Ontario Postman Reinstated After Hoarding 6,000 Pieces of Mail

An arbitrator has ordered the reinstatement of Hyun Min Jang, a former mail carrier for Canada Post, who was dismissed for hoarding approximately 6,000 pieces of mail during the summer of 2022. The decision, made by arbitrator Kathleen G. O’Neil, follows the revelation that Canada Post was unaware of Jang’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at the time of his termination.

Jang, who worked as a rural and suburban mail carrier in King City, Ontario, was fired after an investigation revealed a significant backlog of undelivered mail in his personal vehicle. Items included important documents such as wedding invitations, health cards, and immigration papers. According to O’Neil’s ruling, the delay in delivery ranged from days to over two months.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed a grievance against Jang’s dismissal, acknowledging that hoarding mail constitutes major misconduct for a mail carrier. Nevertheless, the union advocated for Jang’s reinstatement, arguing that his mental health condition contributed to the situation.

O’Neil noted in her decision, “The medical evidence negates some of the intentionality in Jang’s delay of mail,” suggesting that his PTSD symptoms impaired his ability to perform his duties effectively. Despite recognizing the serious nature of Jang’s actions, the arbitrator determined that he should be reinstated in light of his medical circumstances.

Jang had worked for Canada Post for nearly eight years, having transferred from a route in Brampton to King City in late June 2022. The new route presented challenges that Jang found difficult to manage, leading to his accumulation of undelivered mail. He reported feeling intimidated by his colleagues and described the atmosphere at the King City facility as “dark.”

Upon discovering the undelivered mail on September 14, 2022, the postmaster intervened after receiving customer complaints about missing deliveries. The arbitrator’s decision reflects Jang’s struggles with PTSD, which he reported began in childhood and manifested as various symptoms, including anxiety and difficulty concentrating.

While O’Neil reinstated Jang, she specified that he would not receive back pay. He must provide adequate medical evidence confirming his fitness to return to work. Until then, he will be on authorized leave without pay, maintaining access to benefits as outlined in the collective agreement.

Canada Post is currently facing significant financial challenges, with a reported $541 million loss before tax in its most recent quarterly report, marking the largest loss in the company’s history. The reinstatement of Jang highlights the complex intersection of workplace performance and mental health, underscoring the need for appropriate accommodations for employees facing similar challenges.