CIM Section 33.2

Question: Are promotions to higher level positions in the mail handler craft filled by senior employees or by best qualified employees?

Answer: Promotions to higher level positions in the mail handler craft, enumerated in Article 12, shall be made by selection of the senior qualified employee bidding for the position.

Mail handlers are eligible to apply for the best qualified positions of Examination Specialist, as outlined in Article 12 (Section 12.2H3), and Console Operator. These positions, however, are assigned to the craft of the successful applicant and are not exclusive to any one particular craft. When a mail handler is the successful applicant, these positions are designated to the mail handler craft. Where more than one applicant is qualified, the best qualified of the applicants is selected. Where there is no appreciable difference in the qualifications of the best of the qualified applicants, and the Postal Service selects from among those applicants, seniority shall be the determining factor.

In addition, Mail handler craft employees may apply, also on a best-qualified basis, for Office Machine Operator, MH-5.

They may also apply on a best-qualified basis for the positions of Accounting Technician, PS-6, and Training Technician, PEDC, PS-6; however, the successful applicants for these positions will be assigned to the clerk craft.