Temporary Accommodation

The grievor sought reimbursement for actual and reasonable expenses in commercial accommodation until a period ending one day after the delivery of household effects.

The grievor relocated from abroad in August 1989. The grievor's air shipment (500 lbs) arrived on October 27, 1989 with the sea shipment to be delivered on December 1st.

Since the air shipment did not contain sufficient household effects to establish permanent accommodation the grievor requested reasonable and actual expenses for a period ending on the day after delivery of the sea shipment. The request was denied on the basis that the air shipment should have included items essential to enable occupation of permanent accommodation. The grievor's permanent accommodation was not available until December 1st.

An "AlI Posts" telegram dated March 20,1989 was circulated to all employees being relocated during 1989 indicating an air shipment entitlement of 1,500 lbs and advising that the purpose of the air shipment was to eliminate the need for extended temporary accommodation.

There was some question as to the advice the grievor received prior to relocation.

The Administrative Committee considered and agreed with the report of the Foreign Service Directives Committee in that, notwithstanding the difficulties involved in clarifying what instructions were given to the grievor, the grievor had been treated within the intent of the Directive.

The grievance was denied.