Hello friends. I purchased my RHD in December after my postmaster and I had been talking about it for several months. I submitted the paperwork two weeks later. They denied it. The reason being I wasn’t the official sub for the route in the office that needed it. There are 3 routes, only 1 needs it. The other two have access to the metris. I an not allowed to use my vehicle while running those routes. I have to use the metris. As a sub, I have filled in at 6 other offices where I have been required to use it. Anyways, we switched me so that I am now the primary sub on the route that needs it. Resubmitted it in the beginning of March. I have asked her if she’s heard anything at least once a month since June. I’m starting to get annoyed because apparently she hasn’t and I need new tires. Insurance is expensive. Is there a number I could call to see if she even submitted it? I contacted the union rep and never heard back.
MOU 8
specifically includes leave replacement employee classifications.
Unless your purchase fails to meet the other necessary conditions for the incentive, I don't know where the confusion lies.
I'd file daily on that issue under the squeaky wheel principle. Tell your manager you wish to have a union representative present with you during your step 1 discussion(s). Ask the manager to schedule a date and time with your rep to hold that discussion, and notify you of the date and time they agreed to meet with you to hold that discussion. Sometimes higher-level management is slow to respond or non-responsive to lower-management. It's not always friendly behind the scenes. I don't know whether that's the case here.
If the union or management deviates, initiate an article 2 (discrimination) grievance for denied access to grievance rights by the union and/or management.
Before you file that one though, give the union a chance to respond. Call the rep then wait two days. (Management might forget or "forget" to call and schedule with your rep.) Leave your name, number, and what office which you work. Speak slowly and clearly. If there is an option to have your message read back to you, do that. I've had reps claim they couldn't make out what my message said, as though it was garbled. Whether that was true or they were just using that claim as an escape to responding timely... I'll "never" know.
No response? Call again then wait one day.
Still no response? Call two consecutive days.
Still no response? Continue calling your rep consecutive days in addition to the the district representative.
Still no response? Call your rep and the DR on consecutive days in addition to calling and the national office.
National Rural Letter Carriers' Association - (703) 684-5545
Keep your phone on you and the ringer turned up. Understand they might try calling you just one time (perhaps later that week) at some odd hour of the day (i.e., call you back after 5:00 PM so even if you call back immediately, it will go to the national office's voice-mail so they can dodge your call, yet claim how you just wouldn't pick up the phone, despite their efforts.)
Good luck! I hope it all works out for you!
& file a grievance.
