In this live episode from the APWU Spring Seminar in Fort Myers, Florida, Chris, Gini, Ian Williams (President of Mid Florida APWU), and union leader Victor break down the most pressing OWCP and USPS injury claim issues facing federal employees today.

Whether you're a new USPS worker or a longtime union member, this episode is packed with valuable insights into federal workers’ compensation (OWCP), Continuation of Pay (COP), and union rights.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• ✅ How to file an OWCP injury claim correctly (CA-1, CA-2, CA-16 explained)
• 📅 What is Continuation of Pay (COP) and how to qualify
• 🛑 What to do when your USPS supervisor refuses to cooperate or give you the right forms
• 💼 Why privatization of USPS could destroy your benefits & union protections
• 👷‍♂️ Union job security: What Article 6 says about layoff protection (for under 6 years)
• 🧠 Real USPS injury stories + how to avoid common mistakes
• 🚨 Your rights under OWCP even if you're off-duty or injured outside of work
• 🧾 Should you use personal insurance for a work injury? (Short answer: NO)

💬 Special Segment:

🔥 Real Q&A with federal employees — including a nonstop stream of OWCP and USPS questions from a postal worker in Alabama, answered LIVE.

Who should listen?

• USPS employees with questions about OWCP
• Union stewards and APWU leaders
• Injured federal workers needing claim support
• Anyone facing retaliation, denial, or confusion with USPS injury reporting

🎧 Resources & Links:
📍 Visit Federal Injury Centers to get your OWCP claim handled by experts
📩 Need help filing your CA-1 or CA-7? DM us anytime.
📅 Follow for weekly USPS OWCP updates and training sessions.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this episode of Breaking OWCP Podcast with Chris & Gini, the hosts dive deep into OWCP second opinion doctor visits – a critical step that up to 90% of federal injury claimants face​. They explain the federal laws (FECA and regulations) that require injured employees to attend these exams, outline your rights (like bringing a witness), and give clear, practical advice for preparing. Listeners will learn why OWCP orders second opinions (e.g. unclear diagnosis, stalled recovery, or conflicting doctors)​
how to handle the appointment, and what to do afterward. The tone is supportive and straightforward, designed for federal workers, union reps and advocates to feel informed and empowered.

Episode Highlights 

Major Takeaways & Practical Tips:

• Attend Every Exam: Under FECA, you must go to the OWCP medical exam as scheduled​. Missing it without a good reason (illness, emergency) can lead to a suspension of your benefits​. Plan ahead (take leave if needed) so you can make it on time.
• Bring a Support Person: You are entitled to bring a witness or advocate to the exam​. This could be a union steward, spouse or coworker. They will quietly observe and may take written notes about the doctor’s behavior, questions asked, and exam duration​. Their presence can deter misconduct and provides a second set of eyes.
• No Recording & Quiet Demeanor: Do not record the exam (audio or video). Federal regulations explicitly forbid recording during OWCP exams​. If the doctor or your witness does anything disruptive, OWCP could cancel the exam and cut benefits. Everyone must remain calm and professional.
• Immediately Document the Visit: As soon as the exam is over (even in your car on the way home), write down everything you remember: the doctor’s name and specialty, how long the exam took, what questions were asked, and how the doctor treated you​. Having a detailed personal account helps protect your case if the exam report seems off.
• Get the Report & Seek a Referee if Needed: After the exam, request a copy of the second-opinion report through OWCP’s ECOMP system​. Compare it carefully with your treating physician’s reports. If the report clashes with your doctor’s findings, you have the right to ask for a referee exam by a board-certified specialist​. This referee will review both opinions and issue a new determination, which can override an unfavorable second opinion.
• Stick to Work-Related Questions: During the visit, answer only questions related to your accepted work injury and its treatment. You are not required to discuss unrelated personal matters (family, other health issues, private life)​. Politely decline or steer the conversation back to job duties and symptoms.

