PORT JERVIS – Two dozen supporters of 53-year United States Postal Service letter carrier Thomas “Tom” Calvario picketed outside Port Jervis’ post office for several hours on Wednesday. They, and others who stopped by or tooted their horns while passing, were there to protest Calvario’s suspension and last week’s pre-termination escort from his job.
Calvario, who grew up in Port Jervis and has worked in the city for decades, received recent notice and an escort from his job for what the post office said was “unsatisfactory work performance.”
Port’s Postmaster Jamie Burns declined to speak about circumstances involving an employee but suggested that Calvario be asked to share information from the letter sent by Burns. Calvario agreed. The letter cites alleged violations of an agreement signed by Calvario on his hire date – in 1970 – in which Calvario agreed to deliver all mail in a timely manner and with provisions of that time.
Fifty-three years later, Calvario claims changes in postal routes and rules have made those provisions nearly impossible to complete on the busiest delivery days. With the biggest route in Port Jervis – 700 possible delivery stops each day – Calvario said it is not the length of his route or his age that has caused any problems, but increased duties without help over recent years. This includes now having to scan and obtain signatures on certified letters and parcels, and increased volumes of third-class mail.
He wants to return to work to continue his service to the public.
“A lot of them are senior citizens and they can’t get out so I bring stamps with me, I sell them stamps,” he said. “You are supposed to be a public servant and I try to do that and it makes the job so rewarding. Thatt’s why I would like to come back.”
Calvario, a 75-year-old Vietnam-era veteran, overcame a bout with prostate cancer last winter. He was out on a six-month medical leave but says he has recovered and is fine on his route. He says there is just not enough time on some delivery days, and requests for help has been denied.
While he says he has been told he should retire and has considered this for some point in the future, he feels being pushed out for unsatisfactory work performance is not the way he wants to leave. “If I couldn’t do my job, I would retire. But I want my job back, and I want to continue to serve the public and retire on my own terms,” Calvario said. “I love my customers, and I love being outside and doing my job.”
The community has rallied beside Calvario. His younger sister posted a social media message about his situation over the weekend. Messages of support, petitions, and additional protest rallies are in the works, including another gathering in front of the post office set for next weekend.
Several people at Wednesday’s rally, including one resident of Water’s Edge Senior complex, expressed sentiments similar to others.
“You can go all over this city and talk to anyone you see, and you won’t find a single person to say a bad thing about Tom on any block of any street in any neighborhood,” the man said. “He is excellent in his job, not slow, and he cares about every one of the people he delivers to. And we care about him.”
Rally organizer Rachel Dietrich, who also founded the online Facebook page Port Jervis Whatnots and is distributing petitions supporting Calvario’s return to duty, feels he is owed an apology.
“I’m helping Tom because I want him back as my mailman because he is the one of the most competent mailmen out here,” she said. “I’m all about justice being served.”
Ironically, a letter sent by Postmaster General/CEO Louis DeJoy, congratulating Calvario for 55 years of federal service (53 with the post office and two military years) was delivered just days after he was escorted from his postal job last week.
“Your efforts and loyalty have been demonstrated through outstanding achievements,” DeJoy wrote. “Few employees have been able to make their mark on the Postal Service as you have. Thank you for all that you do.”
Calvario says he is leaving all of this in God’s hands – as he always has.
“I’m a simple guy who lives a simple life. I like to deliver mail and play golf. And for this, I’m praying for wisdom and for God to take care of this in whatever way He wants to take care of it,” Calvario said.
