The APWU signed a landmark agreement Jan. 25, for Members-at-Large who work in small post offices and are not represented by a local union.

The agreement, the Local Memorandum of Understanding for Offices Without a Local Union Structure, outlines the rules for these small offices on topics that are typically the subject of negotiations at the local level between USPS managers and union officers.

The agreement addresses items set aside for implementation by Locals pursuant to Article 30 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Members not covered by the protection of a Local or Area Local previously had no language assisting them in the following items, now addressed by this agreement:

1.  Additional or Longer Wash Up Periods

2.  Guidelines for Curtailment OR Termination of Postal Operations

3. Formulation of Local Leave Program

4. The Duration of the Choice Vacation Period(s) and Determination of the Maximum Number of Employees Who Shall Receive Leave Each Week During the Choice Vacation Period

5. The Determination of the Beginning Day of an Employee’s Vacation Period

6. Whether Employees at their Option May Request Two Selections During the Choice Vacation Period, in Units of Either 5 or 10 Days

7. Whether Jury Duty and Attendance at National or State Conventions Shall be Charged to the Choice Vacation Period and Annual Leave to Attend Union Activities Requested Prior to the Determination of Choice Vacation Schedule is Part of the Total Choice Vacation Plan

8. The Procedures for Submission of Applications for Annual Leave During Other Than the Choice Vacation Period

9. Light Duty Assignments

10. Overtime Desired List

11. Employee Parking

12. Seniority, Reassignments and Posting