Greg Larsen, President

Description of Opting or Hold-Down in USPS

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The terms "opting" and "hold-down" refer to the same thing and are part of the USPS-NALC National Agreement. When a full-time regular assignment (e.g., a route) is temporarily vacant for five days or more, eligible letter carriers have the right to "opt" or "hold down" that assignment for the duration of the vacancy.

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Who Can Opt?

• Full-time reserve (FTR)

• Full-time flexible (FTF)

• Unassigned full-time regular (UAR)

• Part-time flexible (PTF)

• City carrier assistant (CCA)

Requirements for New CCAs:
New CCAs must complete a 60-calendar day waiting period before they can opt on a hold-down assignment. After this, there are no additional waiting periods.

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Procedure for Opting on a Vacant Route

1. Identify Vacancy: Keep an eye on vacant assignments either through word of mouth or reviewing opting sheet at each station, or via notification from your union representatives

2. Submit Request: Once you identify a vacant assignment you’re interested in, submit a written request via the opting sheet, or to your union representatives who in turn will ensure the winning carrier will be assigned the opt accordingly

   • Keep a copy of the request.

3. Awarding the Opt:

   • Career carriers (FTR, FTF, UAR, PTF) get priority by seniority.

   • If no career carrier opts, the CCA with the highest relative standing will get the assignment.

4. Exceptions to Opt Duration:

   • Opting employee can reclaim and continue a hold-down upon returning to duty if they temporarily vacate. (Think vacation or CCA break)

   • CCAs can create an "opt within an opt" during their 5-day service break. (If you go on your 5 day break while on an opt, it DOES NOT break your opt - another carrier can opt on your opt until you, or the regular, return to the route)

5. Bumping: PTFs and CCAs may be “bumped” to provide sufficient work for full-time employees, but the opt is not terminated.

6. Pay and Schedule:

   • Opting does not change the pay status; a PTF or CCA will still be paid as such.

   • PTF or CCA opting doesn't guarantee 40 hours a week or 8 hours a day for PTF or CCA (Remember you can be bumped from the opt temporarily to give a regular 8 hours) - but its likely you will have those full hours if all the regulars are getting 8 hours every day

7. Contact Steward for Issues: If you believe your rights are being violated, contact your shop steward or an NALC branch officer.

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By following these procedures, you can successfully opt or hold down a temporarily vacant assignment.