Upcoming Events: Chris & Gini will continue this conversation in person at these upcoming gatherings:

• Florida APWU Convention (Fort Myers, FL) – They’ll be on-site for meetings and a live podcast session with Florida postal union members​.
• FLEOA Rally (Washington, DC) – The following week they’ll join the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association event in DC, a national rally on federal workers’ comp issues​.

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Description:
In this episode Chris and Gini break down three critical topics every injured federal employee must understand:

• FCEs (Functional Capacity Evaluations)
• MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement)
• Schedule Awards

They explain, in simple terms, what each means, how it impacts your OWCP case, and how to navigate the system without getting crushed. You’ll learn:
 ✅ Why FCEs matter for your return to work
 ✅ What MMI really means for your future
 ✅ How Schedule Awards are calculated (and why most workers miss out!)
 ✅ Why getting your claim accepted first is the key to everything
✅ Common mistakes that delay or deny OWCP benefits
✅ How to protect your job, health, and financial future if you're injured on the job

Plus, they answer tons of live audience questions, share real success stories, and explain how Federal Injury Centers maintains a >95% claim acceptance rate.

If you're a federal employee struggling with OWCP — or just trying to understand your rights and options — this episode is packed with powerful advice you won't get anywhere else.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Tonight’s Topics: FCEs, MMI, and Schedule Awards
03:00 – What Federal Injury Centers Does (and Why It's Different)
05:30 – FCEs: What They Are and How to Survive Them
12:00 – The Critical Importance of Filing Your Injury Claim Early
22:00 – Understanding MMI and Its Career Implications
30:00 – How Schedule Awards Really Work (and Common Myths)
41:00 – Why Most Injured Workers Never Hear About Schedule Awards
49:00 – Q&A: Real-Life OWCP Scenarios Solved
53:00 – Closing Thoughts and What's Coming Next Week (Second Opinions!)

Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 FederalInjuryCenters.com — Find a trained OWCP doctor near you
• 📲 Download the Breaking OWCP Podcast on your favorite app

Connect with Us:
➡️ Facebook: Federal Injury Centers
➡️ Instagram: @federalinjurycenters
➡️ Podcast: Breaking OWCP Podcast

Next Week’s Topic:
🔥 How to Handle Second Opinion Doctors (And Protect Your Claim)

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

In this informative episode of Breaking OWCP With Chris & Gini, we dive deep into the critical topics of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and Schedule Awards for federal employees with work-related injuries. Learn how these important OWCP benefits work, when you qualify, and how to navigate the process successfully.

Key topics covered:

• What Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) means for your OWCP claim
• How to qualify for a Schedule Award
• The difference between limited duty and light duty assignments
• Your rights when facing second opinion doctors
• How to handle job offers with reduced hours
• The relationship between disability retirement and Schedule Awards
• Why you should file legitimate claims before separation from employment

Whether you're currently injured or want to understand your rights as a federal employee, this episode provides essential knowledge about the OWCP process from experts with decades of experience helping federal workers navigate the system.

OWCP schedule award, maximum medical improvement federal workers, FECA benefits, federal employee injury compensation, OWCP claim process, limited duty vs light duty, second opinion doctors OWCP, federal disability retirement, CA-7 form filing, OWCP accepted claims, federal injury centers, federal employee rights, OWCP medical benefits, schedule award eligibility, federal workers compensation, OWCP permanent impairment, federal employee MMI, FECA schedule award rates

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

"Postal Service Privatization Fears: The Truth from Union Leader Rich Ray"
Episode Description: In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Rich Ray, Second Vice President of Branch 41 (Brooklyn and Staten Island Letter Carriers), to address the growing concerns about postal service privatization. Rich brings over 24 years of union experience to cut through the rumors and provide clarity on what's really happening inside the USPS.

