News & information

Decision in Pay Consolidation Case

National Arbitrator Shyam Das has issued his award in a national interpretive dispute involving the memorandum of understanding regarding the consolidation of NALC pay levels.  The memorandum, which went into effect on November 24, 2018, elevated all Grade 1 letter carriers to the former Grade 2.  Arbitrator Das recognized that the memorandum “provided Carriers with the increased compensation they would have received if granted an upgrade.”  Nonetheless, the arbitrator rejected NALC’s position that this change meant that employees from other crafts in grades equivalent to the former City Carrier Grade 1 could no longer be excessed into the letter carrier craft under Article 12 of the National Agreement. 

Both APWU and the Mail Handers intervened in the case in support of the Postal Service’s position.

The Award is not expected to have a major impact on the letter carrier craft.  Evidence presented by NALC at the hearing showed that while 11,589 Level 6 Clerk positions were eliminated in the five-year period from 2014 to 2018, only 98 clerks were excessed into the carrier craft – 0.8 percent of the positions eliminated.

To read Arbitrator Das’ opinion, click here.