RCA Sunday Requirements
- Thread starter Orange
- Start date
Rt2mailman
Well-known member
I've seen Rca's not work any Sundays, and claim for religious reasons, they were hired before Amazon started, however.
Orange -- "Are all RCA’s required to work Amazon Sunday’s?"
-- Depends...history lesson...
-- Step 4 ( R-54 ) provided for the establishment of a list for substitutes, RCA's, and rural carrier relief employees who desired Sunday work -- back in 1996.
-- USPS letter dated October 8, 2003 with the subject line of Sunday Package Delivery Work List - Rural Carriers. PTF, RCA's, substitutes, and RCR's at Hub locations were afforded the opportunity to sign the Sunday Package Delivery Work List. There was no obligation to offer Sunday work on a rotating basis for those on the list. Also, those on the list could be bypassed if there was a possibility of going into OT at week's end.
-- NOV 2013 -- It was announced that the "Postal Service to Make Sunday Deliveries for Amazon".
-- MOU ( S-106 5/24/2016 ) established the Sunday/Holiday Parcel Delivery Work List. A NRLCA rep and a postal rep were to create a listing of all available RCA's, RCR's, substitutes, and PTF's assigned to a hub location. Those on the list had to indicate if they wanted the Sunday / Holiday work or not. Then the lists were alphabetized by last name - regardless of seniority, etc. One list was for those wanting the work. A second list was for those who did not want the work. But those on the second list might be called in if insufficient number available from the "desired" list.
RCA's serving on vacant routes or covering for an absence of a regular carrier would not be scheduled for Sunday/holiday work. Nor would those with approved leave or an approved non-scheduled day next to a Sunday or holiday -- unless the RCA noted in writing the desire to work. Those on the list could be bypassed if there was a possibility of going into OT at week's end.
ARC's at the hub location would be utilized before those on the list.
-- And as "Rt2mailman" posted -- religious reasons could be the reason an RCA doesn't do Sunday Amazon.
-- Depends...history lesson...
-- Step 4 ( R-54 ) provided for the establishment of a list for substitutes, RCA's, and rural carrier relief employees who desired Sunday work -- back in 1996.
-- USPS letter dated October 8, 2003 with the subject line of Sunday Package Delivery Work List - Rural Carriers. PTF, RCA's, substitutes, and RCR's at Hub locations were afforded the opportunity to sign the Sunday Package Delivery Work List. There was no obligation to offer Sunday work on a rotating basis for those on the list. Also, those on the list could be bypassed if there was a possibility of going into OT at week's end.
-- NOV 2013 -- It was announced that the "Postal Service to Make Sunday Deliveries for Amazon".
-- MOU ( S-106 5/24/2016 ) established the Sunday/Holiday Parcel Delivery Work List. A NRLCA rep and a postal rep were to create a listing of all available RCA's, RCR's, substitutes, and PTF's assigned to a hub location. Those on the list had to indicate if they wanted the Sunday / Holiday work or not. Then the lists were alphabetized by last name - regardless of seniority, etc. One list was for those wanting the work. A second list was for those who did not want the work. But those on the second list might be called in if insufficient number available from the "desired" list.
RCA's serving on vacant routes or covering for an absence of a regular carrier would not be scheduled for Sunday/holiday work. Nor would those with approved leave or an approved non-scheduled day next to a Sunday or holiday -- unless the RCA noted in writing the desire to work. Those on the list could be bypassed if there was a possibility of going into OT at week's end.
ARC's at the hub location would be utilized before those on the list.
-- And as "Rt2mailman" posted -- religious reasons could be the reason an RCA doesn't do Sunday Amazon.
littlesew&sew
Well-known member
The answer to your question is really dependent on your office/management. We have a sub in our office that's allowed to only be available every other Sat (J route) for his primary route - nothing else. All the other RCAs are expected to come in and work at the drop of a hat on any route in our APO/RMPO group. The rest of us were expected to be available every Sunday mid-November through end of December also.
The way it's supposed to be done - a volunteer and non-volunteer list is supposed to be posted for RCAs at the same time as the RDWL for the regular carriers. The hub office is supposed to rotate the volunteer RCAs on Sunday and only call the non-volunteer RCAs if there's need for them. The way I understand it, ARCs are supposed to be working before any RCAs are called in.
During December our PM was actually in our office (he's out on a higher level detail) so I asked him if I could refuse to work on Sunday since I am active in my church. His answer was no. He said that RCAs are fired for refusing to work on Sunday because it equates to being repeatedly unavailable. I actually laughed in his face and said, "You should really enforce those rules in the office where you're actually the postmaster."
