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Survey paints dismal picture of worker morale at Metroplex Mail Distribution Center in Pontiac

Posted at 10:21 PM, Jun 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-11 09:37:57-04

A workplace survey about the Metroplex Mail Distribution Center in Pontiac paints a dismal picture of workplace life.

The survey, exclusively obtained by 7 Action News, was sent out to more than 700 union workers in May. One hundred and seventy five people have responded so far.

The overwhelming majority call it a "toxic work environment" - circling words like "hostile", "tense", and "difficult" when answering questions.

One worker wrote about a manager, claiming she rules by "favoritism and personal vendetta."

American Postal Workers Union Local 480-481 President Roscoe Woods says he's taken his concerns to management numerous times, but no one is taking them seriously.

This is the same facility where 5 workers died on the job in 14 months, the latest happening in October of 2015. All the workers died of natural causes.

Woods says about workplace life, "My fear is this could lead to workplace violence."

US Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence are now listening to concerns. All are in communication with the APWU.

They wrote a letter earlier this year to the Postmaster General when workers had concerns about methane gas detection. Air testing was done and levels were found to be safe.

The USPS District Office released a statement saying: "The Postal Service is committed to working with all employees to address any workplace concerns brought to our attention."

Worker Kim Landingham flagged us down and went on the record, even though she felt she could get fired for talking.

She claims, "It's like walking on egg shells when we go to work, it's torture."

We're told federal lawmakers are expected to show up to a union meeting this weekend to hear accusations of torture, intimidation, and harassment.