Editing Body § 2.1 CIM6 2024

This article gives mail handlers the contractual right to object to and remedy alleged discrimination through the filing of a grievance.
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In addition, in accordance with federal law and regulations, employees and applicants for employment with the Postal Service have legal recourse to remedy alleged work place discrimination. A mail handler can begin this process by contacting an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Counselor. The matter then can be pursued by filing a formal complaint, having a hearing, appealing to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and ultimately appealing to federal court.
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Section 2.1 also provides mail handlers the contractual right to object to and remedy, through the grievance and arbitration procedure set forth in Article 15, alleged violations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974. The USPS guidelines concerning reasonable accommodation are contained in Handbook EL-307, <i>Guidelines on Reasonable Accommodation</i>.
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<b>Question:</b> May the Postal Service be required to reasonably accommodate an employee due to religious reasons?
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<b>Answer:</b> The Postal Service has agreed that accommodations should be attempted for those employees who, because of their religious beliefs, may be prohibited from working or required to attend religious services. Such accommodations must be consistent with the National Agreement. Management is not required to provide accommodations that create an undue hardship on the Postal Service.
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Source: Postmaster General policy letter of November 25, 1981.