There have been numerous carriers being put off the clock for not wearing a seat belt, and for having ear buds in their ear. Management is pulling up on carriers, declaring their behavior an emergency and sending the carriers home in a non-duty without pay status. If this happens to you, make sure and contact your union steward as soon as possible.

You should strap on your seat belt before putting your vehicle in drive or reverse. This standard also applies to the Postal Parking lot. Letter carriers get paid by the minute. Take the time it takes to put your seat belt on or to take it off. There is no street standard we get paid to follow every rule and regulation while we are delivering the mail. We are allowed to listen to use headphones in one ear in the office. There is no rule stating we can use them on the street.

There have been many carriers who have been assaulted, robbed, and some have lost their lives delivering the mail. Always check your surroundings and make sure you can hear what is going on around you. I know some of you take short cuts to go home sooner, unfortunately the short cuts can get you placed off the clock or injured. Take the time that it takes to do your job safely and to keep yourself safe. Safety comes first!