The question in this grievance is whether or not management violates Article XXXV of the National Agreement by requiring employees with attendance problems to attend a conference with the PAR Counselor. It is our position that management may properly require employees with attendance problems to attend a conference with the PAR counselor if the indicators of alcoholism or drug use are present. It was not intended that an across-the-board policy to refer everyone who reaches a particular stage of the disciplinary process to the PAR counselor be established. Supervisors are an important part of the process and should begin at the earliest stage possible to interact with employees in determining the cause of their attendance problems. PAR referrals should be handled on an individual case by case basis and active participation should be voluntary. Accordingly, as we find no violation of the National Agreement, this grievance is denied.
Document Type: USPS Position Letter
APWU National Grievance Number: S8C3QC18475
Craft: Clerk