Contract Interpretation Manual (CIM)

Written by: John Whittington

Updated:
December 14 2005

The Contract Interpretation Manual (CIM) has recently been completed. Read on to learn more.

Leaders from the NPMHU and USPS are conducting regional joint training programs - with both union and management representatives -- on the provisions and application of the recently-completed Contract Interpretation Manual (or CIM). The CIM was generated in accordance with Article 15.3E of the National Agreement, and interpretations included in the CIM are binding on both parties during all local and regional grievance processing. The manual is intended to eliminate many of the repetitive disputes between NPMHU representatives and Postal management. The NPMHU has distributed a copy of the CIM to each of its officers and shop stewards across the country, and also has distributed the CIM Resource Guide (which
contains copies of all of the arbitration decisions and other documents relied upon to reach the joint interpretations contained in the CIM) to each of its Branch Presidents, so that a copy of that Guide will be available for review and reference at each postal facility.