The way it's supposed to be done - a volunteer and non-volunteer list is supposed to be posted for RCAs at the same time as the RDWL for the regular carriers. The hub office is supposed to rotate the volunteer RCAs on Sunday and only call the non-volunteer RCAs if there's need for them. The way I understand it, ARCs are supposed to be working before any RCAs are called in.
During December our PM was actually in our office (he's out on a higher level detail) so I asked him if I could refuse to work on Sunday since I am active in my church. His answer was no. He said that RCAs are fired for refusing to work on Sunday because it equates to being repeatedly unavailable. I actually laughed in his face and said, "You should really enforce those rules in the office where you're actually the postmaster."
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>littlesew&sew said </strong>
The answer to your question is really dependent on your office/management. We have a sub in our office that's allowed to only be available every other Sat (J route) for his primary route - nothing else. All the other RCAs are expected to come in and work at the drop of a hat on any route in our APO/RMPO group. The rest of us were expected to be available every Sunday mid-November through end of December also.
The way it's supposed to be done - a volunteer and non-volunteer list is supposed to be posted for RCAs at the same time as the RDWL for the regular carriers. The hub office is supposed to rotate the volunteer RCAs on Sunday and only call the non-volunteer RCAs if there's need for them. The way I understand it, ARCs are supposed to be working before any RCAs are called in.
During December our PM was actually in our office (he's out on a higher level detail) so I asked him if I could refuse to work on Sunday since I am active in my church. His answer was no. He said that RCAs are fired for refusing to work on Sunday because it equates to being repeatedly unavailable. I actually laughed in his face and said, "You should really enforce those rules in the office where you're actually the postmaster." </blockquote>
What was the response from your pm to your last statement above ?
The answer to your question is really dependent on your office/management. We have a sub in our office that's allowed to only be available every other Sat (J route) for his primary route - nothing else. All the other RCAs are expected to come in and work at the drop of a hat on any route in our APO/RMPO group. The rest of us were expected to be available every Sunday mid-November through end of December also.
The way it's supposed to be done - a volunteer and non-volunteer list is supposed to be posted for RCAs at the same time as the RDWL for the regular carriers. The hub office is supposed to rotate the volunteer RCAs on Sunday and only call the non-volunteer RCAs if there's need for them. The way I understand it, ARCs are supposed to be working before any RCAs are called in.
During December our PM was actually in our office (he's out on a higher level detail) so I asked him if I could refuse to work on Sunday since I am active in my church. His answer was no. He said that RCAs are fired for refusing to work on Sunday because it equates to being repeatedly unavailable. I actually laughed in his face and said, "You should really enforce those rules in the office where you're actually the postmaster." </blockquote>
What was the response from your pm to your last statement above ?
graveldriver
New member
Been reading and learning a lot from the forums here for a long time now, and finally decided to respond to a post as I've been dealing with this issue for the past 4 years.
When Amazon first started in our area, we RCA's were told that it was all volunteer, I had my manager come up to me and ask if I would volunteer for the 1st Sunday, as I knew 3/4 of the routes in my office. I agreed to do the 1st Sunday and I also stipulated that I would not be volunteering to do Amazon in the future, as I am religious and attend mass every Sunday. Also, I was hired prior to doing Amazon Sunday as part of your job requirement.
Fast forward a couple weeks and the lack of volunteers to do Amazon seemed to surprise our managers. Management came out with a policy, that stipulated that volunteers would be used, and then those RCA's who were not scheduled for 40 hrs that week would fill the remaining spots. PTF's were excluded from doing Amazon in our office. I went to our union rep at the time and was told a grievance had already been filed on religious grounds, and that I would have to do Amazon until the grievance was resolved when scheduled. I continually asked about the grievance, and was told there had been no decision on it.
The volume of Amazon pkgs increased over time along with the number of Amazon routes. When I first started the average number of pkgs were 65-80. Currently, we are averaging 120 - 140 pkgs per route. When we first started we had a 8:00 am show time, and you could finish by 12 - 1 pm, now our start time is 10 am and depending on route, you can finish between 3 pm - 5:30 pm.
Over time, management started forcing other RCA's out of smaller offices to start doing Amazon out of our large office. We had 2 senior RCA's one with 19 years as a sub, and another sub with 10 years at the PO quit rather then be forced to do Amazon as they had not been hired to do Amazon. In addition, management started having PTF's do Amazon Sunday.
Recently, I spoke with my new Union rep concerning the grievance on religious grounds. He told me that there had been a number of RCA's in our district who had not had to work Amazon Sunday due to their religious belief's, and our UNION went to court to make them work Amazon Sunday as it was unfair to the other workers (RCA's) in our office. Needless, to say, I was totally shocked hearing that our union did that! He also told me, that if it wasn't for Amazon, most of us RCA's would not have a job and we should be thankful for them.
