I am forwarding a recent exchange between USPS Tom Blum and NALC National President Fred Rolondo, copied to National APU President Mark Dimondstein:
Fred,
My prior statements regarding the changes to the postal COVID policies were accurate; however, reviewing your concerns below they were incomplete.
The only COVID policy changes at this time are:
- MOUs expired
- Mandatory face-covering policy rescinded.
- Daily reports modified to weekly.
All other established applicable CDC protocols are still in effect and posted on the COVID 19 Employee Resources Page.
Attached please find the Excel spreadsheet listing by tab all Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), Policies and MOUs which can also be found on the COVID 19 Employee Resources Page.
When any COVID postal policy is rescinded it is removed from this online site.
As to your question regarding cleaning, the MMO-031-20 is still relevant and applicable but the way it is accomplished varies. For TL-5 sites (CTC) it is accomplished through the daily cleaning as we updated the program to include a disinfectant/cleaner to replace the general all-purpose cleaner. TL-3 sites were guided to follow the MMO as is. It is also important to remember that MMO-031-20 is not just applicable to the Maintenance craft. For example, custodians do not clean vehicles and window clerks clean their own areas as needed.
Also attached please find the PMG’s May 19 notice memo to the Officers confirming the stand-down of the COVID Command and Transition effective Friday, May 19, 2022.
Basically, this change moves primary responsibility for responding to all COVID matters back to Labor Relations, Human Resources, and the Law Department.
I have not been provided with any updated Stand-Up Talks regarding COVID policy.
The aforementioned policy changes have not altered the Postal Service’s commitment to the safety of all of our employees, regardless of the source of the potential threat.
Thank you!
Tom
I have attached the referenced spreadsheet and PMG's May 18 notice memo.
I have highlighted areas of concern/non-compliance In the referenced spreadsheet.
Based on the past several years, I am concerned that COVID cases will continue to increase during the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
I am requesting compliance with all Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), Policies, and MOUs that remain in effect.
I am requesting that management routinely include the availability of N-95 masks, social distancing, close contact information, and RTW policies in huddles/service talks with employees.
I request that management complies with the policy of providing Notice of Positive Case Talk with employees.
Phil Thomas, President
Omaha Area Local, APWU
