As the Postmaster of your office, you represent the Postal Service in the community you serve.  It is essential that you abide by the policies and procedures of the Postal Service in the performance of daily tasks.

This is nothing new. And yet I am finding myself representing Postmaster’s that tell me they didn’t know the policy, wasn’t properly trained, or just chose to not follow the regulations. Postmasters, I am writing this article because, as the new Adverse Action Counselor, I am seeing a rash of Postmasters being investigated for a variety of serious matters. Most of which are financial in nature. When you become a postmaster, you assume the major responsibility of maintaining the financial well-being of your office. More than two thirds of all disciplinary actions against postmasters are the direct result of failure to ensure the financial accountability of their office. Several Postmasters in this district are currently on Administrative Leave pending investigation for financial infractions. If OIG Agents audit your office and ask you to sign an Acknowledgement of Rights document, I highly recommend you let them know you want a representative prior to signing such a document. As the Leagues Adverse Action Counselor, I can be reached at the number listed at the bottom of this article.

Please. If you are having a difficult time performing your daily tasks, talk to your POOM, a fellow Postmaster, anyone that will get you the resources and training in this time of change and SOX compliance. Do not wait for it to snowball. Granted, I will represent you, and I will represent you with everything I have, but I can’t defend your actions.

Understand your Core Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the Postmaster Training guide.  Every office should have one. If not, I highly recommend ordering one.

1. Ensuring Financial Security. As Postmaster, you must collect all receipts to which your office is entitled, account for all funds entrusted to it, and ensure that accounting objectives are met.
2. Maintaining Sanctity of the Mail. Postmasters must preserve and protect the security of all mail in its custody from unauthorized opening, inspection, reading of contents or covers, tampering, delay or other unauthorized acts.
3. Applying principles of Ethical Conduct. The Code of Ethical Conduct is a guide for all postal employees to follow when performing official duties and when off duty. All postmasters should become familiar with the code.
4. Maintain Facility Security. Postmasters are ultimately responsible for the security of your post office. Protect all supplies, equipment, funds, postal stock and other postal property entrusted to you.
5. Maintain a Safe Working Environment. Postmasters are responsible for providing a safe and healthful working environment for your employees. You must follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards.

In closing I want to add the Core Values of the Cadets here at the USAF Academy.

• Integrity First. (Always be honest and forth coming)
• Service Before Self. (work with the customer in mind)
• And Excellence in All We Do. (Do your job to the best of your ability)

Should you need representation, call me at 719-244-2071.
 
Vickie Clute
Adverse Action Counselor
CO/WY National League of Postmasters