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Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) today sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner following up on their November 2025 request for answers about the death of Nicholas John Acker of Trenton at the USPS Detroit Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Allen Park. 
 
In response to their November letter, the Postal Service wrote that the circumstances around Mr. Acker’s death are currently being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and that it would be “inappropriate for the Postal Service to preempt OSHA’s work or share draft of partial information before the investigations are completed.” In addition, the Postal Service Serious Accident Investigation Board (SAIB) has begun an investigation of Acker’s death.
 
“As we continue to await answers from the OSHA and Postal Service SAIB review, we want to emphasize that countless family members of Mr. Acker, alongside concerned community members, continue to come to our office seeking answers that we do not have,” the lawmakers write. “Many are unable to find closure and do not understand how this tragedy could have occurred. It is imperative that these individuals receive comprehensive information about the scope of this incident, and that assurances are made that the Postal Service is taking all possible steps to ensure another incident of this nature never happens again.”
 
“Other employees who work at the facility have expressed concerns to us about their safety and seriously question if the factors that contributed to Mr. Acker’s death pose an immediate risk to their safety on the job. In addition, while the response we received stated, “no management official instructed Mr. Acker to disregard any safety policies while he was working at the Detroit National Distribution Center,” it did not mention the union filed an Article 14 grievance,” the lawmakers continue. “The grievance stated that management was putting pressure on staff to look for letters while the handling machine was operating, and while we appreciate your assurances, we request a copy of the official response to the union grievance.”
 
“As we continue to await the answers to questions that have arisen from this unnecessary tragedy, we also request an opportunity to tour the Detroit NDC facility in Allen Park,” the lawmakers conclude. “We ask that you respond to this scheduling request within two weeks. Ensuring worker safety remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued attention to this matter, and we look forward to your full and prompt response.”
 
View the full text of the letter here.