MSPB Finds Constructive Suspension and Disability Discrimination in USPS Return-to-Work Dispute

The appellant, a Window Clerk, left work on December 15, 2016, after suffering an anxiety attack that triggered an asthma attack. On January 12, 2017, his psychologist contacted the agency, stating that the appellant’s episode was psychological in nature and that he had sufficiently recovered to return to work with no restrictions. He reported to…

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USPS: Learn about reasonable accommodations

June 23, 2022 The Postal Service, like all federal agencies, must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the organization. The Postal Service assesses on a case-by-case basis whether an accommodation would cause undue hardship. The goals of an accommodation are to enable a…

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USPS News Link article on Advanced Annual Leave needs correction

The USPS published a misleading News Link article on advance annual leave on March 14th.  A correction should be made.  It said: “If you’re planning to retire or leave USPS this year, the organization wants you to pay attention to your ‘Earned Annual Leave Balance.’ Remember: If the number goes negative, the Postal Service will…

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USPS: Reasonable accommodations

The Postal Service wants employees to know about their right to reasonable accommodations. A reasonable accommodation allows a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of his or her job. Accommodations vary widely and can include modifications to equipment, facilities and work schedules. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires all federal agencies…

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Postal Retirement Q&A – January 2016 (via PostalMag.com)

Roseanne is a retired USPS employee with an extensive background in USPS retirement, disability retirement, OWCP, EEO, Labor Relations and HR. She conducts individual and group counseling and is able to comprehensively discuss the pros and cons of employees who are on OWCP, disability retirement and regular retirement. Roseanne will be happy to answer your…

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Maine man gets $150,000 after US Postal Service failed to accommodate disability

By Judy Harrison – November 13, 2015 PORTLAND, Maine — A federal jury on Tuesday awarded a former Auburn postal worker $150,000 after it determined that the U.S. Postal Service had failed to accommodate his disability. Steven Heath of Gray suffered from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to court documents. He sued the…

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USPS OIG: Curbing Workers’ Comp Abuses

August 10, 2015 Disability programs are vital for a nation that supports its citizens. In the United States, federal employees, including postal workers, who suffer employment-related injury or illness are entitled to workers’ compensation under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The U.S. Postal Service funds workers’ compensation benefits for employees who sustain job-related injuries….

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Federal Court Dismisses Appeal to MSPB (based on bipolar disorder) of Postal Supervisor’s 2010 Removal

On appeal, Mr. Vaughan argues that he did not voluntarily execute the settlement agreement because of his disability, and because he was informed by the administrative judge via telephone that a video recording of the incident giving rise to the removal “spoke a thousand words.” Mr. Vaughan failed to present sufficient evidence to establish that…

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