APWU Initiates Dispute Over Changes to USPS Computer Security Rules
APWU Initiates Dispute Over Changes to USPS Handbook AS-805, Information Security
(Oct. 25, 2006) The APWU initiated a national dispute over the Postal Service’s announcement of revisions to the AS-805 handbook governing Information Security. The revised handbook restricts employees from bringing personal information resources (e.g. laptops, notebooks, PDAs, handheld computers and USB port devices such as flash memory sticks) into postal facilities. The union is concerned that the new restrictions may adversely impact the union’s ability to perform its duties.
The issues and facts involved in this dispute are as follows:
In Postal Bulletin 22190 (Sept. 28, 2006), the Postal Service announced revisions to USPS Handbook AS-805, Information Security. These changes directly relate to wages, hours or working conditions within the meaning of Article 19. However, the union was not provided any notification of these changes and only discovered the changes because they were published in the Postal Bulletin.
Among the changes are new restrictions on bringing “personal information resources (e.g. laptops, notebooks, personal digital assistants [PDAs], handheld computers, or storage media including universal serial bus [USB] port devices) into Postal Service facilities” (5-9.a), as well as the use of these devices in Postal Service facilities “without written approval from the user’s vice president or his or her designee.” (7-3.2.3)
Prior to these changes, the only limitation on employees use of personal information resources was a restriction on the use of PDAs, as follows: “Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld devices not issued by the Postal Service must be registered with an employee’s direct supervisor.” (7- 3.2.3)
In addition, to the extent these changes apply to APWU representatives, they would have an adverse impact on the union’s ability to perform its duties and, consequently, constitute a violation ofthe union’s rights under the collective bargaining agreement and the National Labor Relations Act.
click here for copy of the dispute (PDF)
October 27th, 2006 at 6:36 am
About time to get these clowns off the phones and crap to do what they are paid to do. The union (mal)functioned just as well prior to bringing in their porn sites and etc. Time to close onsite union offices and stop union business on the clock!
October 27th, 2006 at 10:18 am
Chuckle you sound just like a dip shit manager that you are.
November 29th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
Must agree– the unions should be paying rent for those offices! Sq Ft rental rates are around $50 - $80 in most cities. Just raise the dues to cover the extra $1000 - $5000 per month per local onsite office.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Totally agree with Uncle Bill and Chuck. Those Union stewards srewing up Post Office. They must have union time off clock. If PO management can push for this. Then these troublers have no place to hide.