Key Topics Covered:

• Can the President privatize the postal service through executive order?
• The real challenges facing the postal service (hint: it's not the craft employees)
• Why privatization would take at least a decade to implement, if it ever happens
• How to protect yourself if you're injured on the job
• The importance of union representation and knowing your rights
• Why supervisors who threaten employees over injury reports are violating federal law

Notable Quotes:

• "They've been talking about privatizing us since 1974." - Rich Ray
• "Knowledge is power. Be with your union. Go to the union meetings. Don't be worried to report problems." - Rich Ray
• "The postal service is like a dirt rail. It's not that simple to sell us off or take us over."

Resources Mentioned:

• Hot House with Richie Ray podcast
• Federal Injury Centers (www.federalinjurycenters.com)
• Branch 41 website (branch41.org)
• Concerned Letter Carriers (concernedlettercarriers.com)

Tags: #PostalService #USPS #UnionRights #LetterCarriers #NALC #WorkplaceInjury #OWCP #FederalEmployees #PostalWorkers #Privatization #WorkersRights #UnionLeadership

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

Behind the Woodshed: What Supervisors Get Wrong About OWCP (And How to Fight Back)

Welcome to another epic "Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini!" This week, we take supervisors behind the woodshed and break down the most common mistakes and violations happening inside federal agencies when it comes to injured employees.

👉 What do you do when your boss tells you to keep working after a dog bite? 👉 Can a supervisor force you to sign a limited duty offer on the spot? 👉 What’s the truth about the infamous CA-16 form and your rights as a federal employee?

Chris and Gini bring the heat with no-nonsense advice, woodshed-worthy stories from federal employees, and the laws and regulations that protect YOU.

Plus:

• Breaking news: Partnership with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)
• Upcoming union rallies & trainings in Tennessee, Las Vegas, and Florida
• A heartfelt message to every federal employee impacted by workforce reductions

💥 Whether you’re union strong or navigating OWCP alone, this episode arms you with the knowledge and power to stand your ground.

🎧 Don’t miss out on woodshed night! Hit play and take notes — because it could save your job and your health.

#OWCP #FederalEmployees #UnionStrong #WorkersRights #WoodshedNight #FederalInjuryCenters #FLEOA #InjuredWorkers #WednesdayNightChats #ChrisAndGini #KnowYourRights

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

COP vs. LWOP: Understanding Your Federal Injury Benefits & Rights

Are you a federal employee struggling with OWCP, Continuation of Pay (COP), or Leave Without Pay (LWOP)? In this powerful episode of Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini, we break down everything you need to know about your rights, benefits, and how to ensure you get paid when you're injured on the job.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

• What is Continuation of Pay (COP) and how to qualify for it?
• Understanding Leave Without Pay (LWOP) and how to file correctly
• Why filing your injury claim immediately is critical
• Common mistakes that lead to claim denials
• Supervisor and union responsibilities in OWCP cases
• What to do if you're facing termination while injured
• How federal employees can fight back against unfair treatment

🚨 Don't Get Denied! 🚨
Chris & Gini answer top listener questions, expose OWCP myths, and give you insider tips on how to navigate the complex system and protect your paycheck.

📢 Call to Action:
If you're a federal employee, share this episode with your coworkers and union reps. Your rights matter! 💪

📍 Resources Mentioned:

• File your claim: ECOMP.dol.gov
• Contact OSHA: 1-800-321-OSHA
• Find an OWCP-trained doctor: Search for "OWCP injury doctor near me"

🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss future episodes where we continue to break down federal injury compensation, OWCP laws, and strategies to WIN your case!

🎧 Listen now and take control of your OWCP claim!

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

🎙️ Wednesday Night Chats: 9 Years Later – Breaking OWCP Myths & Winning Claims 🚨

It started with a simple idea—helping federal employees navigate the OWCP nightmare. 9 years later, Wednesday Night Chats with Chris & Gini has grown into a powerhouse for injured federal workers, helping over 6,000 claims get approved and reaching nearly 500,000 views in the past month alone!

