Title: New RCA — Is This Normal or Is My Office Just Poorly Managed?

[JalamaMama]

I’m a fairly new RCA, and I’m wondering if what I’ve been experiencing is typical or if I just ended up in a poorly managed office.

My first scheduled shadow day wasn’t a shadow day at all. I showed up on a Saturday, there was no postmaster or supervisor present, and the other carriers were instructed to give me packages, a map, and keys to an LLV and send me out delivering.

I was supposed to receive several days of on-the-job training after academy, but I only received one day riding with the regular carrier on my assigned route.

Since then, the postmaster has had me learning bits and pieces of multiple routes rather than allowing me to concentrate on learning my assigned route. Another RCA who started about two weeks before me is in pretty much the same situation. We’re basically trying to figure things out together.

I’m regularly working 10–11 hour days, often without breaks, and getting only one day off a week. The vehicles have no air conditioning, and we’ve had some extremely hot weather.

There is no supervisor other than the postmaster, so on Sundays and holidays we’re basically left to figure things out ourselves.

I was also given training materials at academy describing how new RCAs are supposed to be trained, but my actual experience has been nothing like what was outlined.

I understand that being a new RCA comes with a steep learning curve, and I certainly don’t expect the job to be easy. I’m willing to work hard and learn, but it’s difficult to become proficient when the training is so inconsistent and I’m constantly being moved around.

My question to experienced rural carriers and RCAs: Is this really how new RCAs are trained nowadays? Did any of you experience something similar, and did things eventually improve? Or is this a sign that I should look for another office?

 

[jaymacgthree]

Many offices are poorly managed. Yours is especially so. Your first 10 weeks (5 pay periods) you should only be delivering your assigned route and providing parcel help to other routes. Another office may provide a better work environment but then again it may not. Given you don't have much time invested so far in that office you won't be giving up much if you leave it.

You have to do everything you can to keep yourself safe. Fatigue and heat are real concerns so stay cool and take breaks to keep yourself safe. You ARE entitled to a 30 minute lunch break despite what management may lead you to believe.

Postmaster and supervisors (collectively) are the most overpaid, underworked and superfluous form of management ever discovered in human society. There is a reason why they are commonly referred to as Ghostmasters.

Academy doesn't prepare carriers fully nor is the on-the-job training sufficient at the Postal Service. We frequently learn as we go. The fact that you are determined enough to still be with us is promising. My hope is you have a kind fellow carrier that you can go to with questions or if you need assistance.

Since you are soliciting opinions, I will say from where I sit based on what you wrote I would be looking for another office. However you are busy getting plenty of hours, another office you might get only 1 day of week or less of work depending on the routes. Depend on if you want steady income, you may be better off where you are. The repetitive nature of our work means you will get faster and find better ways to organize yourself that make the workday easier. Best wishes for your new career.

 

[gotstamps]

Many offices are poorly managed. Yours is especially so. Your first 10 weeks (5 pay periods) you should only be delivering your assigned route and providing parcel help to other routes. Another office may provide a better work environment but then again it may not. Given you don't have much time invested so far in that office you won't be giving up much if you leave it.

Incorrect. The first 2 pay periods (4 weeks) is Primary Route training & only serving mail for that route as well as Parcels for any route & Sundays. The 10 weeks you are thinking of is pay over evaluation.

By contract, the RCA is supposed to have 24 hours training with the Regular Carrier on the Primary route.

 

[gotstamps]

I’m a fairly new RCA, and I’m wondering if what I’ve been experiencing is typical or if I just ended up in a poorly managed office.

My first scheduled shadow day wasn’t a shadow day at all. I showed up on a Saturday, there was no postmaster or supervisor present, and the other carriers were instructed to give me packages, a map, and keys to an LLV and send me out delivering.

I was supposed to receive several days of on-the-job training after academy, but I only received one day riding with the regular carrier on my assigned route.

Since then, the postmaster has had me learning bits and pieces of multiple routes rather than allowing me to concentrate on learning my assigned route. Another RCA who started about two weeks before me is in pretty much the same situation. We’re basically trying to figure things out together.

I’m regularly working 10–11 hour days, often without breaks, and getting only one day off a week. The vehicles have no air conditioning, and we’ve had some extremely hot weather.

There is no supervisor other than the postmaster, so on Sundays and holidays we’re basically left to figure things out ourselves.

I was also given training materials at academy describing how new RCAs are supposed to be trained, but my actual experience has been nothing like what was outlined.

I understand that being a new RCA comes with a steep learning curve, and I certainly don’t expect the job to be easy. I’m willing to work hard and learn, but it’s difficult to become proficient when the training is so inconsistent and I’m constantly being moved around.

My question to experienced rural carriers and RCAs: Is this really how new RCAs are trained nowadays? Did any of you experience something similar, and did things eventually improve? Or is this a sign that I should look for another office?

That is not training!

Please contact your Union Steward about how mgmt is handling your training. It can be looked up on the Union website by your work zipcode or ask your Regular Carrier. You obviously do not have a Local Steward in your office.

 

[neciat]

I’m a fairly new RCA, and I’m wondering if what I’ve been experiencing is typical or if I just ended up in a poorly managed office.

Yes !! And I am being honest and sincere here. From reading your above post, sounds like you have that "sticktoitiveness" and I am sure you WILL succeed IN SPITE of them. They have absolutely no business running you around on parts of routes you do not know and don't know where you are going. Heck, you just figured out where the bathroom is. The job is difficult enough to grasp even when the proper procedures are followed. I kinda' hate doing this because you have enough going on but I am going to cite some official language so you do not think that I nor anyone else that offers input is just "spouting off" . There ARE policies and procedures in place for new RCAs.

2. A newly appointed leave replacement will work only in the
assigned office for the first two full pay periods in that
office. The leave replacement will serve only the primary
assignment and may also deliver parcels on any rural
route and on Sundays and holidays in the assigned office
during these pay periods

That was from what you will hear referred to as "the contract".

The following is from The F-21 ( which probably means next to nothing to you but what it says does )

F-21 ( Time and Attendance handbook ) Section 587.13 -- Standard Program.

The standard training program for rural carriers consists of a minimum of 24 hours ( 3 days ) of class room instruction using simulation, followed by a minimum of 24 hours of on-the-job training ( OJT ), which may be conducted in increments of less than 8 hours but not less than 2 hours per day. Each office has the option of adding time to allow practice in casing and deliver and to cover local policies and procedures

That will do it for now on the citations. There are more. As @gotstamps stated above, get in contact with a local union rep. I understand and realize that perhaps you do not want to "make waves" but the appropriate union rep. will act as your intermediary. You keep up that positive attitude and remember that while you may be a newer hire, you are not an old door mat.

 

[jaymacgthree]

Incorrect. The first 2 pay periods (4 weeks) is Primary Route training & only serving mail for that route as well as Parcels for any route & Sundays. The 10 weeks you are thinking of is pay over evaluation.

By contract, the RCA is supposed to have 24 hours training with the Regular Carrier on the Primary route.

Thank you. You are correct. Old age is catching up with me it seems.