The Postal Service is continuing its campaign to educate employees about the Hatch Act.
The law, which dates to 1939, prohibits postal and other federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty, while wearing a uniform, while on federal property or while inside a federal vehicle.
A new message for employees highlights the real-life case of “Michaela” — not her actual name — a retail associate who used her personal phone to make more than 100 political posts on a social media account while she was on the clock.
Following an investigation, Michaela was suspended without pay for more than a month.
USPS is sharing Michaela’s example through messages in employee news publications and on Postal Vision video monitors.
The organization previously offered the example of “George,” a letter carrier who was disciplined after broadcasting a political rant on social media while wearing his uniform.
Additional examples will be shared 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.