Postmaster General Issues Reminder About COP Three-Day Waiting Period
From USPS Newslink:
NEW POSTAL LAW
Continuation of pay waiting period
The Facts
Employees who experience a disabling on-the-job injury must now wait three days before receiving continuation of pay under the new postal law. During those three days, annual leave, sick leave or leave without pay are to be used.
If the disability exceeds 14 days or becomes permanent, leave used for the first three days can be converted to continuation of pay. This provision became effective the day the law was signed, on Dec. 20.
As you know, the only change in the law was for the first three days after an on‑the-job injury. Employees who are disabled from work because of an on-the-job traumatic injury are entitled to receive continuation of pay for the first 45 days after the injury. Beyond 45 days, employees may apply for compensation payments from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs if the disability continues.
The PMG’s view
The law speaks for itself and is very clear. I expect all employees to work together to implement these changes as required by the new postal law.
This is the third in a series of weekly news stories featuring the Postmaster General giving his views on the new postal law and what it means to the future of the Postal Service and its employees. Employees with comments or questions about this article are welcome to e-mail them to: postallawQ&A@usps.gov. Selected responses with answers will appear in Friday’s Link.



January 17th, 2007 at 6:38 am
This is only a month old law & our fearful leader believes he has to remind us ???? sounds more like he wants to gloat!
January 17th, 2007 at 7:30 am
COP is based on calendar days. Are the first three days of disability CALENDAR days?
January 17th, 2007 at 7:45 am
we were told that the employee is drawing leave as soon as the time of the injury. that is, the employee is not “on the clock” while being transported to the emergency room.
January 17th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
There are exceptions. See ELM 519.54 First-Aid Examination and Treatment for On-the-Job Injury or Illness.
January 22nd, 2007 at 6:00 pm
ELM 519.54? Couldn’t find it.
Is it an codicl?