From Career to PTF Employee: Questions

Posted on by 21cpw User Post

I have been a full-time career clerk for the past 28 years, mostly working in a plant and more recently, in a large AO.

I am looking to go to a much smaller office as a Window Clerk. It’s a smaller office. Should be an easier job.

The only downfall is that it is a PTF position. However, the PTF’s in most of these offices are getting 37-45 hours per week. I talked with the Postmaster and was told, until things suddenly change, I should expect that kind of range in hours.

Here’s my questions…

1. How many hours do I need to work (the least amount) to continue earning full annual leave (5 weeks, 1 day) each year?

2. Similar to the above question, how many hours do I need to work (the least amount) to receive full benefits? I take it PTF clerks do receive benefits, yes?

3. Similar to the above questions, how many hours do I need to work (the least amount) to receive the same sick leave hourly earnings each paycheck as a full time career employee?

Other than the loss of hours, what are the major pitfalls of going from a full-time career employee to a PTF? I am near the end of my career, so if I can ride it out in a smaller office, I may be willing to take the risks.

Thanks in advance for the advice I receive here.

One thought on “From Career to PTF Employee: Questions”

  1. Union and NAME of Local/Branch
    APWU - Auburn WA Local
    Office held, if any
    Retired President

    To get the same benefits as a full-time regular employee, you have to work 40 hours per week or more. To the extent that you work fewer hours than 40, your sick leave and annual leave earned will be proportionately less.

    PTFs do not get their annual leave for the year advanced in January nor do they get paid holidays (a higher hourly rate partly offsets that). PTFs do not get a discount on health and life insurance premiums nor on union dues if they work less than 40 hours. Contributions to PTFs’ Thrift Savings Plan will be less.

    Your PTF retirement pay will take a hit since your high-three years’ average salary will be less. The annuity estimates you get from HRSSC assume that you worked 40 hours per week. OPM will prorate your annuity for part-time service after April 6, 1986.

    An alternative to a PTF or NTFT position is a reduced work schedule in your present 40 hour per week job. This is possible if you qualify for both FMLA and reasonable accommodation for a disability. See DOL Opinion Letter FMLA-97. This avoids a hit to your retirement benefits, since your position of record is still 40 hours per week.

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