Driver/Instructor Examiner (DIE)

(03/06/08) A Feb. 21, 2008, letter [PDF] from the Postal Service confirms a long-held APWU position: Driver-Safety Instructor (DSI) duty assignments must be posted installation-wide, without exception.

The letter from the USPS manager of contract administration confirms that language of Article 39.2.B.2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is clear.

The dispute arose in October 2007 [PDF], when the union learned that the Southeast Michigan District and the Detroit District had posted DSI positions for bid district-wide. To make matters worse, district managers told local APWU representatives that a directive from headquarters instructed them to do so.

‘Driver Safety Instructor’ Challenged

(January 2007) The Postal Service last year revised the driving instructor examiner (DIE) position, changing it to Driver Safety Instructor. The new position, DSI, is nothing more than a modified DIE. After reviewing the changes, we met with the USPS and we were unable to resolve our differences: We do not believe that the modifications are fair or reasonable. We do believe that the USPS is in violation of the award by Abitrator Shyam Das (1994) that says DIEs must be qualified to drive all vehicles in the local post office or installation. Our main objection is that the new handbook has shifted work away from the Motor Vehicle craft.
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Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Training
Is Part of DIE Job Description

A July 18, 2003, letter [PDF] from USPS to APWU President William Burrus rescinded a proposed change to the DIE position description that would have removed PIT training duties. (Includes accompanying documents.)

Qualification Standards for DIE Positions

Award dated April 13, 2004, by Arbitrator Shyman Das [PDF]. Before being assigned, promoted, or reassigned to a DIE position, candidates must have qualified on all motor vehicles used in the local post office.

Award dated Aug. 21, 2000, by Arbitrator Shyman Das [PDF]. Motor Vehicle Craft maintenance employees are not excluded from being selected for Ad Hoc DIE assignments.

Driver Selection, Orientation,
Familiarization & Certification

USPS Memo [PDF] to District Managers of Customer Service & Sales, dated Jan. 27, 1994, and cover letter to APWU. DIEs will continue to perform their duties, despite large-scale abolishments in 1994.

Settlement Agreement dated Jan. 24, 1994 [PDF]. It is not the intent of the Driver Selection, Orientation, Familiarization and Certification Manual (TD-087) to deprive Motor Vehicle Craft employees of the right to perform any duties they performed prior to the abolishments.

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