16) After the implementation of POStPlan, there will be annual reviews of Post Offices. There are three possible results of the annual review. The office retains its current level; the office falls out of the zone of tolerance (see table in number 17 below) and will
be reduced to a lower level; the office will exceed the current level and will be given the higher level. The following rules apply to Post Office reviews:

A.Level 20 or Above Offices For offices that are level 20 and above, they will be reviewed under the current WSC to determine if it should be reduced to a lower level. There is no current requirement to evaluate these offices on an annual basis; however, this review can be mandated from headquarters. If any review of a level 20 or above under WSC results in the office dropping below level 18, the
office will be reduced to a level 18 (regardless of how low it drops) and remain in the level 18 status until the next year’s review. If the office increases in WSCs, the standard procedure contained in current regulations apply.

B. Level 18 Offices When a level 18 is reviewed under WSC and falls below the ZOT for level 18, it will then be considered under the ZOT for POStPlan. If the office has an AEWL of 5.25 or higher, it will remain a level 18. If it has an AEWL of 5.24 or less, it will be adjusted to the new level of office. If the office is vacant, it will be posted at the level it earns. If the office is encumbered, the Postmaster will be given a RIF notice that will be enforced no sooner than 180 days. If the Postmaster does not wish to move and would prefer taking a level 6 part-time position, they are afforded that opportunity as a RIF impact. If the Postmaster does not find another position and does not wish to reduce to part-time, the RIF will be exercised no sooner than 180 days and the office will assume the hours of a level 6 office. If the office increases in WSCs, the standard procedure contained in current regulations apply.

C. Level 2, 4 or 6 Offices During the annual review of the 2, 4 and 6 level offices, the ZOT contained in the chart in number 17 below will apply. It is possible for a level 6 office to reduce to a level 2 office, but in order for that to happen, the office must have an AEWL of 1.75 or lower. Example, an office started the year with an AEWL of 4.00 hours – that would make the office a level 6 office. At the next annual review, this office had an AEWL of 1.74. It would now become a level 2 office and would have realigned retail hours to match the level of the office. If any office has an increase in AEWL that takes it to the next level, the office would increase to the proper level and have realigned retail hours to match what is earned. Example, an office started the year with an AEWL of 1.99 hours.
That would make the office a level 2. In the annual review, the office now has an AEWL of 4.00 hours. The office would rise to a level 6 office and would have the retail hours realigned to match its new earned hours.