The concept of the ACO was implemented with the intent that all personnel will be treated equally in regards to FMLA absences. Whether this is true, or not, is debatable. If one were to believe that statement, and everyone is treated equally, then filing an EEO complaint would not be a viable option since you could not claim disparate treatment, harassment, or discrimination, among other claims.
Filing a complaint utilizing EEO channels is a personal decision. Your Union cannot readily help you because that is not their area of expertise, however, they may be able to advise you if filing an EEO complaint would be a viable option for your particular circumstances. If you do file a personal EEO Complaint, I would not advise participating in mediation under REDRESS, nor would I advise in allowing any unnecessary extensions. Of course, that is my personal opinion.
There is an ongoing Class-Action EEO that has been certified by an Administrative Judge (AJ) at the Denver Regional EEOC. If you are a Postal Employee within the Denver District (to include Colorado Springs), and possibly the Western Region, if not Nationally, then you should visit "The EEO Page" on this website for further information. If you file a personal EEO complaint, and it falls within the parameters of the Class-Action EEO, it can be subsumed under the Class-Action EEO until such time as the class-action is dismissed, or a settlement can be reached, or a final ruling is made in Federal District Court, whichever would apply. You can also request that you be made a part of the Class-Action EEO. But, if the class-action fails, then you will have no further recourse utilizing EEO channels.
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