USPS Position Letter: Article 16; Discipline Procedure (1988)

USPS denial of national appeal on the wording of a Letter of Warning

Discipline Procedure , Letter of Warning

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The issue in this grievance is the union contends that unless charge(s) cited in letters of warning are not prefaced by a one line caption describing the charge(s) the discipline is procedurally objective. It is our position that no national interpretive issue involving the terms and conditions of the National Agreement is fairly presented in this case. Inasmuch as the union declined mutual agreement in this regard, however, the following represents the decision of the Postal Service.

It is the position of the Postal Service that issues regarding discipline are not grievable at the National Level. Pursuant to Article 15, Section 2, Step 3(a) of the National Agreement, only disputes involving interpretations of the National Agreement, or some supplement thereto which may be of general application are proper issues for appeal to Step 4. Whether or not the discipline issued was proper under the circumstances is not a national interpretive issue but can only be determined by applying Article 16 to the facts of that case. Article 16, Section 3, clearly and unambiguously states "A letter of warning is a disciplinary notice in...

Document Type:  USPS Position Letter

APWU National Grievance Number:  H4C4JC26574

Craft:  Clerk

Tags: Discipline Procedure , Letter of Warning

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