Arbitrator Rules 'Separation of Casuals' Language in Article 12 Applies Only to Casuals in the Impacted Craft

In a recent National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) national arbitration award, Arbitrator Shyam Das ruled that “[t]he provision in Article 12.5.C.5.a (2) for ‘separation of all casuals’ applies to casuals in the affected or losing craft, and not to casuals in other crafts.” (USPS # Q94N-4Q-C 99052344, 11/11/2009) This case arose after the NALC initiated a grievance regarding the meaning of the term “all casuals” in Article 12.5.C.5.a.(2) of the 1994-1998 National Agreement. The APWU and the Mail Handlers Union intervened in this case since our contracts contain the same provision.