Morty -- "This is tough to navigate. I contacted my DR who can never seem to give any answers. The USPS can’t start my 48k cut to a 43k correct? In the end of April it has to start as a 48k correct? Then mngt has to notify me I’m being cut, at which time I submit in writing my requests? Or do I preemptive submit my requests now?"
-- Tough to navigate?? Welcome to the club -- things will be tough on all concerned as there are too many unknowns involved at this point in time. The DR doesn't seem to have any answers, probably because no one else is sure what will happen until the count results become effective as of 28 APR 2018.
-- Manglement can't cut your 48K until after 28 April, when the results of count become effective. But that does not mean they can not start thinking about how to cut routes and make adjustments accordingly. Maybe they will start soon, maybe wait until after 28 APR.
-- I'd think it would be difficult and probably futile to submit your requests in writing before knowing what manglement has in mind regarding cutting and / or adjusting routes. Besides ART. 30.1.J -- The regular rural carrier assigned to the route shall be notified in advance of any route adjustments and afforded the opportunity to submit comments in writing. That would seem in indicate you be notified first, then you submit your comments. No sense in getting worked up trying to guess what manglement would do to your route without actually knowing their plan.
-- If it is correct that the USPS and NRLCA gave the Chairperson their ( long delayed ) comments on 28 FEB 18, and that the Chairperson has 90 days to make a final determination, that pushes the long anticipated date to 29 MAY 2018. The "corrected" update at the NRLCA home page still stated that the "Panel may involve the parties if further discussions on the outstanding issues , and it necessary, that deadline may be extended." That was not part of Arbitrator Clarke's award. The Chairperson has 90 days to render the final determination, which would not be subject to grievance nor arbitration. But, hey, the two parties gave themselves quite an extension to go over the "extensive" data, so why not alter things a little more. The arbitrator doesn't seem to mind! Three May 20ths have come and gone, so why not a 4th?
-- Arbitrator Clarke indicated that the new evaluated pay system would be "effective with the next scheduled mail count." With no new contract in sight, that leaves the current contract's "the last 12 working days in September of any year" as the next "scheduled" count. Provided, of course, that the USPS provides the NRLCA will 30 days notification.
