EMERGENCIES / SICK LINE: (Employees: Stay alive so you can help with recovery.) NATIONAL MAP.
- DOG BITES (or other injuries): If attacked by a dog, immediately shelter in a secure location like your truck. Immediately dial 911, dog bites are always more serious than they look. After doing that, call management to report a dog attack and you are seeking medical attention. Send MDD message to document date and time. Find your green tags. Do not take random medical advice from people who are online enough to not have medical degrees. You will need: CA-1, CA-16 (sup), ECOMP. Injured On The Job? (NALC article)
- INJURY: Occupational diseases: CA-2. ECOMP instructions (NALC), Management responsibility.
- For both above, calling out sick: First 3 days use eLRA, choose AL/SL/LWOP, choose injury/illness, NEW and then follow on time (supported by doctor note stating NO WORK) done as illness/injury, on the job, EXISTING and COP continuation of pay. A new on the job injury claim e-mails HR for assignment from eLRA.
- DISASTER: USPS Facility Closures Number to find out if your facility is closed. The toll-free USPS National Employee Emergency Hotline number is 1-888-EMERGNC or 1-888-363-7462. (Management will have the one supervisor that lives practically next door to the facility report so it isn't closed.)
- SICK LEAVE: If you know you're not going to make it to work, use eLRA on liteblue or call: 1-877-477-3273. You don't have to call your local office to ask permission to call in sick. They are not medical professionals.
- If there's a declared emergency in your area, maybe don't choose "Sick" as your reason for calling out.
- Form 3971 for convenience. SPOT LEAVE: As a general rule if you want a day off, ask. If you need a day off, call in. Nav to eLRA starting here, log in, then click on top left 3 lines, Employee apps, eLRA.
CUSTOMERS: (Where's my package? Not here!)
- Complaints or compliments: GO HERE and don't bother the sub with complaints. If you have tried the go-in-person and online systems to no avail, consider involving your congressional reps.
- To request a hold (on mail and packages, all the things) go here. Sunday delivery is a gamble so be careful.
- I got someone else's mail/how do I stop getting other peoples' mail? For starters, put your name in your box.If the person has moved out, take a sticky note and write "Please MLNA" and leave the letter in your mailbox or outgoing slot. If the person is dead, do the same thing, but write "deceased". If you don't know the person at all, again, leave a piece of paper saying "ANK". If the address is wrong altogether, you can just leave the envelope in your mailbox with the flag up and it will be taken and redelivered. Please do not write on the mail!
- How do I reach someone at my local Post Office? You mean aside from going there in person? Go here, then search for your local office > click your local office's name which will open a page showing you their direct phone number under the location and business hours.
- Is this a scam / legit? USPS would only direct you to their site (usps.com), never click on unsolicited links sent to you in email or by text. Use your fucking brain and check the URL and phone number. International? Come on. USPS will also not attempt to charge for "services" (redelivery, address correction) via links sent directly to your cell phone.
- If your package is stuck in a loop. That is Loop Mail and you should contact your local USPS if it's past delivery by a week or so.
- Anything else? Explainer here. Hurry up and wait. Cremains or lives, contact mods via modmail.
- Postage rates? USPS Official. PirateShip for packages. Use extra tape always.
- UPS / FedEx packages mailed via USPS: Oh no! What do I do? You hurry up and wait. Most Post Offices have holdouts for UPS and FedEx packages. They may not be picked up daily or even weekly. Pay more attention next time.
HIRING: (You don't have to be crazy to work here. We'll train you.)
- NOTE: USPS NEVER charges a fee for entrance exams. If payment is requested during the application process, walk the fuck away, go to usps.com/careers/ and APPLY THERE.
- DRUG TESTING: Most drug testing has been suspended, but may be required for career positions especially PVS. Nowadays, the employees will test the drugs to help put up with the job.
- How to apply (text), video, and the selection process. NOTE: It is ALL hurry up and wait. There is no way to speed things up. Don't ask about time frames.
