HIGH-LOW OPTION ELECTIONS:

High-Low CLASSIFICATION OPTIONS 

A Rural Carrier’s pay grows with the size of their route. In certain situations a Rural Carrier may have the additional opportunity of choosing what is called a "high option". This basically means they are requesting to work more hours per week, in order to receive more pay. 

SEE: National Agreement, Article 9.2.C.7., “Classification Options and Reviews” 

Qualifying for the high option: 

Any rural carrier whose route may be classified in more than one evaluated classification may elect the higher classification if certain requirements are met. To elect the higher hour category: 

1. It must be demonstrated that the rural carrier's total actual work hours will not exceed 2080 during the guarantee period. Such determination should be based on, but not limited to, the rural carrier's performance during the previous year; 

2. The rural carrier agrees in writing, to use sufficient annual leave to assure that the total actual hours worked will not exceed the 2080 annual guarantee; 

3. The rural carrier must be in a 6 or 8 hour (20 or 26 day) leave category.

Determine if the carrier in fact wants the high option and also meets the eligibility criteria.  Initiate a separate PS 4003.    At the top of the form, for Type of Change, place an "X" in the "Option Election" box.   In the cell titled "OPTION", enter the word "HIGH".  This may be submitted with the same "Effective Date" as whatever Interim Adjustment change action, placed the carrier in an option category.  

Question: What other times may an eligible carrier select a high option?

Answer: (At the time of a National Count, Special Count or Interim Adjustment – Most PS4003 change actions that effectively place an eligible carrier in an option category. This will include Adjustments, Extensions, Remeasurements, addition or subtraction of a Locked Pouch allowance, Consolidations, Detours, Seasonal, and Hardship deliveries. The EXCEPTIONS are - 4003’s to establish New Routes, Changes in Collection Compartments, Parcel Lockers or Vehicle Data and Convert-to-Regular actions.

Question: When is it allowable for a carrier to change their election to the Low option?

Answer: (at the beginning of any pay period.)

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