allowed a reasonable amount of time on-the-clock to interview such witness, even if the interview is conducted away from the postal facility. However, each request to interview witnesses off postal premises must be reasonable and viewed on a case-by-case basis. For example, it is not unreasonable for a supervisor and/or steward to telephone the prospective witness to ascertain availability and willingness to be interviewed and, if willing, to establish a convenient time and locale.
Document Type: Step 4 Agreement
APWU National Grievance Number: H1N3UC13115