FEBRUARY 01, 2021
LA NDC MANAGEMENT POSITION IS INCORRECT
Liberal changes of Schedule and Leave is a MOU that was agreed to at the National Level and the Plant Manager has an incorrect interpretation of the MOU. I actual spoke with and have had several conversations about the MOU with the National President Paul Hogrogian one of the two people who signed the MOU.
The intent of the MOU is to enable Mail Handlers that have to deal with unforeseen COVID-19 related circumstances to be accommodated. The MOU is not as stated by management a blank check, however any leave taking do to COVID-19 should be treated as scheduled (as opposed to unscheduled) leave. Any leave taking for COVID-19 related reasons, may not be cited in discipline for failing to maintain an assigned schedule.
Management states that the leave requesting procedures have not changed, once again this is incorrect. The change is when it comes to COVID-19 related leave. The call-in system itself was changed to say (if the leave is COVID-19 related notify your supervisor). Make sure you do that also you should request and fill out a 3971 with the words Liberal Leave in the remarks section.
At the LA NDC its not uncommon for management to leverage your pay in attempt to force you to come to work. The Union’s position is clear. The MOU in no way requires you to follow the NDC’s interpretation of the ELM for paid leave. The MOU only cites the ELM once and that was to not use it against a mail handler who takes COVID-19 leave. If the two parties that signed the MOU would have wanted management to strictly adhere the ELM, the MOU would not be called Liberal Leave. We all are clear that management at the NDC will make bias decisions regarding your pay. The Liberal Leave MOU unedited is attached to the Union office door.
This is Local 303 interpretation of what can be assigned under the Liberal Leave MOU:
As a mail handler it’s rumored that a co-worker tested positive, you become concern about your safety and health so you inform your supervisor that you are not coming to work. We feel that should be covered under Liberal Leave.
As a mail handler you don’t feel comfortable working around your co-workers do to possible exposure to COVID-19 so you take off work.
As a mail handler I work 40 hours a week but don’t want the extra hours of overtime that would cause unwanted exposure to coworkers that I don’t normally work with.
As a mail handler I observe others not wearing face covering, you inform your supervisor that you are not comfortable working when employees are not made to wear face covering and you are not coming to work.
The Liberal Leave MOU is not limited to a person that is positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to some one that is. The MOU covers more then child care due to school closures. The MOU covers you if your mother normally was your child care provider and now do to COVID-19 she is no longer able to do so. Documentation can be provided by anyone that has knowledge of your COVID-19 claims.
The Union is there for you and if you as a mail handler disagree with any decision made by management make sure you file a grievance.
Eddie Cowan
Local President
NPMHU/303
RI-399
| UPDATE RI-399 MOU |
| NPMHU INVENTORY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS |