The question raised in the cases involved the procedure followed in collecting food shortages that resulted from the acceptance of invalid food stamp vouchers. During our discussion, we mutually agreed that the following terms and conditions would represent a full settlement of the instant matter.

1. The U.S. Postal Service acknowledges its obligations under Article XIX of the National Agreement, and its obligation to comply with Handbook F-1, Part 738.
2. The American Postal Workers Union recognizes the right of the U.S. Postal Service to collect funds due to shortages for invalid vouchers under the Authorization to Participate Voucher (ATP) Program when the U.S. Postal Service is officially informed by a Governmental agency of a shortage as set forth under Article XXVIII, Section 1 of the National Agreement.
3. A demand will not be made upon an employee until a Governmental agency makes a cash demand upon the U.S. Postal Service; however, employees may be informed of an improper validation of an ATP and may make arrangements with the local office to hold such monies in trust until such time that the office is informed of a shortage.
4. Aggrieved employees who have received and paid a demand from the U.S. Postal Service in which a governmental agency has not made a cash demand upon the U.S. Postal Service, may upon request be returned such monies unless the employee elects to hold such monies in trust as enumerated in Item 3 of this settlement agreement.

Tags: Employer Claims , ATP , Food Stamps

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