A United States Postal Service mail carrier has been suspended without pay and threatened with termination after posting a viral video pleading for help, which exposed the perilous winter working conditions faced by postal employees in Ohio.
Mailman's Desperate Plea Goes Viral
Jason Thompson, a mail carrier based at the Fairfield Post Office, was suspended on Monday following his now-viral social media post that highlighted what he described as an unacceptable safety situation for himself and his colleagues. In his emotional appeal, Thompson stated that carriers were being put in danger without justification during extreme weather.
'Today the United States Postal Service is operating under extreme and dangerous weather conditions, and our carriers are being put in an unacceptable safety situation,' Thompson wrote in his post that has garnered nearly 750,000 views.
Treacherous Conditions and No Deliveries
Thompson detailed how he left early to navigate through a severe storm that struck the Greater Cincinnati area between January 24 and 25, only to discover the post office parking lot had been inadequately cleared. Mail trucks were reportedly buried under two to three feet of snow, with employees expected to dig out their own vehicles.
Despite the hazardous journey to work, Thompson revealed there was neither a plan of action nor any mail to deliver. 'We have no mail. We have no parcels. No anything. No plan,' he expressed in frustration, questioning why there wasn't a proper emergency protocol for such severe weather conditions.
Threats and Union Involvement
Following his viral post, Thompson reported receiving threats that he could lose his job if he didn't remove the content. 'NOW I'M GETTING THREATENED THAT IF I DON'T TAKE THIS POST DOWN I COULD LOSE MY JOB!!!' he wrote in an alarming update, though he has kept the video online.
The mail carrier has since been placed on Emergency Placement without pay and, while asked to return to work, is instead taking time to arrange meetings with his union representative and corporate officials to address the incident properly.
USPS Response and Safety Claims
In response to the situation, USPS issued a statement to local media emphasizing their commitment to employee safety during winter operations. The postal service claimed they continuously monitor weather conditions and make delivery decisions with safety as the top priority.
The statement read: 'The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail in cold weather to maintain our commitment to providing reliable service to every address we serve, including critical items such as medications, government correspondence, and essential supplies.'
USPS further outlined their established safety protocols for extreme cold, which include:
- Wearing appropriate cold-weather gear
- Taking warm-up breaks as needed
- Remaining alert to icy or hazardous conditions
- Adjusting work practices when necessary
- Maintaining communication with local management
Widespread Frustration Among Postal Workers
Thompson stressed that his concerns reflect broader frustrations among postal workers nationwide who face similar challenges during severe weather events. His call for assistance extended to political figures, with the mail carrier appealing: 'Trump, let's go help us out here. City managers, senators, anyone we can get involved in this.'
The viral post has attracted hundreds of comments condemning the post office for placing staff in such hazardous conditions without adequate support or planning.
Looking Forward
Despite the suspension and threats, Thompson remains determined to advocate for change within the postal service. Speaking with local media, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received and his commitment to continue pushing for improvements.
'What started with a lot of concern and uncertainty and frustration and questions led to an explosion of support,' Thompson reflected, indicating he feels compelled to continue his advocacy for postal worker safety and reasonable working conditions during extreme weather events.
