Religious Accommodation Win | U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Groff v. DeJoy

  U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Groff v. DeJoy

RE: U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Groff v. DeJoy (pdf)

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in the lawsuit Groffv. DeJoy.

The case was brought by Gerald Groff, who delivered mail as a Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) from 2012 to 2019 in central Pennsylvania. Groff is a Christian who observes Sunday as the Sabbath. Citing those religious beliefs, Groff consistently refused to work on Sundays. For several years, Groff and the Postal Service attempted to find workarounds, such as having volunteers take over his Sunday slots. Eventually, however, the Postal Service began disciplining Groff for his refusal to work on Sundays, and in 2019, Groff resigned. After resigning, Groff sued the Postal Service. He argued that under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act , the Postal Service was required to reasonably accommodate his religious beliefs by exempting him from Sunday work.

Before turning to the specifics of the Court's decision, we note at the outset that the Court's decision leaves in place the longstanding recognition that it would be an "undue burden" to provide an accommodation that would violate a seniority system in a collective bargaining agreement, like the National Agreement between the NPMHU and the Postal Service.

The Court's decision did proceed to answer two principal questions:

On the first question - whether the Court should disapprove the "more than de minimis cost" test for determining whether a religious accommodation was an undue hardship - the Court disapproved of the "more than de minimis cost" language. In its place, the Court held that an employer can show that a religious accommodation creates an undue hardship under Title VII if that accommodation causes a substantial burden in the overall context of the employer's business. The Court held that this is a fact specific inquiry. "Courts must apply the test to take into account all relevant factors in the case at hand, including the particular accommodations at issue and their practical impact in light of the nature, size, and operating cost of an employer."

As to the second question - whether an employer may demonstrate undue hardship under Title VII by showing burdens on co-workers - the Court held - using language consistent with the position the NPMHU took in its amicus brief to the Supreme Court, that impact on coworkers is relevant to the extent those impacts affect the conduct of the business. The Court acknowledged that "an accommodation's effect on co-workers may have ramifications for the conduct of the employer's business, but a court cannot stop its analysis without examining whether that further logical step is shown in a particular case."

The Court concluded by sending the case back to the lower court to consider Groff's claim in Iight of the standard described above.

As we wrote to you previously, the NPMHU supports employees' rights to receive reasonable accommodations for their religious beliefs and practices, and will continue to urge the Postal Service to provide those accommodations consistent with the terms of the National Agreement.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the National CAD.

Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317
 

Nearly 100 letters containing white powder sent to Trump and senior Republicans

Nearly 100 letters containing white powder sent to Trump and senior Republicans

From the article: "...Similar letters containing a note and a powdery substance were sent to prominent figures such as former president Donald Trump and Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas. However, before reaching their intended recipients, these letters were intercepted by the US Postal Inspection Service, sources told ABC news. The letters were found to be harmless by postal inspectors, sources said. One of the recipients of the compromised letter told ABC Kansas City affiliate KMBC that the note with the letter was intended to threaten...."

Article Reference: yahoo.com
White Powder Substance in the Mail, Attacks on Republicans via U.S. Mail, postal inspectors (American Heroes),

Ex-U.S. Postal worker from Brooklyn sentenced for stealing high-end shoes, phones

Ex-U.S. Postal worker from Brooklyn sentenced for stealing high-end shoes, phones

From the article: "CLEVELAND, Ohio— A former U.S. postal worker in Brooklyn was sentenced to one month in prison for stealing high-end shoes and phones from the mail. Brandon Williams, also known as Brandon Trotter, worked as a processing clerk in the Brooklyn post office when he stole the items, according to federal prosecutors. ..."

Article Reference: www.cleveland.com
Going Easy on Crime, Crime,Theft of mail,

Postal worker, 22 vs street vendor, 75 | Brawl on NYC street

Postal worker, 22, street vendor, 75, arrested after brawling on NYC street

From the article: "Canal Street denizens did not know what fueled the fury, but several, like gift shop employee Kamal said they saw the elderly man sprawled out on the pavement in the aftermath.

A woman selling fruit alleged the postal worker shoved the man to the ground.

Other vendors on the block said the 75-year-old is a regular street vendor, who sells masks and knockoff items on Canal Street..."

Article Reference: nypost.com
Assault,Zero Tolerance Policy (USPS), New York,

USPS investigating after $28 check was altered and cashed for $4,200

USPS investigating after $28 check was altered and cashed for $4,200

From the article: "...“This type of alleged behavior within the Postal Service is not tolerated and the overwhelming majority of Postal Service employees, which serve the public, are honest, hardworking, and trustworthy individuals who would never consider engaging in any type of criminal behavior,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Hopefully they can track this down because I thought it was really strange when they told my wife he was also investigating another check made payable to Florida Blue..."

