Yes, USPS employees are considered federal civilian employees. While the USPS functions similarly to a business in some ways, it is actually an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States government. This means that it operates under the umbrella of the federal government, even though it doesn’t receive direct tax dollars for its operations.
Here are some key points that support this classification:
- The U.S. Constitution empowers Congress to establish the Postal Service: Article I, Section 8 specifically mentions the post office.
- USPS employees are subject to federal laws and regulations: They undergo a federal hiring process, have access to federal employee benefits, and are protected by federal laws like the FMLA.
- USPS leadership is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate: The Board of Governors oversees the agency, and the Postmaster General serves as its chief executive.
Therefore, while the USPS may not fit the typical mold of a federal agency, its employees are officially classified as federal civilian employees.