The issue in these grievances is whether it was improper to forbid employees to wear gloves when working on the sweepside of the Flat Sorting machines. The facts in these cases indicate that employees were wearing gloves on the sweepside of the above-mentioned equipment. The union contends that management is in violation by forbidding employees to wear gloves during this operation. It is the position of the Postal Service that there is no violation of the National Agreement. Safety Handbook EL 801 clearly states in Appendix A that, "Gloves must not be worn by machine operators or persons working on or near machinery, conveyors, drills, chain drives, or similar types of mechanical equipment. The use of gauntlet-type gloves is prohibited." Based upon the above considerations, these grievances are denied.
Document Type: USPS Position Letter
APWU National Grievance Number: H1C4JC35377, H1C4JC35375
Craft: Clerk