American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
OWCP Hub & Member News Center
Welcome to your official union portal. Access essential step-by-step guidance and Department of Labor forms for OWCP injury claims, alongside daily announcements, weekly bulletins, and local leadership updates.
OWCP Injury Claims
Step-by-step guidance for CA-1 and CA-2 claims, official DOL forms, and treating physician selection rules.
Union News & Bulletins
Daily announcements, weekly membership updates, meeting notices, and important policy changes.
Direct Union Advocacy
Direct lines to OWCP representatives, local stewards, and executive officers ready to protect your rights.
Member Information Feed
Updates & News Bulletin Board
Stay informed with daily announcements, weekly local bulletins, official union statements, and urgent policy updates.
New OWCP Form CA-7 Electronic Processing Rules Effective Immediately
The Department of Labor has updated processing workflows for Continuation of Pay (COP) and wage-loss compensation claims. Members submitting Form CA-7 must now ensure medical documentation covers the exact disability timeframe prior to supervisor electronic submission. Contact your union rep immediately if compensation is delayed.
Upcoming General Membership Meeting & OWCP Q&A Session
Join us at the Local Union Hall for our monthly meeting. A special 30-minute workshop on protecting your rights during OWCP light-duty assignments will precede the regular agenda.
Reporting Hazard Conditions & Occupational Illness (CA-2)
Reminder for all craft employees: repetitive motion injuries and workplace environmental exposure must be documented promptly on Form CA-2 with detailed narrative statements.
Department of Labor Resources
OWCP Claims Guidance & Forms Library
Access official Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) forms, step-by-step reporting protocols, and the Department of Labor ECOMP filing system.
1. Select Claim Type Guidance
Traumatic Injury Claim
For sudden injuries occurring during a single work shift (e.g., slips, falls, acute physical strain). Must be filed within 30 days to claim Continuation of Pay (COP).
- 45 days Continuation of Pay eligible
- Obtain Form CA-16 prior to doctor visit
- Submit via DOL ECOMP portal
Occupational Disease Claim
For conditions produced by work environments or repetitive motion over more than a single shift (e.g., carpal tunnel, tendonitis, hearing loss).
- Detailed medical narrative required
- Includes work duty history statement
- File within 3 years of exposure awareness
Wage Compensation Claim
Filed to claim disability compensation for lost wages following the 45-day COP period, or for leave buy-back and Schedule Award claims.
- Requires CA-7a Time Analysis Form
- Requires current medical disability note
- Pays 66 2/3% to 75% of regular pay
FECA Protections & Member Knowledge Base
Your Legal Rights & Medical Rules
Understanding your statutory rights under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) ensures your claim is protected from initial injury through recovery.
Choice of Physician
Under FECA, you have the absolute legal right to choose your initial treating physician. Management cannot force you to see a postal doctor or clinic for treatment.
Continuation of Pay (COP)
For traumatic injuries (CA-1), you are entitled to up to 45 calendar days of regular wage continuation without using your personal sick or annual leave.
Limited Duty Offers
Any modified job offer must strictly match the physical limitations specified by your treating physician on Form CA-17. Never accept work exceeding medical limits.
Appeal Rights & Hearings
If OWCP denies your claim, you have 30 days to request an Oral Hearing or Written Review, or up to 1 year to request Reconsideration with new medical evidence.
Frequently Asked OWCP Questions
Q: What if my supervisor refuses to issue Form CA-16 for medical treatment?
Management is required by law to provide Form CA-16 within 4 hours of a traumatic injury. If they refuse, seek medical attention immediately, inform the medical provider it is an on-the-job injury, and contact your Union Steward.
Q: What is a "Causal Relationship" medical narrative?
A causal relationship statement is a detailed written report from your physician explaining medical reasoning as to how your specific workplace duties or traumatic incident directly caused or aggravated your medical condition.
Q: Can management force me to attend a Second Opinion (SECOP) examination?
OWCP (not local postal management) has the authority to direct you to a Second Opinion examination. You must attend, but your union representative can review the exam notice and medical questions sent to the doctor.