President Biden recently signed an executive order making December 24, 2024, a federal holiday. This decision sparked conversations across government offices. While many federal employees will enjoy the day off, it’s a different story for the United States Postal Service (USPS). For USPS employees, work will go on as usual.
USPS: Federal Yet Independent
USPS is part of the federal government but operates independently. Since 1970, it has followed its own policies. Executive orders granting federal holidays don’t automatically apply to USPS workers. This independence shapes how USPS functions and underscores its critical public service role.
USPS Holiday Policies in Practice
The executive order allows agency heads to decide if certain offices should stay open to meet public needs or maintain security. USPS’s responsibility to deliver mail and packages nationwide makes closing on December 24 impractical, especially during the busy holiday season.
Postal workers often describe their situation with a mix of humor and pragmatism:
“When it’s good for federal employees, we’re not government. When it’s bad, we are.”
This captures the dual nature of their role as federal employees committed to public service.
Meeting Public Expectations During the Holidays
The holiday season is the busiest time for USPS. Millions of letters and packages need timely delivery. A single day off could cause delays and backlogs. Workers know that skipping Christmas Eve delivery would mean facing an even heavier workload later.
“We’ve never had the day off before,” one worker noted, reflecting on similar orders in the past. “Imagine the public reaction if we didn’t deliver on Christmas Eve.” This commitment highlights the importance USPS places on meeting customer expectations, even during peak times.
The Bigger Picture of USPS Independence
USPS’s unique status comes with both advantages and challenges. While excluded from some federal holidays, it also avoids disruptions like furloughs during government shutdowns. This operational independence helps USPS maintain consistent service when other agencies pause.
However, this separation can feel isolating. Postal workers often express frustration about missing out on broader federal benefits, like holidays from executive orders. Still, many appreciate the stability that USPS’s structure provides.
Dedicated to Service
USPS employees embody dedication to public service. They ensure that holiday cheer, in the form of letters and packages, reaches every corner of the country. While others may enjoy an extra day off, postal workers will continue their essential work, delivering the magic of the season.
The December 24 executive order serves as a reminder of USPS’s balance between its federal ties and independent mission. As the nation celebrates, USPS workers remain steadfast, ensuring no holiday mail is left behind.