Union Urges Locals to File OSHA Complaints On Dangerous Instructions for Electrical Work
February 1, 2010
The APWU is urging local unions to file complaints with OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, following the publication by the Postal Service of instructions regarding electrical work – instructions the union believes violate OSHA’s Electrical Work Standards.
The union has initiated a national-level dispute protesting the instructions, but in view of the potential for serious injury, APWU Maintenance Craft officers are encouraging locals to take action as well. Click here for the forms needed to file complaints and instructions for submitting them.
The APWU also notes that management published the instructions prior to the completion of discussions with the union on the topic, despite management’s commitment to postpone implementation until after it provided the union with requested documentation. To date, the APWU has not received the information.
The Postal Service published a Maintenance Management Order (MMO-002-09) and Management Instruction EL-810-2009-1, Electrical Work Plan, on Feb. 1, 2010.