This is in response to your letter concerning higher level pay for Laborers, Custodial, PS-3, on any occasion they operate battery powered forklifts and other powered industrial equipment. In your letter you referenced my May 13 memorandum directing the payment of higher level pay at the level 5 rate to Mail Handlers, PS-4, when they operate a jitney, forklift or pallet truck, are required to possess a valid SF-46, and perform the core requirements of the Mail Handler Equipment Operator, PS-5, position. In light of that memorandum, it is your position that Laborers, Custodial, are also entitled to level 5 pay when they operate that equipment. The situation you raise differs from that of the Mail Handler Craft employee. The circumstances for payment of level 5 to Mail Handler Craft employees were an item agreed upon by representatives of the Postal Service and the National Post Office Mail Handlers, Watchmen, Messengers and Group Leaders, AFL-CIO, during contract negotiations. In those situations where management assigns a Laborer, Custodial, to operate forklifts the employee should be compensated as a Materials Handling Equipment Operator, PS-4, SP 1-9, occupation Code 5704-01.
Document Type: USPS Position Letter
APWU National Grievance Number: None
Craft: Maintenance