Arbitration Award in 5-7-9 Case
Sets Principles for Skilled, Semi-Skilled Work

APWU Web News Article #50-05, Oct. 4, 2005

After multiple hearings and a lengthy briefing period, Arbitrator Shyam Das has issued an arbitration award [PDF] that establishes principles for differentiating between semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. Although the union's grievance was sustained in part, denied in part, and remanded in part, union officers generally believe the award will benefit Maintenance Craft employees.

The award in what is known as the "5-7-9 case" is the result of the Maintenance Division’s Article 19 challenge to three Maintenance Management Orders regarding preventive maintenance that the USPS published in 2000. [read the Maintenance Division officers' analysis of the case - PDF]

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