According to the latest article in the APWU magazine, “PSEs deserve opportunities and upward mobility within the Maintenance Craft like every other Maintenance Craft member.” However, in the Harrisburg facility where I work the maintenance, PSEs are sitting unconverted while the newly converted Mail Handler Assistants were given the 955 test in April and will be offered jobs in Maintenance on May 7th. I have been a dues paying APWU member for 3 years, with the hopes of becoming a regular and moving up in the Maintenance Craft. Now my chances will be blocked by Mail Handlers, some of whom were only with the service for a few months, plus they will have seniority over me. I ask how is this right?
Had a question from a buddy tonight. There is a PSE brought on as a custodian at the plant. We have a vacant custodial position they are going to finally fill. They aren’t going to post the job, rather, they are going to put the guy into the FTR custodial position. We currently have an entire tour (T-3) of unassigned regulars whose jobs were abolished. Technically, I think we are still designated as an impacted facility, though we are hearing that the consolidation has been put on hold for two years, possible indefinitely. Is the placement of the PSE into the FTR custodial position proper under the new contract?
~Vern Davidson