Step 4 Settlement: Whether Article 39.3.8 provides the APWU the opportunity to examine and comment on any Postal Service purchase of an updated vehicle model that is already part of the postal vehicle fleet prior to deployment

The parties met at Step 4 of the grievance-arbitration process to discuss the above referenced grievance. The dispute was initiated at Step 4 by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). Time limits were extended by mutual consent.

The issue presented in this case concerns whether Article 39.3.8 provides the APWU the opportunity to examine and comment on any Postal Service purchase of an updated vehicle model that is already part of the postal vehicle fleet prior to deployment.

The parties agree to resolve the case in the affirmative based on the following: As part of the 2021-2024 National Agreement, the parties revised the language in Article 39.3.8 as follows (new language in bold).

B. In the interest of safety and health and other appropriate considerations, properly certified National representatives of the Union will be given an opportunity to examine, comment and to submit recommendations on new type vehicles during the developmental stage and before the specifications are transmitted to potential contractors, before manufacturing, and upon completion of vehicles. If the Union has any concerns as a result of the First Article Testing (FAT), the Union shall state those concerns in writing to the Employer within 14 days of the conclusion of the FAT. The employer shall respond in writing to the Union’s concerns as soon as practicable. This process involves only FAT.

The revisions to the above-mentioned provision resolve the issue in this case.