Quote:
Originally Posted by redwitch
Most of the workers are subcontractors. If they drive a USPS mail truck, they're federal employees and not allowed to receive tips. If you see a private vehicle for the carrier at your station, that person is a subcontractor and bids for the job. They work hard for us, receive a poor wage and most definitely deserve our tips. Ditto the newspaper delivery folks.
If you're going to tip your lawn guys, give the tip directly to each individual. Adding the tip to your monthly payment pretty much guarantees that the guys who actually do the work won't see a dime in most cases. Ditto your house cleaners.
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Hmmm.......not sure that being a contractor for USPS, and working at TV Mail Stations makes a person different from an actual USPS worker at a real Post Office. The company the bid for, and won the contract for those services almost certainly had to sign/agree to provisions in their contract that addressed "ethics" issues, including accepting gifts (better word than "tips").
Having said that, either contactor or regular USPS employee is allowed to receive cedrtain "gifts" valued at $20 or less, including gift cards (can't be convertible directly to cash though). There is a long list of items that can be given, as well as a list of items that cannot (alcohol, event tickets, large gift cards >$20, etc.). Having given all our local service people small gifts from the time I was a kid in the 60's (stuff like handkerchief packs (haha! good luck giving someone those anymore!!), a tie, heavy socks, or, in some cases, a 5th of whiskey (nothing expensive!)), I would not be concerned about what I chose to give someone deserving at Christmas.
Happy Holidays to All!!