United States Post Office

[Anonymous <no_email@fake.address>]

In 1985 I worked in the St Petersburg, Florida Post Office Not just a small branch, a distribution center.
as a LSM operator. I was a trainee. My time there was filled
with sexual harrasment. One example, on the loading dock, heavy bags
arrived and we were all told to ask for assitance if the bag
weighed over a certain amount. Upon getting one of those heavy
bags I requested assistance ( just like alot of men did...)
I heard my supervisor yell...Let the old lady go, I love to
see women sweat. I also witnessed supervisors commenting on 
womens physcial attributes in a demeaning way.There were pools being taken as to which guy could get which girl. I filed an 
EEO complaint,  only to wait 3 weeks for them to call me to 
say they could not assist me as they just realized they worked
for the government as well. Told me I had to address my
claims with the supervisors in St Pete. I was eventually let 
go as well as some others for supposedly not passing a test. 
Another woman and I went to our union only to be told since
we were trainees they could not help us ( we weren't members
although Union dues was mandatory). The Union Official did say
that the post office never really needed us, they just did
not want to lose their trainee money in the future and were
protecting themselves. My employment there was hell ! They wore
me and others down on our EEO suit...(or lack of. Had a useless meeting with a PO  Rep...) to the point we  just walked away, they frustrated us so much. A decision I
look back on with regret. But with small children to feed, I 
did not have the time or money to pursue anything. I even contacted
then, Senator Lawton Chiles to tell him about the sexual harrassment and the prevalent drug
use in the postal facility. He was not shocked and admitted having
several other complaints( showed me stacks of files) but could do nothing. It would take an act of 
Congress to do anything about it he said. The PO is a very unfair
workplace for women. Beware if you are considering working there.