The following update is provided concerning APO and RMPO offices going through the POStPlan implementation process.

Charlie Moser
March 8, 2013

1 –  Any internal or external postings for Part-Time Postmaster – PTPM (6-hour offices) or Postmaster Relief – PMR must be posted as a 5-day assignment.  Any office posted in error with a 6-day per week assignment must be pulled from the listings and re-posted as a 5-day per week assignment.   During the interview/selection process, if both the applicant and the manager agree, the Part-time Postmaster in a 6-hour office (or PMR in a 2 or 4 hour) may be authorized to work 6-days per week.

2  –  In 2-hour and 4-hour Remotely Managed Post Offices there will be a Primary PMR scheduled 5 days per week, with a Secondary PMR assigned to cover the non-scheduled days and other absences. However, if mutually agreed to by the PMR and the APO Postmaster (or District), the PMR may work 6 days per week. 

3 –  A 6-hour office will have a career Part-Time Postmaster – PTPM.  The replacement for non-scheduled days and other absences in these offices is a Postal Support Employee – PSE.   If a 6-hour office that is implemented into the POStPlan had a PMR as the ‘back-fill’ employee prior to implementation, they must:

–    replace them with a PSE, move the PMR into another qualifying office

–    Allow the PMR to take the test to qualify to become a PSE

4  –  The APO Postmaster that will have administrative and managerial responsibility for one or more RMPOs should be the selecting official for the PTPM or PMR assigned to their respective offices.  The Manager, Post Office Operations would be the concurring official.

5 –  All POStPlan impacted offices that are encumbered will continue to operate at their current level, and operating schedule, and continue to report to the POOM until such time as the office becomes vacant (or September 2014) and the office is officially implemented into the POStPlan.  At that time, the RMPO office will begin reporting to the APO.

6 –   It is necessary to ensure that all APO Postmasters receive the training modules – up to the full suite of training – based on their individual needs.  The Manager, Post Office Operations should meet with the APO Postmaster and use the attached Skills Matrix to determine which training modules will be required.  They should also establish a reasonable and effective timeline for the completion of all required training.

It is also necessary to ensure that all PMRs and Part-Time Postmasters receive the necessary training modules – up to the full suite of training – based on their individual needs.  The APO Postmaster should meet with each PMR/PTPM assigned to them, and use the attached Skills Matrix to determine which training modules will be required.  They should also establish a reasonable and effective timeline for the completion of all required training.

7 –  Instructions regarding the Office Transfer process – as RMPOs are implemented into the POStPlan.  The Postmaster of the Administrative Post Office – APO is the responsible manager.  Each RMPO must be transferred to their respective APO Postmaster following the ‘Transfer of Accountability’ checklist attached.

• Some have attempted to transfer the office to the PMR or Part-Time Postmaster assigned to the RMPO.  This is incorrect.

Training Requirements for APO and RMPOs and Primary and Secondary PMR Assignments Clarified

APO/RMPO Training Requirements

Appropriate levels of training are required for all APO Postmasters, Part Time Postmasters assigned to PTPOs and PMRs assigned to Remotely Managed Post Offices.  The training modules will include a matrix to help assess the training needs for each Administrative Postmaster, Part Time Postmaster or PMR at the APO, PTPO, or RMPO level.  The training is not optional.  Click here for the APO/RMPO Training Requirements letter POStPlan Training

Primary and Secondary Postmaster Relief

Procedures have been established on posting and hiring for PMRs in Remotely Managed Post Offices.  RMPOs will be operated by one or more PMRs that report to an APO. Primary PMRs will work their assignment five days per wek, with a Secondary PMR to cover non scheduled days and other absences.  However, a PMR and APO Postmasters (or District) can mutually agree to allowing a PMR to work six days per week. Unique situations also allow for schedule changes that are mutually beneficial to employees and the USPS.  Additional information is available here PMR_Primary_Secondary

Charlie Moser
March 8, 2013

via NAPUS.