This issue is the basis that Mail Handlers attendance has been judged by. Unscheduled leave is leave that has not been approved in advance, and scheduled leave is leave that has been approved in advance before the employees tour is supposed to start. Unscheduled leave is not a detriment to the individual mail handlers, but unscheduled leave in excess can be used by management to eventually correct any deficiency by the Mail Handler as it relates to being regular in attendance. Documentation is good only for pay purposes, but the leave is still considered as unscheduled.

In attendance related issues, management will use issues like Emergency Annual Leave, late reporting for duty, long lunches, LWOP as unscheduled leave. And once the manager makes a decision that the Mail Handler is not being regular in attendance, then management has a responsibility to hold an official discussion with the Mail Handler and make the grievant aware of the attendance requirements.

The best practice is to get the leave approved in advance as it relates to sick leave. Management is applying certain provisions of the ELM (510) as it relates to attendance. If you are approached by your immediate supervisor or leave control supervisor about your attendance, please consult your steward at your respective facility.