I wanted to defend myself in regard to working as a contracted rural carrier for Alaska Mail Services, which is contracted with USPS in Woodland, WA. I still speak to many people on this route and have been told that unfair things were said about me. It was not fair to have only one side of the story told by a customer known within the post office as an annoying complainer, which is a huge problem, and the Post Master made that very clear every time he called to complain about frivolous tiny issues. I wasn't going to say anything, but that is not fair to me as I was very fair and honest with my customers. I was taunted and poorly treated by this customer. I will not be verbally bullied or treated like a second-class citizen. I also will not have false accusations or rumors spread about me.
Despite the challenges, I found immense joy in my role serving the rural community. The majority of residents were genuinely kind and welcoming, and I took great pride in my work, striving to positively impact the lives of those I served.
A few years ago, I applied for a position that led me to engage with a woman who had bid on the delivery route. She was not a direct supervisor but had influence over the route and its employees. At first, she appeared to be an encouraging ally, sharing my enthusiasm for the job. However, it soon became apparent that her trust had been exploited by several of her previous employees. She recounted alarming stories that shook my faith in the organization: one employee had brazenly taken the work vehicle home, filled with packages, while he was under the influence of drugs. Another individual had irresponsibly transported mail an hour away with his family in the car--an undeniable federal offense. To make matters worse, another employee crashed three of her delivery vehicles yet somehow remained on the payroll.
On top of these unsettling dynamics, I also had to contend with a demanding customer who frequently made ageist remarks from his garage. His penchant for complaining about every minor issue was relentless and draining. When I voiced my discomfort and feelings of harassment regarding his comments, my concerns fell on deaf ears. Driven to improve communication, I approached the woman who bid on the route to propose leaving a friendly note about placing a tub at the bottom of the steep driveway for easier access. She enthusiastically agreed, "YES!" Yet, much to my disappointment, my request was ultimately disregarded. The customer called and complained again; of course, I took the brunt end of it.
My experience has led me to caution anyone considering a role with the USPS. The organization is rife with corruption and often falls short of moral values. Many employees display manipulative and untrustworthy behavior, contributing to a toxic work environment. This job can be thankless, and potential applicants should be aware of the daily difficulties they may face.
I would not recommend the Alaska Mail Service to anyone. The woman who bid on the route consistently disparages her employees, and if you demonstrate loyalty and a commitment to doing what's right, she is likely to turn against you. Alaska Mail Service has repeatedly confided in me that other employees have committed federal offenses. I ultimately decided to leave this position because I value myself and deserve the respect that was not afforded me there. read more
