USPS Engagement—To Whom it May ‘Letter of Concern'

USPS Engagement—To Whom it May ‘Letter of Concern’
By Brian J. Wagner
NAPS Past President

I am reminded of the great, memorable quote—“They’re back!”—from the terrifying and frightening movie “Poltergeist II.” Unfortunately, some in postal leadership again have started to disengage with EAS employees by issuing Letters of Concerns, Letters of Instructions or Letters of Information. Be advised, such USPS “letters” are not recognized by USPS Headquarters. Here’s the scoop!

In a Nov. 17, 1982, USPS memo, “Letters of Information/Letters of Concern,” issued by James Gildea, assistant postmaster general, USPS Labor Relations Department, he stated, in part: “The use of such letters serve no useful purpose as an element for consideration in future actions against an employee. Letters of Instruction and Letters of Information or similar type missives are not appropriate and will be discontinued immediately.” This 1982 memo still is in effect.

I have seen the Postal Service and its leaders engage and sometimes disengage with EAS employees. It’s important to note that postal leadership should focus its efforts on EAS engagement via Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 651.3, Nondisciplinary Corrective Measures, which reads, in part: “The accountable manager/supervisor monitors subordinates’ performance and provides appropriate resources, coaching, and feedback to the subordinates. The manager/supervisor is responsible for leading the employee to a higher level of achievement. Performance improvement should be a shared concern and effort between manager and employee. Early dialogue and guidance are critical to achieving positive results and continuance of an effective manager/employee relationship.”

I believe positive postal engagement occurs when EAS employees are recognized throughout the year with individual monetary awards and “Letters of Appreciation” for going above and beyond to serve postal customers and their years of credible service. With such positive engagement, the USPS should see EAS morale increase, as well as their work performance.

On the flip side, USPS engagement occurs when ELM 651.3 isn’t working and a postal leader elects to issue an EAS employee discipline to correct their behavior. When discipline is issued, it is meant to be corrective—not punitive—in nature. Although the EAS employee may become disengaged because they received the discipline, but consider it part of the USPS process where EAS employees have a right to appeal their discipline via ELM Section 650, Nonbargaining Disciplinary, Grievance, and Appeal Procedures.

However, rather than spending time disengaging EAS employees by issuing worthless “Letters of Concern” or similar letters, postal leadership should revert to spending their valuable time addressing EAS work-related issues via ELM 651.3.

Today’s takeaway: Letters of Concern, Information or Instruction are not worth the paper on which they are written.

Such letters are an attempt to scare and provoke EAS employee into believing they are being disciplined. Such questionable and unnatural “letters” are not discipline. They are not appealable under the ELM. They are a form of bullying and harassment against EAS employees that just lead to further EAS disengagement.

As an active NAPS member, if you ever receive such a questionable, unnatural letter of concern, instructions or information, make a copy for your NAPS representative so they may contact local postal leadership to stop this frightening practice. Then, use the original “letter” to wipe your—nose!

One thing I can assure you is not frightening or unnatural is my ice-cream-flavor-of-the-month recommendation: Bryers Natural Vanilla. Be safe and eat more ice cream!