Reporting Workplace Harassment for Your Safety and Health

(This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine)

If you are being harassed by a supervisor, someone you encounter through postal work, or even a coworker, there are several formal and informal ways to protect yourself. Which one applies depends on who is doing the harassing and how severe it is. If you ever feel that you are in immediate danger, always call 911 first.

1. Document Everything! This Is Very Important

Start documenting the harassment immediately, even if you have not reported it yet. Include the following:

• Dates, times, locations
• What was said or done (exact words if possible)
• Witnesses
• Any emails, texts, notes, or messages
• How it affected your work or safety

Keep this information on your personal devices, do not keep this information on your work computer. Use a personal notebook or secure digital file.

2. Tell the Person to Stop If You Feel Safe to Do So

If the situation allows and you feel safe:

• Clearly say: “This behavior is unwelcome. Please stop.”
• You only need to say it once.
• After that, further behavior strengthens your case.

Do not do this if you feel threatened or unsafe.

3. Report Harassment with PS Form 1767

You can use PS Form 1767 to report harassment to:

• Your immediate supervisor
• Another supervisor or manager

Management is required to take harassment complaints seriously, even if the person who is harassing you is a supervisor.

4. File an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Complaint for Federal Protection

If harassment is based on:

• Sex (including sexual harassment)
• Race, color, religion
• National origin • Age (40+)
• Disability
• Retaliation

You can contact the EEO Counselor. There is a strict deadline (usually 45 days from the incident), so it is important that you do not wait.

5. Contact Your Union Representative

• A shop steward can help you fill out the PS Form 1767 and help you turn it in to management.
• They can accompany you to meetings.
• They help protect you from retaliation.
• This is often one of the most effective routes.

6. File a Complaint with the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG)

If harassment involves:

• Abuse of authority
• Threats
• Retaliation
• Serious misconduct

You can file a complaint with the USPS OIG (confidentially if needed).

7. Notify the Postal Inspection Service If There’s Threats or Stalking

If the behavior includes:

• Threats
• Stalking
• Violence
• Intimidation

The Postal Inspection Service handles criminal matters related to the USPS. If you ever feel that you are in immediate danger, always call 911 first. ■