Adverse Action-Legal Defense Plan

An Adverse Action is a disciplinary action that effects your level or pay for more than 14 days. One of the ten National Adverse Action Counselors in consult with the UPMA Legal team handles these cases. To be eligible for the Adverse Action Legal Defense Plan (AALDP) benefits, you must be an active EAS member of UPMA for at least one year prior to the initial proposed adverse action. The date the UPMA National
Office processes a Form 1187 determines the Member’s effective date.

Now having more than 13,000 active members, we are very lucky that adverse actions are less than 1% each year. Follow the rules. Ask for written instructions on verbal directives that do not seem to comply with USPS regulations. If you are going to follow the verbal instructions, respond with that directive in an email that asks if you are correct, that these were the verbal instructions that you were given?

As an Adverse Action Counselor, my first advice is to always remember that “Integrity” is doing what is right, even when no one is watching. Don’t let circumstances, intimidation or threats, rob you of your personal integrity. Under pressure it may seem like the “easy way” out to “just take care of it” but when those instructions come, unless you ask for and receive them in writing, it’s going to be your career discipline that is on the line. If this is a position that you find yourself in, immediately contact your Chapter CMR, or Chapter President.

                       borrowed from Jackie Deter, The Californian Newsletter

UPMA is the premier representation organization for all USPS EAS employees.                                              7/25/26

To ensure we continue providing our members with the absolute best representation available, we are announcing the launch of our National Member Representative (NMR) Mentorship Program. This program is designed to identify, train, and mentor future leaders for appointment to the NMR position, ensuring a strong and seamless succession of advocacy for our membership.

Program Details & Requirements

We are looking for dedicated, knowledgeable members who are ready to step up and represent their peers.

● Selection Criteria: Candidates will be selected based on their qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
● Travel & Flexibility: Applicants must be highly flexible and able to travel on short notice to assist members when needed.
● Core Competencies: Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a deep understanding of postal operations regulations, ELM 650, and a passion for advocacy.

How to Apply

If you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to serve as a National Member Representative, we encourage you to apply.

1. Complete the attached application form.

2. Submit your completed application via email.
● Submission Deadline: August 10, 2026.
● Submit to: Cathy Winnie at cathywinnie@yahoo.com 

If you think you have what it takes, use this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and the future of UPMA.

Jim Maher
UPMA National Executive Vice-President

The United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA) is committed to representing the membership in all areas, including adverse actions. The Adverse Action Legal Defense Fund (AALDF) and the Adverse Action Legal Defense Plan (AALDP) were established for the membership to provide representation to active UPMA members in appealing adverse actions taken against them. Postmasters and Managers receiving notice of an adverse action (defined in ELM Section 651.71) should immediately contact a UPMA National Adverse Action Member Representative (see a list at Unitedpma.org). The Postmaster or Manager will sign a “Designation-of-Representation-form” and transmit it to the UPMA National Member Representative. The Member Representative will assist the Member in making a verbal reply to the charges, pursuant to ELM 651.74, and will begin coordination of the defense with the UPMA Legal Defense attorney. Generally, the UPMA legal defense attorney does not become actively involved until a decision letter is issued pursuant to ELM 651.75.