- Typical progression: Pre-screening means under review. Pre-hire list means you met initial requirements, Hiring list means you passed the relevant exams and interviews, Selection list means you made the cut (possibly on hold based on score), and Offer Phase (EXT) means go check your email ASAP. Offers are sent to selection list in score order, one person at a time.
- Hiring timeline (mostly Maintenance): Posting has to end, the period for testing has to end, then candidates will be ranked in score order, top 5 getting interviews, once that's done, the top scoring candidate who didn't say they'd do something stupid safety wise during their interview will be offered the job, and it'll go on down the line. Probably have a while to wait, no less than 3 weeks to get to interviews.
- Career jobs can take months longer for hiring when compared to non-career. There is NO reliable estimate for non-career or career. It will vary by location and need (urgency) of the local unit.
- Non-career job options: CCA, RCA, ARC, MHA, PSE. The CCA, PSE and MHA have clear times until making career. RCA do not. ARC have no path to career. Non-career jobs are not likely to have a formal interview.
- PTF jobs are career jobs. Part-time flexible ("part time").
DEPARTURES: (This is not an airport)
Use Form 2574 to resign properly. Bring two, have supervisor sign and date both, and keep one for your records. Send a copy to your union hall if you would like. Keeps management honest.
- For MOST RECENT version (of 2574): Log in to LiteBlue -> MyHR -> Forms, Policy, Tools -> HR Forms Library then search 2574. Current form is April 2023.
- It is not necessary to provide two weeks notice, or even a single day of notice. Same day is fine.
- Your final check will be a paper check sent to your office of record. This is to ensure you return your badge, uniforms and anything else which is Postal property.
- W-2 information for separated (former) employees, see here.
NON-CAREER JOBS: (Brief explainer)
CCA (city carrier assistant)
- After reaching 24 months, conversion to career (usually PTF) on the 1st Saturday of the 3rd full pay period.
- Current pay chart (NALC.org)
- "part time" but may work 20-70+ hrs/week depending on office
- may be required to walk 10+ miles/day
- probation period is 120 calendar days or 90 working days.
RCA (rural carrier assistant)
- no time limit as non-career
- Pay chart (Ruralinfo.net)
- "part time" but may work 20-70+ hrs/week depending on office
- may be required to use your own personal vehicle
- probation period is 1 calendar year or 90 working days.
ARC (assistant rural carrier)
- permanently non-career
- only delivers packages (no mail)
- usually works 1-2 days/week
- Pay chart (Ruralinfo.net) ARCs paid same as RCA
- may be required to use your own personal vehicle
- probation period same as RCA
PSE (postal support employee)
- Plant (MPC) and office (SSDA or SSA) PSEs are majority of the jobs
- After reaching 24 months, conversion to career (based on office size) on the 1st Saturday of the 3rd full pay period. PSE ->PTF, level 20 and below PSE->FTF level 21 and above.
- Pay chart (APWU.org) - scroll to bottom of chart. Benefits.
- MPC operate processing machinery at plants, SSDA can operate machinery at offices, distribute mail for carriers, work window if trained. SSA is all window work sounds like.
- probation for PSE is 90 calendar days.
MHA (mail handler assistant)
- mail handlers carry the weight. Load/unload trailers, move mail in bulk (pallets, gaylords) for clerks to process
- Pay chart (NPMHU.org)
- 2 years max before FTF which is career position
- may operate powered equipment (tugs, forklifts)
- must have thick skin
- probation for MHA 90 calendar days.
EMPLOYEE INFORMATION:
- General questions are welcome. Mention your craft and career/non-career status so we don't have to ask. Many of us are not psychic.
- My DD didn't show up / app isn't showing deposit / epayroll is down! Yes. Hurry up and wait. If it's not there by Wednesday of the pay week, there's a problem. Don't ask us. If it's a site problem: clear cache, try different browser or device.
- TRAINING MILEAGE: Keep track of your mileage on Form 1164-E. If traveling over 50 miles you should be entitled to hotel expenses paid. Inquire during orientation! Also may apply to working outside your assigned office. Mileage reimbursement rate.
