The USPS is repeatedly firing probationary workers who report injuries, feds claim

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

May 22, 2024 / 5:36 PM EDT


The U.S. Postal Service will have to compensate a probationary mail carrier in Oregon who was fired after reporting an on-the-job injury, a scenario that plays out all too frequently at the USPS, federal officials allege.

A federal judge has ordered the postal service to pay the worker $141,307 in lost wages and damages for emotional distress following a two-day trial, the Department of Labor announced on Wednesday. The USPS didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

"The U.S. Postal Service has fired probationary employees repeatedly after they reported workplace injuries," Marc Pilotin, regional solicitor of labor in San Francisco, said in the release. "Employees and their families are harmed by these baseless terminations. In fact, the Oregon court found they caused 'significant mental, emotional and financial stress'."

Judge Adrienne Nelson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon found the postal service discriminated against and wrongfully terminated the carrier 21 days after they told their supervisor they had injured a leg near the end of their shift while unloading mail from a USPS truck. The worker was fired 11 days before the probationary period ended, the DOL said.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps-firing-probationary-workers-who-report-injuries-labor-department/

[Lonestarblue]

1. I'm seriously disappointed that DeJoy is still being allowed to destroy the USPS bit by bit.

Democrats now control the Board of Governors. Why are they leaving DeJoy in place?

[jimfields33]

2. Companies should take note.

It used to be you could get fired for anything during your initial probation period. This ruling may have long term employment procedures that may change probation period.

[John1956PA]

3. When I was hired as USPS Casual-Employee in 2010, I was told that this could happen.

Maybe the person delivering the orientation to us new hires should not have mentioned that discharge for sustaining an injury during our probationary period was a likelihood, but that it what was said.

[GB_RN]

4. On The Job Injury...

If it is not the fault of the inured probationary employee, should not be a fireable offense. Chronically late to work. OK
Calling in sick frequently. OK.
Destruction of company property. OK.
Workplace hostility. OK.

Being injured on the job through no fault of your own and getting fired? Not fucking cool.

[Midnight Writer]

5. Postal policy is that "all accidents are avoidable" and therefore the fault of the employee.

If you get bit by a dog on your mail route, you are disciplined. If you are in a fender bender, you are disciplined, even if it is not your fault. If you deliver mail to a house and step on a nail on their sidewalk, you are disciplined. (this one happened to me)

I spent 30 years as a union steward at the Post Office and their policy is that everything is the employee's fault. I spent weeks defending a carrier who was suspended from work because a squirrel ran up her leg and bit her on the thigh. Management said this was her fault and she should have been more aware of her surroundings. Two weeks no pay.

The goal of this policy is to discourage workers from reporting accidents and putting the Postal Service on the hook for Workmen's Comp or other liabilities. If an on-the-job accident is not reported, then it didn't happen.

[NanaCat]

6. Jibes with everything my neighbour says

About his old employer. He retired from USPS and said 99% of the problems there came down to 'Trying to operate in the 21st century with an 18th century business model.'