The True Cost of Doing Business

The True Cost of Doing Business
By Myrna Pashinski
NAPS Rocky Mountain Area Vice President

Let’s talk about lead clerks performing TACS duties and the true cost of doing business when that responsibility is not managed correctly. Since 2010, when the APWU secured the right for lead clerks to perform TACS duties, there has been ongoing resistance at all EAS levels.

Many believed the role involved access to sensitive information traditionally handled by timekeepers — concerns that shaped behavior for 15 years.

Fast forward to Sept. 30, 2025, when the historic $4,241,000 arbitration settlement award was announced. The agreement included 10 key points.

Implementing the settlement has not been easy; not much information is available. On Feb. 26, 2026, the APWU put out a Q&A to its members that also is available for those who want deeper insight into what those 10 key points mean.

But let’s talk about the rest of the story. Have you had a conversation with your supervisor or other senior leadership about the cost of performing TACS duties yourself? Because there is a cost — and it is being tracked.

The Postal Service now is monitoring every TACS entry, including who performs it. In most locations, if not all, senior leadership is pressuring supervisors daily to make TACS entries.

However, each time an EAS employee makes an entry a lead clerk should make, your name appears on a report along with a dollar amount tied to that action. Senior leaders are monitoring how that dollar amount is increasing or decreasing by EIN number. Are they sharing that information with you?

Let that sink in. They have information on how much you are costing the Postal Service for making TACS rings, but are they sharing it with you?

That report quantifies, in real dollars, in automatic payments to lead clerks when EAS employees perform work that belongs to the craft. Here is the key point: The lead clerk does not have to file a grievance; the payment is automatic.

When I first saw this report, I was stunned. This is a straightforward way EAS employees can help save money in this time of unstable financial security. Why not share this information?

Now, consider this:

• You have 50 employees. You enter TACS moves for a weekly stand-up talk. That is at least two entries per employee — one to move them, one to return them.

• That is 100 entries. At $10 per entry, it totals $1,000.

Do that consistently and, suddenly, what seemed like a small task becomes a significant, recurring expense. Over time, those dollars add up — impacting your unit’s operating expenses and your NPA rating. Just consider what has happened to your TOE.

So, why are we doing work the lead clerk is assigned — and contractually entitled — to perform? As supervisors, managers and postmasters, we already carry an overwhelming workload. We are expected to meet every metric, every day, with precision. Why add another task?

If your lead clerk is responsible for TACS, hold them accountable for the entire function. That includes accuracy, timeliness and consistency. Your role is to oversee, monitor and ensure proper staffing — not perform the work yourself.

When we take on that work, we are not helping. Instead, we are creating unnecessary costs and weakening accountability. We also are not showing our ability to delegate the work that needs to be done.

Now, let’s talk about opportunity. Lead clerks are not just an obligation, but also a resource. What could you remove from your daily workload if you used your lead clerk to the fullest extent of their position, duties and responsibilities? What higher-level responsibilities could you focus on instead? You are looking for other opportunities, aren’t you?

Delegation is not optional; it is essential. If you are preparing for the next level, your scope of responsibility only will increase. Whether in Processing, Logistics, Retail and Delivery or Headquarters, success depends on your ability to show you can delegate effectively and hold others accountable. Both are critical skills in order to move up in the organization.

Your current team — lead clerks, clerks, mail handlers and carriers — are your training ground. Use it to your advantage. Master delegation now and you will be ready for what comes next.

In the meantime, stop paying for work already assigned and covered by your lead clerk. Your budget and your NPA will reflect the difference.

For more information, including settlement details and the APWU Q&A, search on Google or contact me.