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First duty

Employees must protect the mail

All USPS employees have a responsibility to protect the sanctity of the mail.

The Postal Service is reminding all employees of their duty to protect the sanctity of the mail and to treat each piece of mail with care.

The public relies on the organization to deliver important items such as gifts for loved ones, medications, election ballots and utility bill payments.

When customers entrust USPS with their letters and packages, they expect that each piece will be delivered to its final destination on time and in its original condition.

Mail theft, and willful acts of mail delay and mail destruction, erode the Postal Service’s reputation and the public’s trust in the organization.

Those actions also harm the organization’s business because it only takes one negative experience for a customer to turn to a competitor for their mailing and shipping needs.

Delaying, destroying or stealing mail can result in administrative action — including removal from USPS — and criminal prosecution, which can include fines and jail time.

Employees who are having trouble delivering on their assigned routes should talk to a supervisor.

The Postal Service’s free, voluntary Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7 to any employee to assist in resolving personal concerns that may be affecting their ability to properly perform their job duties.

EAP counselors can be reached by calling 800-EAP-4YOU (800-327-4968).

Employees who have questions should call the USPS Ethics Office helpline at 202-268-6346 or send an email to ethics.help@usps.gov.