Today I was told an interesting bit of information regarding the USPS and Pandemic Leave

So, today I was griping to a friend about extremely slow mail delivery. She said she has a family member with the USPS who she was talking with recently. He told her that while the sick leave set up for Covid is not mandatory, it is optional for all employees to use, even without proof of a positive test for them or a family member. The kicker is that the Pandemic Leave goes away on December 31, and it isn't known if it will be renewed. So, there is no telling how many USPS employees across the country are taking that leave right now, during one of the busiest periods in its history.

USPS Link confirming what she said

quote:

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A federal law that provides workers with emergency paid sick leave and other protections during the coronavirus pandemic will soon expire.
The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) requires employers, including the Postal Service, to provide their workers with emergency paid sick leave and extended family and medical leave for child care expenses.
These provisions of the law will expire Dec. 31.
After this date, Postal Service employees will no longer be able to take FFCRA emergency paid sick leave or avail themselves of expanded Family and Medical Leave Act leave for child care.

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It seems the way this plan was implemented has done nothing but exacerbate delivery issues. I wonder how many employees who are using the leave optionally are being reported as legitimately out of work for Covid?