For him, Sunday was a sacred day reserved for rest, reflection, worship, and family. It was a principle woven tightly into his upbringing and spiritual identity. From childhood sermons to family traditions, from scripture to personal conviction, he had always believed that the Sabbath was a day set apart.
But everything changed in 2013.
That year, the U.S. Postal Service entered into a major partnership with Amazon, agreeing to deliver its growing wave of packages on Sundays. This contract was part of a broader effort to revive USPS finances, modernize its operations, and meet public demand for rapid delivery.
To many Americans, this was simply an innovation—a convenience.
To Groff, it was the beginning of a storm.
Pressure, Discipline, and a Rising Conflict
At first, Groff was able to avoid Sunday shifts through scheduling arrangements and voluntary swaps. He took on unpopular hours during the week, covered challenging routes, and made himself available in ways few others could.He hoped that his dedication would preserve his religious commitments without burdening others.
But as Amazon delivery volume increased, the flexibility evaporated. Managers began assigning mandatory Sunday shifts to all rural carrier associates—including Groff.
When he refused to accept Sunday assignments, citing his religious beliefs, disciplinary write-ups followed. He was labeled unreliable. He was penalized for absences. The working environment grew increasingly strained.
He tried every solution available:
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asking for swaps,
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offering to work extra hours on other days,
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volunteering for holidays,
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requesting alternative assignments.
But nothing worked. Continue reading…