Attached are two pages buried in the USPS OIG Spring 2023 Semiannual Report to Congress that may be of interest to some.

Whistleblower Reprisal Investigations
– 87 allegations received:

During this reporting period, there were no substantiated allegations of whistleblower retaliation.

Wow. In fact, only four OIG investigations were even initiated. The whistleblower protection promised in ELM 666.3 is a fiction. Should the OIG recommend a stay of a personnel action (which is unheard of), the Vice President of Labor Relations (or their designee) can veto it.

Download [240.38 KB]

Senior Executive Investigations
– One substantiated allegation:

During the reporting period, one instance of misconduct by Postal Career Executive Service (PCES) employees was substantiated. The PCES grade is substantially similar to the Senior Executive Series (SES).

The OIG received a complaint that a Postal Service manager abused his authority and engaged in favoritism involving his girlfriend. Our investigation substantiated that the manager violated policy when he selected his girlfriend for a promotion, and inappropriately aided her in the promotion process by sending her information from another applicant’s presentation. Following her promotion, the manager misused his position to advocate on his girlfriend’s behalf for development opportunities and approved actions to benefit her related to awards, domicile changes, office improvements, performance reviews, and the Managerial Leadership Program.

This investigation was not referred for prosecution. The OIG provided its Report of Investigation (ROI) to the Postal Service for appropriate action. The manager was removed from Postal Service employment and the girlfriend was issued a downgrade in position.

Download [64.38 KB]