The Work of the Human Relations Department

(This article first appeared in the July/August 2023 issue of The American Postal Worker Magazine)

The work and goals of the Human Relations Department embody the principles of our APWU Constitution: “We believe all members of labor have the right to economic, political and social justice.”

Through our programs, we strive to equip all members in an equitable manner under the APWU Constitution’s guidance that all workers “are created equal with the right to determine their own destiny and to participate in the forces and events that affect them.”

Workers’ needs extend beyond employment with the U.S. Postal Service, and our department responds to those needs by providing assistance with improving economic and social conditions. We offer assistance in emergencies and hope to the disheartened.

The Human Relations Department provides education, protection, and development in the areas of: the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), veterans’ rights, civil rights, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), civic/community service, and the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF).

Our programs focus on increasing opportunities for each member to fulfill their desires for a better life and a better world. Please contact our department at: (202) 842-4270 for help, questions and suggestions as together we continue the struggle for justice.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to every postal employee and their family members. The EAP is voluntary and provides free, short-term counseling, referral and assessment, coaching, and an overall approach to a variety of needs related to the disease of alcoholism and/or drug abuse, as well as family and personal problems, and mental health. We strive to eliminate any stigma around reaching out to the EAP for help.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers an avenue for employees who feel that they have been discriminated against. While the APWU does not directly represent members in the EEOC process, the Human Relations Department provides information and education regarding EEOC rights and procedures.

Veterans’ Rights

U.S. Postal Service military veterans have many rights and benefits, including: leave accrual, Wounded Warriors Leave, employment and reemployment rights, Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) rights, and retirement credit for military service. The APWU Veterans Network was launched to provide opportunities to connect with other APWU veterans, and to stay informed on important issues. Postal Employees Relief Fund (PERF) The PERF provides financial assistance for APWU members as well as other postal employees and retirees whose homes and property have been substantially damaged by home fires and national disasters, such as floods and storms. Human Relations Program Benefit Locals and States One goal of our department is to extend our programs so that local and state organizations can use them to help their members. We strongly recommend that locals and states establish committees to carry out our programs at their regional levels. Local committees can work towards solutions for problems in the civic, community, civil rights, equal opportunity, and veterans’ rights arenas. They can educate members about benefits, such as the EAP, injury compensation, veterans’ rights and benefits, assistance with the PERF, and to motivate members to action in our communities. 

Injury Compensation

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides wage loss compensation and medical benefits to postal and federal employees who face a job-related injury and/or occupational disease. The program is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

The Human Relations Department provides educational materials, training, and advice to local and state officers, and the membership at large. Regional Resource Assistants (RRAs) can assist with injury compensation education and training.

Civil Rights and Engagement

The APWU believes in a society where all members are treated equally, with respect and dignity. The struggle for equal rights, equal opportunity, and justice extends beyond the workplace into our neighborhoods and communities where we all live.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to every postal employee and their family members. The EAP is voluntary and provides free, short-term counseling, referral and assessment, coaching, and an overall approach to a variety of needs related to the disease of alcoholism and/or drug abuse, as well as family and personal problems, and mental health. We strive to eliminate any stigma around reaching out to the EAP for help.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers an avenue for employees who feel that they have been discriminated against. While the APWU does not directly represent members in the EEOC process, the Human Relations Department provides information and education regarding EEOC rights and procedures.

Veterans’ Rights

U.S. Postal Service military veterans have many rights and benefits, including: leave accrual, Wounded Warriors Leave, employment and reemployment rights, Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) rights, and retirement credit for military service. The APWU Veterans Network was launched to provide opportunities to connect with other APWU veterans, and to stay informed on important issues.

Postal Employees Relief Fund (PERF)

The PERF provides financial assistance for APWU members as well as other postal employees and retirees whose homes and property have been substantially damaged by home fires and national disasters, such as floods and storms.

Human Relations Program Benefit Locals and States

One goal of our department is to extend our programs so that local and state organizations can use them to help their members. We strongly recommend that locals and states establish committees to carry out our programs at their regional levels.

Local committees can work towards solutions for problems in the civic, community, civil rights, equal opportunity, and veterans’ rights arenas. They can educate members about benefits, such as the EAP, injury compensation, veterans’ rights and benefits, assistance with the PERF, and to motivate members to action in our communities. 