Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 74.djvu/688

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PUBLIC LAW 86-682-SEPT. 2, 1960

[74 S T A T.

(b) The basic salary of postmasters in fourth class post offices shall be readjusted for changes in gross receipts at the start of the first pay period after the beginning of each fiscal year. I n adjusting a postmaster's basic salary under this section the basic salary shall be fixed at the lowest step which is higher than the basic salary received by the postmaster at the end of the preceding fiscal year. If there is no such step the basic salary shall be fixed at the highest step for the adjusted gross receipts of the office. Each increase in basic salary because of change in gross receipts shall be deemed the equivalent of a step-increase under section 3552 of this title and the waiting period, for purposes of advancement to the next step, shall begin on the date of adjustment. (c) The basic salaries of postmasters at newly established offices of the fourth class shall be fixed at the lowest salary rate. Whenever unusual conditions prevail at any post office of the fourth class the Postmaster General may advance such office to the appropriate category or class indicated by the receipts of the preceding quarter. Any fourth class office advanced to the appropriate category or class pursuant to this subsection shall not be reduced in category or class until the start of the first pay period after July 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which it was so advanced, at which time it shall be assigned to the category or class indicated by the receipts for the preceding calendar year. (d) Persons who perform the duties of postmaster at post offices of the fourth class where there is a vacancy or during the absence of the postmaster on sick or annual leave, or leave without pay, shall be paid the same basic salary to which they would have been entitled if regularly appointed as postmaster. (e) The Postmaster General may allow to postmasters in fourth class post offices additional compensation for separating services and for unusual conditions during a portion of the year, in lieu of an allowance for clerical services for this purpose. (f) At seasonal post offices of the fourth class, the Postmaster General may authorize the payment of the basic salary prorated over the pay periods the office is open for business during the fiscal year. (g) Where the gross postal receipts of a post office of the third class for each of two consecutive calendar years are less than $1,500, or where in any calendar year the gross postal receipts are less than $1,400, the post office shall be relegated to the fourth class and the basic salary of the postmaster shall be fixed in the manner provided in subsection (b) of this section. (h) Postmasters of fourth class post offices shall be paid as allowances for rent, fuel, light, and equipment an amount equal to 15 per centum of the basic compensation earned in each pay period, at the same time and in the same manner as their regular compensation.

SALARY STEPS AND PEOMOTIONS § 3551. Appointments to positions in the postal field service (a) The Postmaster General may appoint any person who has been employed in a civilian capacity in any branch of the Government to any position in a regional or district office or to any professional or scientific position and may place him in any step in the salary level of the Postal Field Service Schedule which is less than one full step above the highest basic salary which he received from the United States. (b) The Postmaster General may appoint any employee of the legislative branch whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and who

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