April 30, 2025

NALC and USPS resolve possible interpretive issue regarding the use of blue hampers

On April 17, NALC and USPS reached a resolution regarding a class action grievance concerning the use of “blue hampers,” also known as large capacity hampers, at a Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). This issue was initially identified as a possible interpretive issue and was referred for review in accordance with Article 15 of the National Agreement on May 10, 2024.

The large capacity hampers, in use since 2015, were introduced as a replacement and/or equivalent to the 1046p hamper. The resolution aligns itself with the Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Carriers Using Large Capacity Hampers, dated July 18, 2024. In addition, the parties addressed the ergonomic issues of bending and lifting mail into and out of the hampers by agreeing that spring-loaded hamper elevation platforms/inserts may be used to raise the level of trays/tubs of mail to reduce the lift height in loading and unloading mail. In the absence of the spring-loaded platforms, the parties agree that placing inverted plastic trays at the bottom of the hamper as an insert is one way, among others, to address any bending and lifting concerns at the local level if the need arises.  

This agreement can be found in NALC’s Materials Reference System on the NALC website.