Like Function 1 [plant] work hours, Function 4 [customer service] work hours are statistically analyzed through variance reports. In general, these reports compare volume versus work hours and make assessments based on productivity to generate 'earned' clerk work hours = positions.
The 'productivity' is the devil in these details. Management sets an artificially high 'BPI' work hour 'expectation' and then applies the other numbers to come up with staffing numbers.
The membership was previously informed that mangement would use this process of 'data mining' for these purposes. The local invited approximately 15 members, who attended specific related training on this issue during the recent 7 State Conference and encouraged all clerks to pay attention to detail, make every transaction and clock ring count and to properly log in/out of the POS units.
There are many discrepancies in the 'data mining' process - which the local argues with respect to staffing reductions and excessing.
Management has informed the local that the current year to year [2008-2009] numbers represent an initial figure of 31 positions worth of too many customer service work hours.
The first round of proposed reductions is set at a projection of 27 positions worth of work hours.
This is the beginning of a process to review each station with respect to how these work hours will be reduced.
There will be no action until after the early out incentive has been finalized and reviewed for impact. The local has requested and will meet with the Senior Plant Manager and acting Postmaster after the final incentive numbers have been provided.
There is an expectation that no customer service positions will be impacted until after December 2009.
The acting Postmaster stated that the rumor that 'all' PTR positions would be abolished was incorrect - rather, the PTR positions were to be included in the review and analyzed with respect to efficiency and needs of the station.
The numbers of excess work hours [equal to position] by station are as follows:
12 Main Office/box section/Pierce St/Postal Emporium
3 West Omaha Station
2.5 Stoneyridge Station
2 Boystown Station
1.81 Northwest Station
1.64 Saddle Creek Station
1.61 Ames Station
1.46 Millard Station
1.31 South Omaha Station/Offutt
1.13 Benson Station
.92 Florence Station
.82 Ralston Station
.42 Papillion Station
.19 Elmwood Station
The acting Postmaster request input from Station Managers and Supervisors yesterday [Thursday]. Initial input was the recommendation to abolish five [5] PTR positions in the following stations:
1 Benson Station
1 Northwest Station
1 South Omaha Station
1 Ames Station
1 Saddle Creek Station
All station are still in the review process. Nothing is finalized.
Repeating - the parties will meet again after the early out incentive is finalized. There were 12 station clerks that indicated possible retirement.
The local is in the process of assigning data review to station stewards for input in staffing and/or grievances.
