Via John J. Phelan – District Manager, Western Pennsylvania District, US Postal Service:
“One year ago, the Western Pennsylvania District provided notice to our bargaining unit and management organizations that I was considering Instituting a Dress Code Policy. The organizations were also provided with notice that I was considering a minor change to our disciplinary process.
I have decided to implement a District Dress Code Policy. Particularly now, with the arrival of warm weather, we regularly experience employee Issues which are related to attire. It will be beneficial for employees to have a dress code to reference to help clarify what is or isn’t appropriate dress for the industrial setting.
Also effective immediately, all corrective action for both craft and EAS shall be administered in strict accordance with those procedures outlined in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and the ELM. In accordance with the National Agreements and the ELM, any and all prior corrective action MAY be considered in the administration of progressive discipline.”
Letter to PMG and News Media via John P. Richards, President, APWU Pittsburgh Area Retiree Chapter:
“This policy clearly has nothing to do with legitimate safety concerns. It is more akin to the establishment of “fashion police”, that seeks to regiment the appearance of these employees to some imagined standard that leans heavily on the presentation and attire of the human body that has nothing to do with performance of their duties. The appearance and dress of the employees covered by the policy reflect the fashion of society at large, nothing more. There is no substantial documented record that prompted the policy.
Moreover, with all the problems in the Postal Service today, the policy is more of a laughing stock than a serious effort to address a real problem.
If the policy is not withdrawn and discarded for the outrage that it is, appropriate action can be anticipated by the Unions, thus adding to the financial woes of the Postal Service.”
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
Pittsburgh PA Retiree Chapter
Office held, if any
President Pgh Local 1974-1994, APWU DIR 1980-1983, President Retiree Chapter
I sent the above press release to the Postmaster General and major media outlets in New York City and Washington DC, anticipating there would be inquiries made to the Postal Service at the headquarters level from the media. Concurrently and separately the local filed a grievance that was summarily denied. The policy was quietly withdrawn. Written notice was given to me. At the time the local had no idea of our intervention, and were unsure how the policy was rescinded.
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
APWU - Spartanburg Area Local 403
Where can I find a dress code policy for the Cap-Metro Greater South?
Union and NAME of Local/Branch
APWU - Auburn WA Local
Office held, if any
Retired President
Source: ASM 13: Administrative Support Manual – Nov 2013