[redwitch]

Again, our mail people are NOT federal employees. They are private subcontractors and, as such, are not subject to the federal gratuity rules. The general contractor may make good money, but our mail people do not. Frequently, especially on Mondays and after a holiday, they end up making less than minimum wage for that day. They use their personal vehicles. They lift heavy loads on a daily basis. They will stop what they are doing to answer your questions. And so in and so forth. Personally, I think our mail carriers do exceptional work and deserve every extra dollar we give them.

I wouldn't want to do either the mail carriers' nor the sanitation workers' jobs. Ditto the lawn employees (the owners do make a pretty decent income but their employees are at minimum wage or less). So, for those who want and can afford it, tip away. For those who can't, have no fear, these folks will still take good care of you. For those of you who just won't, well ......