Changes Are Coming

There are a significant number of changes taking place in the Postal Service, which include the Motor Vehicle Service. As usual, the determination of whether they are positive or negative remains to be seen. We recently have been notified about changes to the Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) scanner, including the timekeeping function. This function mandates PVS employees clock in and out on the PVS scanners instead of using the Hyper Electronic Badge Reader (HEBR) that most employees in the Postal Service have been using for years. This function has been in place for some time in other crafts, but it has now been introduced in the Motor Vehicle craft. Employees could experience scanner connectivity issues or even waiting for scanners to become available, while being expected to clock in. If this is happening in your location, request a steward.

The PVS Scanners have also been updated to include a “Push to Talk” feature that is similar in nature to a two-way radio. The Postal Service issued a warning in the “stand up” talks that indicates this function should NOT be used while driving. We have been informed that management intends to have supervisors communicating with and giving instructions to the operators in the performance of their duties.

When Postal Service management uses the “push to talk” function to re-route drivers from their normal route to other pick-up locations, or to give other instructions, it is a violation of Article 1.6; it is bargaining unit work that must be performed by craft employees.

The Postal Service is also moving forward with a plan to pilot test a turn-by-turn navigation function at a PVS site. This is similar to other active navigation programs commonly found in applications for cell phones, such as Google Maps.

The Postal Service added a statement to the scanners requiring each operator to agree that the scanner is an accountable item. If the user refuses to accept the accountability statement, the scanner will not allow any further activity. This requirement is a direct violation of a Step 4 settlement, (USPS # Q10V-4Q-C 16466169/APWU # HQTV20160275), signed in 2017 regarding scanner training, usage, and accountability.

We are currently in discussions on all these changes to the PVS scanners and have requested additional information and meetings for further information.

Vehicle Maintenance Facilities and Fleet Management Information System

All of the employees in the Vehicle Maintenance Facilities (VMFs) are now becoming familiar with the Fleet Management Information System (FMIS). This new program has taken the place of System Enterprise Asset Management (SEAM). This new program was a commercial “off the shelf” product purchased by the Postal Service and modified to meet their needs. There are many process changes that are a part of this new program. However, some of these new processes are in addition to FMIS.

The Fire and Safety Inspections began to take place prior to the FMIS implementation. However, we have received reports that the frequency has increased, or substitution of Preventative Maintenance Inspections may be taking place. We have requested additional information and are in discussions regarding the FMIS program and the changes that are being made to the current VMF processes, including these inspections, and the levels of work this is being assigned to, consistent with the Questions and Answers on the Lead Automotive Technician and Mechanic Upgrade in the 2022 Joint Contract Interpretation Manual (JCIM).

We need everyone to be mindful that some of these changes in both PVS and VMF appear to be in violation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and we must continue to monitor and enforce the agreements entered into by the parties.

As we go to press, we continue to negotiate the next CBA, consistent with the resolutions adopted by the delegates at the National Convention.

When We Fight, We Win! ■