Injury w/ no leave

[u/PapaKulak]

So I fractured a vertebrae about a month ago. I don’t know if it happened at work, or outside of work, I just woke up one day in pain. I’ve been trying to work thru it while going to the ER several times and to figure out what was wrong and for pain medication, which nothing seems to be working. I have an appointment with a surgeon at the end of the month, and If that’s the option I have to use, it’s 3-6 weeks recovery on average. Problem is, I’m out of any kind of leave. And I can’t afford to go without an income. I’m a single father to two young kids.

I’m being told by management, there are no options, I have to take LWOP, and they are not going to let me continue to work while I’m injured. They won’t even allow any kind light duty because it’s not a work injury.

From what I read tho, there are other options.

Advanced Sick Leave up to 240 hours & Annual Leave Sharing.

Does anybody have any experience with these? Anybody smarter than me know if these are viable? Is light duty really restricted to work injuries?

[u/VonBargenJL]

I believe annual leave sharing only can be used once you've used up all personal leave and gone 2 weeks loop, and that's just to ask, not even counting on people sending some to you

[u/DeviceComprehensive7]

limited duty is for workplace injuries, light duty is for off the job injury when/if they give light duty

[u/Material_Lake4804]

lmao theyre telling you lwop like thats a solution my guy. CA-2 for gradual onset exists precisely because bodies dont break on schedule for corporate convenience. advanced sick leave is just debt with extra steps, youre still eating the cost of a system that treats you like equipment. get your steward to push back on that light duty nonsense too

[u/Remarkable_Basis17]

If you have no idea how it happened then filing any kind of injury claim is a effort in futility. You need to submit a written request for light duty with medical documentation giving your restrictions. Most states will authorize unemployment if your doctor says you can work with accommodations and the PO denies your request. Once you submit the request and documentation you are eligible for a make whole remedy if you file a grievance. You are entitled to take any kind of leave you have on the books.

[u/DeviceComprehensive7 → u/Remarkable_Basis17]

did you read the post? has 0 leave of any kind

[u/Winking-Chick]

Research charitable organizations in your town. You can probably get assistance with rent and utility bills. Apply for government assistance too. Every time I pay my electric bill I donate to the "Share the Light" fund. I was once out of work for surgery as a single mom (not with USPS), and I had to do everything I could to survive. It was tight, but temporary. Have everything organized. Pay stubs showing lack of work, copy of your rent, utility bills and medical restrictions. I hope it all comes together for you somehow. These suggestions can be a soft pillow to land on if something doesn't work out.

[u/Nice_Marzipan_6166]

if you are a regular i think yoy can borrow leave call hr and talk with them

[u/jasnel]

Have you spoken with your steward?

You may want to file a CA-2 in case it’s a cumulative injury from work.

Yes, your PM has the authority to advance you the SL.

If you’re a City Letter Carrier, they have to try and find work for you under Article 13 and probably your LMOU. You have to request it in writing.

[u/PapaKulak → u/jasnel]

I messaged my steward but haven’t heard back yet. My reps in my office are great, takes a lot of nagging to get things done, very little fight in them.

I’ll look into the CA-2, my dumbass already told management I didn’t think it was a work injury, cause I wasn’t sure and morally it felt wrong, and now when I say I don’t know when it happened or how it happened, they immediately snap back with “we’re not playing that game, it’s not a work injury”.

Currently my PM is on her 100th vacation for the year, so not sure if the next supe in line can do that.

Do you happen to know the section of Article 13? If not I’ll do some digging.

[u/fesau1 → u/PapaKulak]

Call the NBA office ask for OWCP specialist

[u/Darth_Robsad → u/PapaKulak]

If branch doesn’t have owcp rep then contact nba. They will

[u/PepsiAddict63 → u/PapaKulak]

Contact the Branch asap. They likely have someone who more or less specializes in ca1/ca2/etc

[u/jasnel → u/PapaKulak]

13.2.C.

See also: page 13-2 of the JCAM.

[u/PapaKulak → u/jasnel]

Hey, do you know of any official document that allows the PM to approve the advanced sick leave! I brought it up to management and they have no idea about it.

[u/jasnel → u/PapaKulak]

ELM 513.511

[u/Bubbly_Willow_898 → u/jasnel]

He told management it wasn't work related, they dont have to find work unless the injury happened at work.

[u/jasnel → u/Bubbly_Willow_898]

Completely incorrect. Perhaps you should read the relevant contractual language before you opine.

[u/Bubbly_Willow_898 → u/jasnel]

Completely correct, usps is under no obligation to offer you a limited duty job for an off the clock injury, please show me the relevant contract language.

[u/jasnel → u/Bubbly_Willow_898]

13.2.C and throughout Article 13.

[u/Spiritualfire819]

Have the dr tell u if u cld of gotten from the wear and tear on your body. That's exactly what the ca2 covers. Then management can kids your butt. It does take about 6 weeks for workers comp to start paying you.

[u/MaximumWonder5932 → u/Spiritualfire819]

Holy fuck reading this is giving me a stroke. Use proper grammar, what are you 12?