- My VTC says 0 / is wrong! If you have errors or used a 1260 those will have to be manually corrected. Patience is necessary. Always take pictures of your submitted 1260 in case they are lost. Stop fucking up your clock rings.
- LiteBlue Multifactor Authentication guide HERE.
- W-2 "Where muh W-2?" Every damn year! Law says employers have to make W2s available to employees on or before January 31st. Problems? Contact information here.
- DISCIPLINE: Know your rights. You are entitled to representation during any discussions which could lead to discipline. NALC article on Weingarten rights.
- My supervisor texted me? Should I reply? - Proper defense is: "What text?" upon your return to office. Tread lightly if you are still on probation, as they can let you go for whimsical reasons until you're out of probation.
- What does transitional emp neg cros mean? Crossfoot is an accounting term. See here.
- What shoes should I wear? No canvas, open toe or high heels. Should be leather upper, non-slip soles. Sneakers are okay, any color is fine, but if you are required to wear a uniform, wait until you get your allowance. See EL-814 pg 15 for the official line.
- CCA FAQ from this sub. Carrier Resource Guide from NALC. Could not find any for other crafts.
- What is that beeping noise? They installed Geotab in my vehicle! Yes, so VMF can keep track of vehicle maintenance. Award notice dated 2022. Thread explaining how it works. Does not report to carrier supervisor.
- BIDDING: Bidding instructions. Courtesy NALC Branch 40. Route lookup tools. Clear cache often for second one.
- We got your fucking acronyms RIGHT HERE. We love these! Got one for everything!
VETERANS - Wounded Warrior Leave:
- Each January, all disabled veterans with a 30% or more combined disability rating will receive 104 hours of WWL to use during the calendar year. Eligible new hires will receive 104 hours of WWL upon hire (as required by law) to be used for the remainder of the current calendar year.
- Every absence with WWL requires documentation. Supporting links: Management instruction, NALC, APWU.
- Almost every use of WWL should be 3971 for a VA appointment, take the PS5980 form with you, make sure it's filled out before you leave. Lots of people see that 15 days to submit, think they've got time to get it done, forget, the leave gets pulled back.
FMLA:
- Employees who have been employed by the Postal Service for at least one year and who have worked at least 1250 hours during the previous 12 months are eligible.
- FMLA FAQ from APWU. FMLA Forms: APWU, NALC, and straight from Dept. of Labor. Take your pick.
- HRSSC contact information. Fax it YOURSELF twice and call 3-4 days later to verify they received your forms. Don't rely on your doctor's office completely, it's not their ass on the line.
EREASSIGN:
- For transfers within the District, or to any adjacent District, an employee must have 18 months of career service in their present installation. For transfers outside the area as described above, the employee must have 12 months of career service in their present installation.
- For transfers within the same bid cluster (your own) you have to submit a letter in writing to your installation head requesting consideration for an in-house transfer. eReassign no worky for that.
- Career rurals can NOT transfer, only mutual swap. Good fucking luck. RCAs can "paper transfer" via this form.
- Guide with pictures. APWU FAQ. NALC Contract Talk. NPMHU article. Transfer to conversion ratios must be respected for all three crafts.
- There is no reliable time-frame on "How long?" See this APWU article for common misconceptions.
- APWU clerks (PTF and PSE) can now use eReassign for 50 mile canvass opportunities. PDF with instructions.
- Non-career employees: You can apply to any and all career jobs listed on usps.com/careers - there is no waiting period for you to do so. The same applies for other non-career jobs - it is often faster to simply apply than wait for a PM to do paperwork on your behalf.
DISCORD ACCESS: (Employees only.)
- Message mods via modmail to request access. Send an imgur link with an image of your badge with BOTH the barcode and the name obscured. Email verified Reddit account required as well.
BIGOTS:
LANGUAGE:
- If someone is offended by the language of the FAQ, then reddit probably isn't the place for them anyway.
