“Deep Cleaning” MMO-03-20 Challenged by APWU

(This article first appeared in the November/December issue of the American Postal Worker magazine)

In March 2020, the Postal service notified APWU National that MMO-031-20 was being implemented in the field as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. MMO-031-20 superseded Flu Season MMO-109-09 and contained detailed information reflecting the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention methods designed to reduce the spread of coronavirus (deep cleaning). The MMO also required additional cleaning (in many facilities, multiple times a day) in operational work areas, swing rooms, lobbies, restrooms, locker rooms and meeting areas using disinfectants, surface wipes and hand sanitizers.

When the union demanded that the additional cleaning be added to custodial staffing packages, management balked and we were forced to initiate a national level dispute.

The TL-5 MS-47 Handbook (Facility Cleaning) Section 5.10 requires “the installation head/designated maintenance official will ensure that all duties expected and anticipated to be performed by custodians are accurately identified in the completed staffing package.”

MMO-31-20 stated in part that “this cleaning must be performed throughout the flu season (October-April) and whenever possible for coronavirus.” The language is clear. Insomuch as the additional “deep cleaning” required by MMO-031-20 was a directive from management to the field, the only conclusion drawn is that this work is anticipated to be performed and, as such, must now be added to the PS Form 4852 in custodial staffing packages.

The union welcomes the USPS’s attempt to abide by the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) relative to facility cleaning guidelines. However, the changes to custodial cleaning frequencies must be negotiated with the union and incorporated into MS-47 TL-5 and TL-3 cleaning handbooks.

Jason Treier to Serve as Maintenance Division Assistant Director

In accordance with Article 21 of the American Postal Workers Union Constitution & Bylaws, Jason Treier (pictured above) will serve as Maintenance Division Assistant Director after being appointed by Director Balogun. Brother Treier received unanimous concurrence by the Maintenance Council, and started serving in the new position on Sept. 25, 2021. In 2005, Jason was hired by the USPS as a PTF Clerk at the Lancaster, PA P&DC. He entered the Maintenance Craft in 2007 as a Level 4 Custodian. In 2008, he became a Maintenance Steward and the local Maintenance Craft Director in 2009. In 2014, Brother Treier served as the Director of Industrial Relations for the Lancaster Area Local.

In 2018, Brother Treier was appointed to the position of National Business Agent for the Eastern Region Maintenance Division, where he remained until his recent appointment to the HQ Maintenance Division.

Kenneth Lester to be appointed as new Maintenance NBA

Director Balogun appointed Kenneth Lester to serve as the new National Business Agent for the Eastern Region Maintenance Division, and he was unanimously approved by the Maintenance Council. He started serving in the new position Oct. 25, 2021.

Brother Lester was hired by the Postal Service in the Maintenance Craft as an MPE Mechanic at the Philadelphia P&DC in 1987. He became a union steward in 1993 and subsequently served as the Local Assistant Maintenance Craft Director for the Philadelphia Area Local. Recently he was elected as the local Maintenance Craft Director prior to his appointment to the Eastern Region NBA position.

Read more about both appointments on apwu.org.