Postal employee’s Facebook posts violated Hatch Act

Engaging in political activity while wearing a postal uniform or while inside a postal vehicle violates the Hatch Act.

Remember “Travis,” the USPS employee who violated the Hatch Act by attempting to distribute signs for his favorite presidential candidate at the Post Office where he works?

The Postal Service recently featured Travis — not his real name — in its campaign to educate employees about the Hatch Act, a law that prohibits federal workers from engaging in political activity while on duty, while wearing a uniform, while on federal property or while inside a federal vehicle.

The campaign is continuing with the story of Travis’s co-worker “Bradley,” who supported a different presidential candidate than Travis and wanted everyone to know it.

Bradley — this isn’t his real name, either — made a video recording of himself in his postal vehicle, talking about his preferred presidential candidate. Bradley, who identified himself as a USPS employee in the video, then posted the recording on Facebook.

An investigation determined that Bradley, while on duty, had made and posted several other messages about presidential politics.

Like Travis, who agreed to a 30-day suspension for his violation, Bradley faced consequences for his actions.

Bradley served a 60-day suspension for electioneering on federal property and breaking the Hatch Act’s social media rules.

USPS wants employees to know about Travis and Bradley so they won’t run afoul of the law, too. The organization plans to showcase other workers who violated the Hatch Act during a campaign that will run throughout the year.

The Ethics Blue page has more Hatch Act resources, including a “Let’s Talk Politics!” fact sheet. Employees who have questions can contact their local field law office or send an email to ethics.help@usps.gov.

Source: USPS

Related: APWU Clerk NBA Turney: Proper Use of Social Media

One thought on “Postal employee’s Facebook posts violated Hatch Act

  1. Union and NAME of Local/Branch
    APWU - Oakland Local Retiree Chapter
    Office held, if any
    President, Oakland Area Retiree Chapter
    Email Address
    ejons127@gmail.com

    Due to the fact the highest office (White House) supporters has violated the Hatch Act regularly, and the issue was swept under the rug. Until the White House squawkers honor the Hatch Act across the Board the penalty and reprimand should be none existence!

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