Article Reference: whnt.com

Missing postal worker’s body found in water off N.J. beach

Missing postal worker’s body found in water off N.J. beach

From the article: "...Corey McFadden, 33, was recovered off the coast on May 22 after being spotted by a fisherman, according to State Police. McFadden’s family said Saturday he had been found, but they declined to say where. ... authorities previously said. He had contact with Manasquan police that evening, but wasn’t reported missing until the next morning when didn’t show up for for work in Cape May, where had worked as a mail carrier for years. "

Article Reference: www.pennlive.com

Resident fears foul play when calls to local post office go unanswered

Resident fears foul play when calls to local post office go unanswered

From the article: "...A resident called police at 2:53 p.m. May 3 asking them to check on the local Post Office employees. He said he had been trying to call that office since 12:05 p.m. but no one answered. An officer was in the post officer earlier and said they only had one employee working. ..."

Article Reference: www.cleveland.com

PRC Orders Review of USPS Overhaul Plan

PRC Orders Review of USPS Overhaul Plan

From the article: "...The review is being called for based on feedback from unnamed “stakeholders” concerned about the impact of the plan on postal operations and costs, and the need for more of a forum to address different components. In particular, concerns were raised in an April report to the PRC about costs and processing changes for so-called “flats” or large envelope mailers at new regional sortation and delivery centers. The first one opened in Athens, GA in November. The PRC said the public review is not intended as way for it to offer an advisory opinion on the overall Delivering for America plan. However, it will be “beneficial to the interest of transparency to provide a forum to learn more about these strategic plan initiatives that may have a significant impact on the postal community,” the PRC wrote in its order. ..."

Article Reference: multichannelmerchant.com

Mail theft, robberies spiking across Bay Area: Here's what you should know

Mail theft, robberies spiking across Bay Area: Here's what you should know

From the article: ""Our mailbox has been broken into about 10 to 15 times over the last two to three years," Jones said. ...Jones says over the past year or so, he's often times come home to find the doors on his mailbox either broken into or tampered with. ..."

Article Reference: www.msn.com
Mail theft,Robberies,Crime,

Ponte Vedra Beach contract postal carrier pleads guilty to theft of mail

Ponte Vedra Beach contract postal carrier pleads guilty to theft of mail

From the article: "...26-year-old Kori Ann Moreno has pleaded guilty to theft of mail. Moreno faces up to five years in prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Moreno was arrested on November 29, 2022..."

Article Reference: www.yahoo.com
Crime,Theft of mail,

Postal supervisor in Massachusetts charged with stealing $53,000 in travel reimbursement scheme

Postal supervisor in Massachusetts charged with stealing $53,000 in travel reimbursement scheme

From the article: "Anthony Fernandes, 37, of Douglas, Massachusetts, was charged with one count of theft of government money. ...Authorities say Fernandes, who works in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, is alleged to have fraudulently used the U.S. Postal Service supervisor’s travel authorization account..."

Article Reference: yahoo.com
Crime,Theft of government money,postal supervisors,Buzzards Bay,Massachusetts,

Fillable PS 3971 from indyapwu.org

Fillable PS Form 3971 from indyapwu.org

From the article: "...Here is a fillable PDF PS Form 3972 form from a local APWU branch..."

Article Reference: indyapwu.org
Fillable PS 3971, PS 3971,

Louisiana man chases, throws rock at a postal worker over a missing check, deputies say

Louisiana man chases, throws rock at a postal worker over a missing check, deputies say

From the article: "...Deputies arrested Ronald Washington Jr., 27, after the postal worker reported the encounter near Labadieville, deputies said in a statement Friday. The postal worker had been on her regular mail route along La. 1014 when the man, later identified as Washington, jumped in front of her postal truck and demanded she deliver his check, deputies said...."

Article Reference: www.theadvocate.com

Postal worker is third person charged in West New York drug probe

Postal worker is third person charged in West New York drug probe

From the article: "James Belardo, 41, the third person taken into custody in the probe, was arrested Wednesday by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s Narcotics Task Force and charged with second-degree conspiracy to distribute cocaine in a quantity greater than one-half ounce. ..."

Article Reference: www.nj.com
Postal drugs,Cocaine,conspiracy to distribute cocaine,Crime,

The Postal Service has released a video celebrating its new Railroad Stations stamps

The Postal Service has released a video celebrating its new Railroad Stations stamps

From the article: "USPS dedicated Railroad Stations on March 9 in Cincinnati at Union Terminal. The stamp is available at Post Offices and usps.com. ..."

