The issue raised in this grievance involves management's denial of a steward's request to leave the work area while on-the-clock to interview a non-postal witness. As final settlement in all matters relating to this dispute, the parties at the national level agree to the following resolution:
In accordance with Article 17 of the National Agreement, a steward's request to leave his/her work area to investigate a grievance, shall not be unreasonably denied. Subsequent to determining that a non-postal witness possesses relevant information and/or knowledge directly related to the instant dispute under investigation, a steward may be allowed a reasonable amount of time on-the-clock, to interview such witness, even if the interview is conducted away from the postal facility. However, each request to interview witnesses off postal premises must be reasonable and viewed on a case by case basis. For example, it is not unreasonable for a supervisor and/or steward to telephone the prospective witness to ascertain availability and willingness to be interviewed and, if willing, to establish a convenient time and locale.
Document Type: Step 4 Agreement
APWU National Grievance Number: H1N5KC3355