Are Postal Workers Federal Employees?

Although the U.S. Postal Service was completely managed by the U.S. government prior to 1971, it is now considered an independent agency of the government. As such, it has a board of governors who are responsible for setting rates and policies for the service. Nine of the 11 members are appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The board then elects a postmaster general and deputy postmaster general.