WASHINGTON — Despite at least one confirmed case of coronavirus among its D.C. workers, the U.S. Postal Service is not providing enough personal protective supplies to keep its staff safe, one employee says.
“I have a mask, gloves — I got them myself,” D.C. mail carrier Sheldon Curtis, who works a route in Southeast Washington, said. “I got wipes. I got Lysol wipes. Everybody got their stuff by themselves.”
“The Postal Service has a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) available,” USPS spokesman Michael Hotovy said in a statement provided to WUSA9.
WUSA9 asked Hotovy through an exchange of emails about Curtis’ claim that USPS is not providing adequate gear, like masks and hand sanitizer.
“We are encouraging healthy behaviors and protocols including frequent hand washing, use of sanitizers, and additional cleaning of work spaces, and are encouraging any employee who feels they are sick to stay home,” Hotovy’s statement read.
At our facility we have gloves, and masks and are being required to wear them. As a Union rep I am making sure the people are safe and that management is providing the tools to keep us safe. Sorry but we are protected and if you aren’t stop complaining and DO something, file PS Form 1767, have an emergency joint safety meeting, etc. There are ways to force their hands! DO IT AND BE SAFE.
This is a problem all over the USA, in the USPS. I work in a small Maine post office. We have not been provided any PPE. Our hand sanitizer, contains zero alcohol and the CDC says this is not affective. I had to bring gloves from home. I’m sick of the USPS and their priorities. They only care about making money. I’ve worked for the USPS for almost 32 years and it’s disgusting, how they treat their workers. We, as workers feel as though we’re of no value. It’s only a matter of time, before the Covid 19 virus runs rampant in the USPS. We’re only a number and a warm body, to keep their “machine” running. We’re human beings and need to be treated as valued, respected workers. I have a post master, who thinks this pandemic, is blown out of proportion and that people are panicking for no reason. SERIOUSLY?! People are dying and he obviously isn’t watching the news. How can the workers have respect, for a boss, who’s supposed to protect our well being and doesn’t care. Upper management needs to stop being “company men” and learn how to treat their workers, in a more humane way. None of us like being treated like we’re nobody’s. After working for the USPS for 32 years, I have days where I feel, I’ve wasted half of my life…..and for what? To be constantly criticized? To never get a thank-you, you’re doing a great job. We, workers deserve to be protected and not live in fear of losing our jobs, if we speak the truth. Covid 19 is dangerous and deadly and we workers want to feel and know we’re being protected, to the fullest. Our customers care more about our safety, than our bosses.
USPS management screws up once again,its time that 99% of HQ’s staff is removed they are all beyond worthless.36.5 yearretied employee of Cap Metro,ans Balitimore,the only time safety matters if you get injured on duty,or damage one of their vehicles.and how is WASTED on the Voice of the Employee survey’s?