CIM Section 34.1-34.2
The parties recognize the principle of a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. In addition, the parties agree that the Postal Service can introduce new work measurement systems and establish new time or work standards, as long as those systems or standards are fair, reasonable and equitable.
These provisions of Article 34 further require that, before making any changes in current or instituting any new work measurement systems or work or time standards, the Postal Service will give timely advance notification to the Union. In addition, the Union will be kept informed during the making of time or work studies which are to be used as a basis for changing current or instituting new work measurement systems or work or time standards, and the Union may designate a representative to observe such studies in postal installations.
Should the Postal Service determine a need to implement any new nationally developed and nationally applicable work or time standards, it first will conduct a test or tests of those standards in one or more installations. The Union will receive at least 15 days advance notice of such a test. Finally, the last paragraph of Section 34.2 requires that the Postal Service will notify the Union at least 30 days in advance of any live implementation of satisfactory tests of changes in work or time standards.
Question: Can management establish goals and objectives for employees in a specific work unit?
Answer: Yes. Management may establish goals and objectives for employees in specific work units. However, as provided by Section 34.2B, the Postal Service agrees that before changing any current or instituting any new work measurement systems or work or time standards, it will notify the Union as far in advance as practicable, but not less than 15 days in advance.
Source: Step 4 Grievance H1M-5L-C 20301, dated October 4, 1984.
Question: Can management use average times as a criterion for measuring employees’ performance?
Answer: The parties agree that Article 34 embodies mutual recognition of the principles of a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. The parties also agree that discipline cannot be imposed on one mail handler solely because he/she fails to perform at the same level as another.
Source: Step 4 Grievance H4M-3P-C 28212, dated December 8, 1994.