The question raised in this grievance involved the use of auxiliary seats in postal vehicles. After reviewing this matter, we mutually agreed that no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. We agreed that 1/4 and 1/2 ton vehicles owned by the Postal Service with a service tray positioned for normal use is considered unsafe for transportation of passengers in an auxiliary seat. This is due to insufficient space between the edge of the tray and passenger for adequate safety. The 1/4 ton vehicle is not configured to allow installation of the approved passenger seat while the service tray is in the normal position. Therefore, use of auxiliary seats in 1/4 or 1/2 ton vehicles for route paring, inspections, or street supervision is not permitted. For vehicles larger than 1/2 ton, the parties are to apply the provisions of Postal Bulletin 21460, dated May 31, 1984, concerning "vehicle Seats" for guidance. Accordingly, we agreed to remand this case to the parties at Step 3 for application of the above understanding in order to resolve this issue.
Document Type: Step 4 Agreement
APWU National Grievance Number: H1N2BC18013