The question in the grievance is whether management violated Article 19 of the National Agreement by deferring the grievant's step increase. The union contends that the grievant's absences were for the purpose of receiving treatment for a service-connected disability and, under the provisions of Executive Order 5396, should not have resulted in the deferment of his step increase. A review of the information provided established that the step increase deferment did not violate postal regulations or the National Agreement. The step increase was withheld because the grievant was in an LWOP status more than 13 weeks during the waiting period. The action was in full accord with ELM 422.331 as tbe absences were not due to a condition listed in that regulation for exception to its provisions. With regard to the executive order cited, it is our position that it no longer applies to the Postal Service. This document contains two Article 9 related issues; a USPS Position Letter on Page 1 and a USPS Position Letter on Page 2.
Document Type: USPS Position Letter
APWU National Grievance Number: H1T4JC12162