When Amazon first started in our area, we RCA's were told that it was all volunteer, I had my manager come up to me and ask if I would volunteer for the 1st Sunday, as I knew 3/4 of the routes in my office. I agreed to do the 1st Sunday and I also stipulated that I would not be volunteering to do Amazon in the future, as I am religious and attend mass every Sunday. Also, I was hired prior to doing Amazon Sunday as part of your job requirement.
Fast forward a couple weeks and the lack of volunteers to do Amazon seemed to surprise our managers. Management came out with a policy, that stipulated that volunteers would be used, and then those RCA's who were not scheduled for 40 hrs that week would fill the remaining spots. PTF's were excluded from doing Amazon in our office. I went to our union rep at the time and was told a grievance had already been filed on religious grounds, and that I would have to do Amazon until the grievance was resolved when scheduled. I continually asked about the grievance, and was told there had been no decision on it.
The volume of Amazon pkgs increased over time along with the number of Amazon routes. When I first started the average number of pkgs were 65-80. Currently, we are averaging 120 - 140 pkgs per route. When we first started we had a 8:00 am show time, and you could finish by 12 - 1 pm, now our start time is 10 am and depending on route, you can finish between 3 pm - 5:30 pm.
Over time, management started forcing other RCA's out of smaller offices to start doing Amazon out of our large office. We had 2 senior RCA's one with 19 years as a sub, and another sub with 10 years at the PO quit rather then be forced to do Amazon as they had not been hired to do Amazon. In addition, management started having PTF's do Amazon Sunday.
Recently, I spoke with my new Union rep concerning the grievance on religious grounds. He told me that there had been a number of RCA's in our district who had not had to work Amazon Sunday due to their religious belief's, and our UNION went to court to make them work Amazon Sunday as it was unfair to the other workers (RCA's) in our office. Needless, to say, I was totally shocked hearing that our union did that! He also told me, that if it wasn't for Amazon, most of us RCA's would not have a job and we should be thankful for them.
graveldriver
New member
My office hasn't and I've been told will never use regulars to do Amazon. The only exception was during the Christmas period where regulars could volunteer to do Amazon. We had none this past year volunteer. The year prior we did have 2 regulars who volunteered to do Amazon. I don't remember if they actually did Amazon.
The PO won't use regulars as it wouldn't be cost effective. The average RCA is making around $17.65 an hr. This is even cheaper than Amazon pays their Flex program drivers who make $25 - $32 hr delivering pkgs.
I've also have kept a running list of interesting things I've had to deliver. My list includes 7 fully assembled BBQ's, an 8 coil spring mattress, an adult steel swimming pool. I did miss out on delivering a dis-assembled minibike, as I got switched on a route.
edited for spelling
The PO won't use regulars as it wouldn't be cost effective. The average RCA is making around $17.65 an hr. This is even cheaper than Amazon pays their Flex program drivers who make $25 - $32 hr delivering pkgs.
I've also have kept a running list of interesting things I've had to deliver. My list includes 7 fully assembled BBQ's, an 8 coil spring mattress, an adult steel swimming pool. I did miss out on delivering a dis-assembled minibike, as I got switched on a route.
edited for spelling
PastOThirty -- "Have any offices forced regulars in on Sunday for Amazon? "
-- Not unless they want to have a grievance filed ASAP.
-- Step 4 ( R-54 ) -- In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- Page 3 of the contract - Article 8 - In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- That is until the next MOU comes out for Sunday work for regulars during the Christmas No-Overtime Period. ( wink, wink )
-- Not unless they want to have a grievance filed ASAP.
-- Step 4 ( R-54 ) -- In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- Page 3 of the contract - Article 8 - In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- That is until the next MOU comes out for Sunday work for regulars during the Christmas No-Overtime Period. ( wink, wink )
Deer Smearer
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>btdtret said </strong>
PastOThirty -- "Have any offices forced regulars in on Sunday for Amazon? "
-- Not unless they want to have a grievance filed ASAP.
-- Step 4 ( R-54 ) -- In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- Page 3 of the contract - Article 8 - In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- That is until the next MOU comes out for Sunday work for regulars during the Christmas No-Overtime Period. ( wink, wink ) </blockquote>
I have 11 different 8191s filled out with everything but the date of the incident and date of discussion. They're in plastic sheet protectors at the case. They're are also some 1767s. Kind of like a missile silo aimed at "little fat man" as a deterrent for manglement's stupid ideas.
Works for me.
PastOThirty -- "Have any offices forced regulars in on Sunday for Amazon? "
-- Not unless they want to have a grievance filed ASAP.
-- Step 4 ( R-54 ) -- In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- Page 3 of the contract - Article 8 - In part -- Regular carriers may not work on Sunday.