💡 In This Special Anniversary Episode, We Cover:
✅ The Biggest OWCP Deadlines that can make or break your claim
✅ Why 36,000+ federal employees follow this show for life-changing info
✅ The CA-16 form trick that could save you THOUSANDS in medical bills
✅ How we went from “nobody will watch this” to nearly half a million views!
✅ Schedule Awards, Timelines & How to Fight Back against claim denials

🚨 Your Injury. Your Rights. Your Future.
Chris and Gini break down the barriers between you and your benefits. Whether you’re new to OWCP or fighting to get a claim approved, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN.

🎉 Join the Celebration!
Drop a comment if Wednesday Night Chats has helped YOU! Share this episode with a coworker who’s struggling with an OWCP claim—it could change their life.

🔔 Don’t Miss Out!
Subscribe for weekly expert advice, insider strategies, and the TRUTH about OWCP.

📲 Need Help? Visit the BREAKING OWCP website for resources, claim assistance, and a list of trusted OWCP doctors.

#WednesdayNightChats #BreakingOWCP #OWCPHelp #FederalWorkersComp #InjuredAtWork #WorkersCompensation #ClaimApproval

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

** if you want the video where they Screen share  this form click here 

In this episode of Breaking OWCP with Chris and Gini, Chris and Gini take you through the essential steps of filling out the CA-7 Claim for Compensation form for federal workers' compensation. This episode is packed with expert insights, ensuring that federal employees understand exactly how to navigate the form, avoid common mistakes, and get paid without unnecessary delays.

Chris walks you through the CA-7 form section by section, explaining how to properly complete each part, what documentation needs to be attached, and how to ensure your supervisor's section is filled out correctly. From understanding what qualifies as acceptable documentation to addressing issues with your claim, Chris and Gini provide all the tools you need to ensure you're getting compensated for your time off.

Key Takeaways:

• Detailed instructions on how to fill out the CA-7 form correctly
• The required documentation you need to attach to ensure your claim is accepted, including the CA-17, CA-20, and disability narratives
• How to fix mistakes in your supervisor’s section to avoid delays in your pay
• Practical advice for staying proactive and organized in the claims process
• The critical importance of working with an approved healthcare provider to ensure your claim is accepted

If you've been confused or frustrated with the CA-7 form or have faced issues getting paid, this episode is for you. Tune in for clear, actionable guidance on how to complete the form and take the necessary steps to ensure you’re getting the compensation you deserve.

Links:

• Federal Injury Centers – Access all necessary forms and resources for federal workers' compensation.
• Follow Chris & Gini on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for more tips and insights on handling the federal workers' comp process.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review!

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

"Denied OWCP Claim After Workplace Injury? How to Fight Back & Win!"

Episode Title: Denied OWCP Claim After Workplace Injury? How to Fight Back & Win!

Description: Welcome to Breaking OWCP Podcast with Chris and  Gini  the go-to show for federal employees navigating the complex OWCP claims process. If you've ever felt lost, frustrated, or unsure about your federal worker's compensation rights, you're in the right place.

In this episode, we tackle real questions from injured federal employees, including:

• A USPS worker's OWCP claim denied after being T-boned by a garbage truck—what went wrong?
• The biggest mistakes that get claims denied (and how to avoid them).
• The truth about choosing your doctor—can you travel out of state?
• What to do when management pushes you beyond your medical restrictions.
• How to fight for your compensation and get back to work the right way.

Key Takeaways: ✅ How to get your OWCP claim approved—even after denial.
✅ The importance of a strong medical narrative in proving your injury.
✅ Your rights when choosing a federal injury doctor.
✅ Why persistence and proper documentation are key to winning your case.

This episode is packed with expert advice to help you navigate your OWCP claim with confidence. Don’t let the system beat you—take control of your claim today!

🔔 Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with expert insights on workers' comp, OWCP claims, and federal injury rights.
🎧 Listen Now: Available on all major podcast platforms.

#FederalWorkersComp #OWCPClaims #USPSInjury #WorkersRights #FederalEmployeeHelp #DeniedClaim #BreakingWKRP

Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com
Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook
To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com
To Email information: [email protected]
Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @
Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini