PostalReporter received the following information from Fred Jacobs,  President Oakland APWU Local #78

August 25, 2014

Re: Napa Earthquake Assistance

Dear Members:

APWU National Human Relations Director Susan M. “Sue” Carney, Regional Coordinator Omar Gonzalez, and our National Business Agents have requested that I share the following information with you that was received through the EAP Administrator and to provide details about the EAP Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) response that is currently taking place.

EAP is attempting to contact USPS officials and union leaders within the Bay Valley and San Francisco Districts to ascertain how EAP professionals can assist employees and their families in the aftermath of the 6.0 earthquake that struck Napa, CA on Saturday, August 23, 2014.

Information is still being gathered, but early reports indicate there have been no reports of USPS employee injuries or damages to their homes. So far, the USPS has not informed the APWU of any “leave policy” that has been put in place to accommodate employees who sustained loss or injury. If you need assistance, EAP’s 24-hour Hotline telephone number is: (800) 327-4968. The EAP TTY Hotline telephone number is: (877) 492-7341.

While EAP services are only available to USPS employees and their qualifying family members, the Postal Employees Relief Fund (PERF) is available to assist retired USPS employees as well as current USPS employees. The PERF provides modest relief grants up to $5,000. Visit http://www.postalrelief.com/application.pdf to obtain an application and eligibility criteria.

Fredric Jacobs
President
Oakland Local 78