Union ‘Eagerly Awaiting’ Results Of Follow-Up Tests on Tainted Letters

The union is eagerly awaiting the results of follow-up tests on letters that indicated the presence of ricin, APWU Eastern Region Coordinator Mike Gallagher said on April 17 after a teleconference with postal officials from the Capitol Metro Operations Area and the Capitol District. Two letters tested positive for the deadly toxin in preliminary tests on April 16. One letter was addressed to President Obama; the other was addressed to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS).

No postal employees have reported symptoms that would be expected from illnesses caused by ricin, managers reported in the teleconference. Postal officials are contacting employees with unscheduled absences to notify them about the incidents and to encourage them to confer with their doctors.

Local union officials from southern Maryland and Washington DC stressed that employees are concerned about the potential danger and urged managers to improve communication with workers. The APWU had complained that union officials and postal workers learned of the incident through media reports and that information was not provided to the union until many hours later.

A similar teleconference was scheduled with union officials who represent postal employees in Memphis TN, where the letter to Sen. Wicker originated.

The APWU will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Facts About Ricin