Your National Board and NSS representative(s) have received numerous concerns pertaining to carriers working in close proximity in offices across the country. Your National Board agrees that the social distancing recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are important measures which should be practiced as much as possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Some of those social distancing recommendations for the workplace include increasing physical space between workers, staggering work schedules, limiting large work-related gatherings and reducing or eliminating travel.
With that in mind, the NRLCA and the USPS have agreed to a MOU with temporary changes to promote social distancing. The terms of this MOU will minimize the possibility of exposure to the coronavirus or the possibility of unknowingly spreading the coronavirus to a larger portion of the workforce.
The changes are limited to those listed in the MOU. There should be no other contractual or work rule changes associated with this MOU.
It is important that the local parties (i.e., district representatives, local stewards and postmasters, or their designees), immediately discuss potential scheduling and office set up changes which would create a work environment that promotes social distancing.
It is imperative that if staggering work schedules are considered, the lower evaluated routes, i.e., auxiliary routes be scheduled later in the morning. Communication with the carrier(s) is important prior to changing reporting times to keep from disrupting their personal situations such as day care or other time sensitive responsibilities to the extent possible.
If the local parties require any additional guidance or clarification on implementation of this agreement, they should contact the appropriate Area Manager, Labor Relations and NRLCA Executive Committeeman.
Please click here to view/download the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).