Every day, in communities across America, Postal Service employees help fulfill the Postal Service′s mandate to provide universal delivery to the American people. USPS is one of the nation′s largest employers and one of the most trusted government agencies in the country. USPS employees reflect the values and diversity of the cities and towns they live in and serve, and remain steadfast in their commitment to provide excellent service to all Americans.

Employees on the Move

A sizeable workforce is required to deliver more than 200 billion pieces of mail a year and connect virtually every home and business in the United States. With more than 663,000 employees, the Postal Service is the second largest civilian employer in the country.

In 2008, the Postal Service′ complement of career and non-career employees declined by a net 20,841 — 21,524 fewer career employees, but with the addition of 683 non-career employees.

A labor-intensive business, we constantly look for ways to help our people work more efficiently. These efforts include continuous workforce planning, recruiting a talented workforce, providing competitive compensation and benefits, and offering effective job-based training and career development.

We also provide consultation to USPS management associations — the National Association of Postal Supervisors, National League of Postmasters and National Association of Postmasters of the United States. These associations represent supervisory, managerial and other non-bargaining employees in the field.

Compensation and Benefits

USPS compensation plans are designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, while meeting all federal government requirements. Compensation and benefits for current employees and retiree health benefits make up almost 80 percent of our operating expenses.

Federal law mandates that compensation and benefits for our employees be comparable to the rates and types of compensation paid in the private sector. The Postal Service participates in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which provides excellent coverage and flexibility, with most of the cost paid by the Postal Service.

We also participate in the federal retirement program, which provides a defined benefit annuity at normal retirement age, as well as disability coverage. Our employees also can participate in a thrift savings plan, a defined contribution retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k).