Documenting
Spring is here, Brothers and Sisters, and summer is rolling in right behind
it! There will be proms, graduations, moving up ceremonies, weddings and other
events to be enjoyed. Documenting these momentous events has become second
nature to us, whether it is in the form of pictures, videos, or voice recordings. We
can do so without repercussions because they are our personal recordings. But
what happens when we do these same things when we are at work?
The Postal Service has policies in place when it comes to documenting events.
Carriers are constantly placed in a position where they feel the only way to get
a message across is through videos or voice recordings demonstrating manage-
ment’s actions or a picture of what their route looks like when management fails
to properly plan for their day/week(s) off. Although, at the time it will seem like
a good idea, it may not be.
Management Instruction Manual AS-882-2011-6 establishes the policy and
procedures for the use of cameras and monitoring in retail and informs us of the
restrictions of cell phone cameras in the Postal Service. Page 3 of the manual states:
- Cameras must not be used to profile customers in any discriminatory fashion.
- Cameras must not be used to capture legible images of mail piece addresses
or any documents, credit cards, or computer screens used in transactions.
- Camera images must not be transmitted via any network other than the
Postal Service intranet (“Blue”).
- Wireless cameras must not be used without approval of the District IT
Manager.
- Camera microphones must not be used to record or monitor any form of
audio information.
Please keep these rules in mind when taking or sharing videos and pictures.
What may seem innocent or non-consequential may become a headache later.
Management is always watching and Postal Inspectors are always two seconds
away when they feel carriers are in the wrong. You must be mindful when sharing
pictures and videos on social media in regards to your work life. Normally we
take a pic or video, and we instantly hit the share button without a second thought.
When it comes to sharing that pic or video you took at work, try to remember
the rules listed above. Be mindful of what is in the background or what is said in
your video. We love documenting our day-to-day actions, but when you put on
that uniform, it is a whole different ballgame. When sharing your video, watch
your settings. If you are not careful, those you don’t know or associate with may
have access to your videos or pictures. The Postal Inspectors do not have a time
limit on putting a notch on their belt when it comes to management insisting you
violated a handbook/manual.
In closing, the best way to document management’s behavior is in writing.
Although some of us do not like to do it, we must. It is the best way to get your
point across and the only way we can communicate our issues in the postal
service. Let’s face it, the postal service will not give us permission to use any
other form of communication, especially if it’s casting them in a negative light.
If you decide to take a picture or video be sure to blur out those things that may
become an issue. Use what you know, make it count and let your shop steward
know when or if anything arises.