Article Reference: usps.com
Railroad Stations stamps, Stamp Collecting,Stamps,

Reward offered in recent East Bay attacks on U.S. Postal workers

Reward offered in recent East Bay attacks on U.S. Postal workers

From the article: "...Postal officials say these attacks now happening almost every week. "Well just in the last several months, from the locks being shot out of the back of the LLVs [long-life vehicles] to people jumping out of cars and putting guns in our letter carriers faces..."

Article Reference: www.cbsnews.com
California Crime Crisis, Open Borders, Gov. Newsom Fails, States With Poor Leadership 2023,America's most dangerous jobs,

Art of the Skateboard U.S. Postage Stamps

"The bold artwork emblazoned on a skateboard deck is often as eye-catching and individualistic as a skater’s most breathtaking moves. These four stamps celebrate the Art of the Skateboard with vibrant designs that capture skateboarding’s excitement and reflect the diversity and influences of the four artists whose work is featured. ..."    

This Article is From: usps.com


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More postal employees indicted for COVID-19 relief fraud

More postal employees indicted for COVID-19 relief fraud

From the article: "A federal grand jury has indicted two more employees of the U.S. Postal Service from Champaign County for fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. On Wednesday, Tasheena White, 32, of the 2400 block of Goodfield Drive, and Uniqua Whitaker, 26, of the 1200 block of Clifford Drive, Urbana, were each charged with wire fraud in connection with Paycheck Protection Program loans. The indictments allege that the women submitted false loan applications and supporting documents..."

Article Reference: yahoo.com
COVID-19,Fraud,Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Fraud by Postal Employees,

Former Austin post office flipped into grocery store, restaurant and bookstore

Former Austin post office flipped into grocery store, restaurant and bookstore

From the article: "The post office closed in June 2021, and services moved to the Northcross Station in north Austin, according to the U.S. Postal Service. The original building at 4300 Speedway was built in 1967, Travis County appraisal records show. Tiny Grocer will be one of the tenants in the redeveloped space. Owner Steph Steele..."

Article Reference: www.kxan.com
Converted Post Offices,

$50,000 Reward for Info on Who Robbed Waccabuc Post Office

$50,000 Reward for Info on Who Robbed Waccabuc Post Office

From the article: "...the Waccabuc Post Office, which delivers the mail for the 500 or so homowners. It came as a surprise to many Westchester residents when the United States Postal Inspection Service posted a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects who robbed the Waccabuc post office on Jan. 10 at 430 pm. The Lewisboro Police Department reported that they responded on 1/10 to the Waccabuc Post Office, located at 2 Post Office Road, on reports of an armed robbery. While there were no injuries, the incident had Post Office employees and residents, in disbelief. ..."

Article Reference: yonkerstimes.com
Crime,post office robbery,Reward, Waccabuc Post Office,

Puppy Porch Pirate Pilfers Postal Parcels Perfectly

Corpus Christi postal worker says this porch pirate pup stole package from home

From the article: "A postal worker in Corpus Christi said she dropped off a package, moved to another street, then noticed this dog running with something familiar in its mouth. ....."

Article Reference: www.kiiitv.com
Puppy Porch Pirate

Blink Charging to supply thousands of EV chargers to U.S. Postal Service

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From the article: "...Blink Charging will provide an initial order of 4,900 chargers to the U.S. Postal Service over three years to support the agency's rollout of electric vehicles. This week the postal service announced it will buy 9,250 electric vans from Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and 14,000 EV charging stations that will be installed at its facilities later this year. Miami Beach-based Blink..."

Article Reference: www.bizjournals.com
Blink Charging, EV Charging Contract (USPS),

South Carolina woman arrested for having $180K worth of cocaine sent to house

South Carolina woman arrested for having $180K worth of cocaine sent to house

From the article: "A woman in Kershaw, South Carolina was arrested for having about six and a half pounds of cocaine worth around $180,000 sent to her house, officials say. ...Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said that the package had two large bricks inside of compressed powder that was addressed to Quanisha Lashay Manago, 28. An agent who was undercover delivered the package...The weight of this Cocaine was 3,014 grams, and Cocaine sells for about $60.00 a gram, making the street value of this parcel over $180,000.00. This was a lot of Cocaine"

Article Reference: www.kiro7.com
South Carolina,Postal drugs,Cocaine,postal crime,

The first two historic post offices put at risk by the S&DC plan

The first two historic post offices put at risk by the S&DC plan

From the article: "The post office on 321 Main Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts...The post office at 421 Jenks Avenue in Panama City, Florida...This month two historic post offices are being put at risk, but it’s only the beginning."

Article Reference: www.savethepostoffice.com