Dingell, Colleagues Express Concern Over Workplace Safety at Pontiac USPS Facility

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) are expressing concerns about workplace safety at the United States Postal Service (USPS) Michigan Metroplex P&DC in Pontiac, Michigan and across other Southeast Michigan USPS Facilities. Since May 2026, employees have raised safety concerns and offered solutions to management, but to date employees report that nothing has been done to rectify the situation. “On September 1, 2026, a non-maintenance supervisor at the facility used a maintenance bypass code, which is supposed to be known and handled by mechanics only, to start a bundle sorting machine that was placed in maintenance mode and shut down for repairs. However, a maintenance employee was inside the machine when the non-maintenance supervisor attempted to start it, which could have resulted in major injury or death. Fortunately, the machine was shut down before it could activate,” the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers continued: “According to employees at the facility, staff have been raising this safety concern since May 2026, indicating reoccurring negligence of this issue. Employees have brought both complaints and solutions before management, although nothing has been done to rectify the situation. It is concerning that requests for proper safety protocol have been largely neglected, especially after the death of Mr. Nicholas Acker, who was found in a similar mail handling machine at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, Michigan. This is unacceptable, and employees should have the confidence that they are protected on the job. USPS has the responsibility to enforce proper safety protocols and standards.” In a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, the lawmakers noted that the USPS has a responsibility to ensure that employees are safe and protected on the job. A copy of the letter can be found HERE and below: Dear Postmaster General Steiner: This letter is regarding workplace safety concerns at the United States Postal Service (USPS) Michigan Metroplex P&DC in Pontiac, Michigan. We are concerned by the reports of unsafe practices at this facility and across Southeast Michigan. On September 1, 2026, a non-maintenance supervisor at the facility used a maintenance bypass code, which is supposed to be known and handled by mechanics only, to start a bundle sorting machine that was placed in maintenance mode and shut down for repairs. However, a maintenance employee was inside the machine when the non-maintenance supervisor attempted to start it, which could have resulted in major injury or death. Fortunately, the machine was shut down before it could activate. According to employees at the facility, staff have been raising this safety concern since May 2026, indicating reoccurring negligence of this issue. Employees have brought both complaints and solutions before management, although nothing has been done to rectify the situation. It is concerning that requests for proper safety protocol have been largely neglected, especially after the death of Mr. Nicholas Acker, who was found in a similar mail handling machine at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park, Michigan.  This is unacceptable, and employees should have the confidence that they are protected on the job. USPS has the responsibility to enforce proper safety protocols and standards. Given the USPS’s role in ensuring worker safety, we request clarification on this matter and written responses to the following questions: 1. Was USPS aware that a non-maintenance supervisor had knowledge of and used a maintenance bypass code on multiple occasions, which could have led to serious, life-threatening consequences? 2. What steps will USPS take to ensure that only qualified employees have access to the maintenance code? 3. Have any disciplinary actions been taken, and if not, what correctional actions will USPS pursue? 4. How often are program evaluations, service talks, safety observations, and inspections conducted at this facility, as described in the Employee and Labor Relations Manual, and how will USPS adapt the safety training and protocols to address this problem at the facility? 5. What are the appropriate procedures for employees to communicate complaints or concerns with the appropriate staff when a supervisor is involved in an unsafe practice? 6. What future actions will USPS put in place to ensure a similar situation does not recur? Ensuring worker safety remains our top priority. Thank you, and we look forward to your full and prompt response.