KNOWLEDGE IS PROTECTION

walkerchris554

Oct 20

2 min read

APWU Hosts OWCP Training to Empower Federal Employees

DALLAS, TX | October 20, 2026

Under the leadership of APWU Union President Chris Walker, federal employees gathered at the Dallas APWU Union Hall for the OWCP Tour with Chris & Gini, an educational event focused on protecting employee rights, navigating workplace injury claims, and strengthening management accountability.

The training welcomed employees from across the federal workforce and provided practical strategies for navigating the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP).

Key Training Highlights

The featured presentation, "25 Things YOU Can Do to Win in OWCP," equipped participants with actionable guidance in five critical areas:

Claims & Deadlines: Understanding CA-1/CA-2 filings, required documentation, continuation of pay (COP), and critical submission deadlines.
Medical Rights & Documentation: Selecting treating physicians, obtaining accurate medical narratives, and ensuring injuries are properly documented.
Return-to-Work Protections: Understanding CA-17 medical restrictions, limited-duty assignments, and medically appropriate return-to-work procedures.
Union Advocacy: Leveraging union representation, grievance procedures, and applicable federal regulations to protect employee rights.
Management Accountability: Understanding when and how to pursue concerns through the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Special Counsel, Merit Systems Protection Board, and other appropriate channels.

Participants also received guidance on ECOMP, the federal electronic system used to submit and manage workers' compensation claims.

Leadership Beyond Representation

For President Walker, initiatives like the OWCP Tour demonstrate that effective union leadership extends beyond resolving grievances. It requires proactive education, accessible resources, and empowering members before workplace challenges escalate.

The event reinforced three essential principles:

Know Your Rights: Understand the protections available under federal law.
Document Everything: Maintain accurate records, medical evidence, and written communications.
Take Informed Action: Meet deadlines, seek union guidance, and use the appropriate channels to address concerns.

Strengthening the Membership

The OWCP Tour reinforced APWU's commitment to an informed, engaged, and empowered membership. By connecting employees with practical knowledge and specialized guidance, the union continues to advance workplace fairness, employee protection, and accountability.

An informed member is an empowered member. An empowered membership is a stronger union.

MEMBER RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE

APWU Union President Chris Walker

2010 Postal Way, Dallas, TX 75212

Phone: (214) 631-3162

Federal Workers' Compensation: www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/FECA

ECOMP Claims Portal: www.ecomp.dol.gov

Individual claim requirements and deadlines vary. Members should consult current OWCP guidance and their union representatives.