Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Do you know the rules on workplace nepotism?
Employees can’t hire, supervise or promote a relative
The federal government has rules against nepotism in the workplace — and the Postal Service wants employees to remember them.
Under the rules, USPS employees cannot hire, supervise or promote a relative, which is defined as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, in-law, stepparent, stepsibling or half sibling.
Employees are also prohibited from taking direct or indirect action related to a relative’s career at the Postal Service.
Examples of prohibited actions include:
• An aunt hiring a niece for a postal position;
• A father-in-law recommending his son-in-law for a supervisor position;
• An employee suggesting that her manager hire the employee’s cousin; and
• An employee recommending his half sibling for a detail assignment.
The Ethics Blue page has additional information. Employees with questions can email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346.
Heroes
A heart-in-hand situation
Two employees rushed to aid a co-worker who collapsed
James “Eric” Humphries, a building equipment mechanic, was working at the Greenville, SC, Processing and Distribution Center recently when he collapsed and hit his head on a railing.
While 911 was called, Wilson Villafañe-Irizarry, a distribution operations supervisor, began administering first aid. He then noticed Humphries had stopped breathing.
David Lawter, a mail processing clerk, performed CPR, reviving Humphries until paramedics arrived and took over.
Humphries was taken to a hospital, where he learned he had suffered a heart attack.
He has recovered and returned to work.
Humphries said he is thankful for his colleagues’ care, and credits Lawter’s “heroic act from the heart” with saving his life.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Milestones
Appointments, awards and more
Here’s a look at recent USPS announcements
• San Antonio Postmaster Antonio Gracia Jr. was named acting postmaster in Austin, TX.
• Boston Postmaster David C. Guiney was named Florida 3 District’s acting manager.
• Erica M. Hall, Maryland District’s Post Office operations manager, was named the Washington, DC, Post Office’s officer in charge.
• Robert S. Manier was named Maine-New Hampshire-Vermont District manager. He previously served as Portland, OR, postmaster.
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