The Latest Developments in USPS Technological Or Mechanization

April 30, 2009 by
Filed under: APWU, automation, postal, usps 

APWU Clerk Division Officers met with the Postal Service regarding “implementation of technological or mechanization changes” that affect jobs. The parties discussed several ongoing and new developments.

FSS Program

As many of you are already aware, the Flat Sequencing Sorter is the latest Postal Service automation program. Designed to facilitate delivery-point sequencing (DPS) of flat mail, it will have a significant impact on the craft and the number of jobs for career employees. FSS deployment is scheduled for later this year.

But like everything else, this program has been impacted by the decline in mail volume. As a result, the number of zones (ZIP codes) expected to be included in Phase 1 has been increased by about 50 percent. The nearly 15 percent decline in volume will also affect the deployment of Phase I FSS machines.

We are awaiting more information on this program and the specific changes to the schedules for implementation.

DBCS (Phase 7)

A pilot test has begun on the next-generation Delivery Bar Code Sorter. The Postal Service projects that this machine has the operational capacity to sort more than 50,000 pieces per hour, twice what the current DBCS can do.

Although the deployment is scheduled for late this year or early next year, mail volume and the economic situation may impact DBCS placement as well.

LMS Technology

The Enterprise Learning Management System (LMS) will consolidate several of the electronic systems that deliver and track USPS training programs. The resultant single technology will automate and standardize the administration of these systems.

LMS deployment is scheduled to begin in June, and we anticipate that this will have a significant impact on the current number of Training Technician positions. We will pass along information that is specific to the impacted areas as it becomes available.

Tour 2 Impact on Mail Processing

The APWU is pursuing several disputes over the Postal Service’s nationwide program to eliminate or drastically reduce Tour 2 assignments and employees. One Step 4 dispute (HQTG200820) focuses on management’s violation of Article 17.5.B.4, which requires joint discussions on new initiatives during the development stage, and obligates the USPS to bargain in good faith.

In addition to filing local grievances regarding excessing and prior notification under Article 12, as well as abolishments, reversions, and repostings under Article 37,we should also be diligent in ensuring that no violations of Article 7.2, which covers cross-craft assignments, are taking place. For instance, Mail Handlers clearly should not be performing Clerk Craft work. And supervisors are prohibited from performing our work under Article 1.6.

source: APWU

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  1. VP of tech and mech on Fri, 1st May 2009 2:41 am

    2. Tally ho and full steam ahead!

  2. Drichva on Fri, 1st May 2009 9:56 am

    3. Management do as they please. Union files greivance 5 years later arbitrator hears case remands back to parties. Cycle begins again ahhh springtime at the Postal Service

  3. Clave on Fri, 1st May 2009 8:25 pm

    4. Sounds like less clerks and supervisors, welcome to the 21st century.

  4. kayser sose on Sat, 2nd May 2009 12:06 pm

    5. What are these thing for?
    USPS going out of business soon.
    Ask OBAMA he’ll tell you.

  5. A%%hole on Sun, 3rd May 2009 12:36 am

    6. all these loser Rupukes have to always make their little loser remarks