-- That is until the next MOU comes out for Sunday work for regulars during the Christmas No-Overtime Period. ( wink, wink ) </blockquote>
I have 11 different 8191s filled out with everything but the date of the incident and date of discussion. They're in plastic sheet protectors at the case. They're are also some 1767s. Kind of like a missile silo aimed at "little fat man" as a deterrent for manglement's stupid ideas.
Works for me.
PastOThirty -- "during this “emergency” where there is more Amazon to deliver on Sunday than hours in the day, they will soon turn to regulars. "
-- Why not point out to manglement that the Article 3 - Management Rights - defines an "emergency situations" as "an unforeseen circumstance or a combination of circumstances which calls for immediate action in a situation, which IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE OF A RECURRING NATURE."
-- Knowing that there is a continued lack of subs can hardly be "an unforeseen circumstance"!
"There are not anywhere close to the minimum needed to function subs, none in the pipeline, and no interviews scheduled, but they are posted! "
-- That and the growing number of Amazon parcels does seem point to a "recurring nature."
"Realistically it is a sixteen hour day or more and we are finishing after midnight."
-- And of course, the NRLCA has never fought ( at least openly ) for "night-time differential" or "extra pay" for Sunday work for rural carriers.
-- Why not point out to manglement that the Article 3 - Management Rights - defines an "emergency situations" as "an unforeseen circumstance or a combination of circumstances which calls for immediate action in a situation, which IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE OF A RECURRING NATURE."
-- Knowing that there is a continued lack of subs can hardly be "an unforeseen circumstance"!
"There are not anywhere close to the minimum needed to function subs, none in the pipeline, and no interviews scheduled, but they are posted! "
-- That and the growing number of Amazon parcels does seem point to a "recurring nature."
"Realistically it is a sixteen hour day or more and we are finishing after midnight."
-- And of course, the NRLCA has never fought ( at least openly ) for "night-time differential" or "extra pay" for Sunday work for rural carriers.
Shafted
Well-known member
OMG dear smeared, tha was the best post I have read in a while. Efficiently pre filled, and ready to go disarming weapons for combatting management, filed and in the silo. Fantastic attitude, disarm mgt with a subtle warning, before they are stupid enough to wage a battle they can't win. Brilliant.
D.B.Cooper
Active member
I've heard of a "Little Fat Man" dictator in North Korea who may want to take a few pointers from the Deer.... <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" />
littlesew&sew
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>Howah44 said </strong>
What was the response from your pm to your last statement above ? </blockquote>
PM said that he needed to speak to supervisor and headed directly back to the office. Haven't seen or heard from PM since.
Unavailable RCA is still working only his primary route - he even missed an Express a couple weeks ago with nothing said to him at all.
What was the response from your pm to your last statement above ? </blockquote>
PM said that he needed to speak to supervisor and headed directly back to the office. Haven't seen or heard from PM since.
Unavailable RCA is still working only his primary route - he even missed an Express a couple weeks ago with nothing said to him at all.
Remmikstan
New member
It wouldn't be so bad on sundays if the po actually planned and organized it properly. Where our subs go ( small 7 rte office ) to the neighboring large city it is always a mess with crazy people locking all the carriers in until the rates are covered. Which means our subs often are forced to take the big city routes they don't know instead of the parcels for the town they work in. Even to the point of making them unload their vehicle to load a different route. It's amazing there are any subs left and the union leaves them outside in the cold.
Remmikstan
New member
And they put in parcels that do not have Sunday delivery on them!! Need to have subs checking that during mail count!!!
D.B.Cooper
Active member
I guess this an advantage to having a route that delivers out in the boonies... as far as I know, nobody is delivering any parcels on my route on Sundays... <img title="Smile" alt="Smile" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-smile.gif" />
gotstamps
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>Remmikstan said </strong>
And they put in parcels that do not have Sunday delivery on them!! Need to have subs checking that during mail count!!! </blockquote>
We get parcels on Saturday & on Monday that say "Sunday Delivery". We also get parcels on Monday for Businesses that couldn't be delivered on Sunday. Those words are just a guesstimate.
And they put in parcels that do not have Sunday delivery on them!! Need to have subs checking that during mail count!!! </blockquote>
We get parcels on Saturday & on Monday that say "Sunday Delivery". We also get parcels on Monday for Businesses that couldn't be delivered on Sunday. Those words are just a guesstimate.
Please share the link to these moa
specifically the Sunday scheduling
please look in rural carrier news or the knowledgebase.Please share the link to these moa
please look in rural carrier news or the knowledgebase.
I found it on the 42nd page of the knowledge base, after scrolling through the first 41 lol The search engine wasn’t working too well or maybe it was just me!
