USPS mutual exchange resource
A plain-language guide to NALC JCAM sections city letter carriers may want to review if a USPS mutual swap or mutual exchange is delayed or denied.
This page is based on the NALC Joint Contract Administration Manual and is specific to city letter carriers covered by the NALC National Agreement. Other crafts, such as clerks, rural carriers, mail handlers, maintenance, and motor vehicle employees, should review their own craft agreement or contact their local union representative.
Review the official NALC Joint Contract Administration Manual PDF. Helpful mutual exchange sections include Article 12, pages 12-47 through 12-48, and Article 41.2.E, pages 41-20 through 41-21.
Open official NALC JCAM PDF (December 2025)The JCAM explains that mutual exchanges are exchanges of positions in the complement of different installations. The carriers do not exchange actual bid assignments, routes, or pay status.
JCAM Article 12, Mutual Exchanges, page 12-47. See also Article 41.2.E, pages 41-20 to 41-21.
The JCAM quotes ELM 351.61, which says career employees may exchange positions if the officials in charge at the installations involved approve the exchange, subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
JCAM Article 12, ELM 351.61 Mutual Exchanges, page 12-47. See also Article 41.2.E, page 41-21.
The ELM mutual-exchange language included in the JCAM says mutual exchanges must be between employees in positions at the same grade levels.
JCAM Article 12, ELM 351.61 Mutual Exchanges, page 12-47. See also Article 41.2.E, page 41-21.
The JCAM/ELM mutual-exchange language says part-time flexible employees are not permitted to exchange positions with full-time employees.
JCAM Article 12, ELM 351.61 Mutual Exchanges, pages 12-47 to 12-48. See also Article 41.2.E, page 41-21.
The mutual-exchange exclusions also say bargaining employees may not exchange with nonbargaining employees, and nonsupervisory employees may not exchange with supervisory employees.
JCAM Article 12, ELM 351.61 Mutual Exchanges, pages 12-47 to 12-48. See also Article 41.2.E, page 41-21.
The Mutual Exchanges MOU says city letter carriers in grades CC-01 and CC-02 are considered the same grade for determining mutual-exchange eligibility. The JCAM also explains that all full-time city letter carriers are considered the same for mutual-exchange purposes.
JCAM Article 12, MOU Re: Mutual Exchanges, page 12-48. See also Article 41.2.E, page 41-21.
The JCAM explains that when mutual exchanges are made between letter carriers, each carrier retains their own seniority or takes the seniority of the other exchangee, whichever is lesser.
JCAM Article 12, Mutual Exchanges—Seniority, page 12-48. Contract language: Article 41.2.E, pages 41-20 to 41-21.
The JCAM says the full-consideration provisions apply to mutual exchanges and that mutual exchange requests should not be unreasonably denied. The criteria include work, attendance, and safety records, but attendance issues alone should not automatically decide the request. Evaluations must be fair, valid, based on the totality of the individual record, and not based on arbitrary standards such as a fixed minimum sick-leave balance.
JCAM Article 12, Mutual Exchanges—Full Consideration, page 12-48. Criteria referenced from Article 12, Transfer Memo 1.D, page 12-43.
Contact your local union steward and ask them to review the denial, the reason given, and the mutual exchange JCAM sections above. Bring documentation such as the denial notice, your mutual exchange request, and any related emails.
MutualSwaps does not approve USPS swaps, provide legal advice, provide union representation, file grievances, or guarantee USPS approval. This page is a general resource that points users to official union guidance.