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Pressured to file grievance

J

JFT

Well-known member
Hey everyone,
I have a couple of regulars really pressuring me to file a grievance because we have a really out dated matrix and most Subs aren’t even on the current one posted. Our supervisor was recently asking us for our first and second choices to update the current one so I don’t really see any point in filing and I’m wondering why these regulars care if I file or not.

Any thoughts or advice? I’d like to just mind my own biscuits so life will be gravy...lol
 
The Matrix is the Holy Gospel for RCAs. It dictates Order of Consideration. All offices should be using them. Only issue we have in my office is that as fast as they update the Matrix, newly hired RCAs are leaving. They put in their training time, work a bit and leave. I think in great part to the pressure exerted to finish the routes in eval time. Being an RCA, myself, I feel that they should be introduced to their primary route slowly, to "learn" it. Once they get their sea-legs and feel comfortable, then they should be encouraged to find the best method that works for them to get their times in order. I have seen a lot of subs become over-stressed by management and some regulars prodding them to "go faster." Mistakes are made; sometimes we see accidents, too. But for my office, having a working Matrix is necessary. So if your office is like mine, working with very few subs, the regulars are falling down on their jobs. They need to file the 120-day paperwork to get management to do some proper hiring....not just warm bodies that make it through the initial training.
 
JFT -- "I have a couple of regulars really pressuring me to file a grievance because we have a really out dated matrix and most Subs aren’t even on the current one posted. Our supervisor was recently asking us for our first and second choices to update the current one so I don’t really see any point in filing and I’m wondering why these regulars care if I file or not."

-- They want you to file so you will have the target on your back, not their's.

-- Just because the super was asking for RCA choices, doesn't really mean the super was actually going to use the input.

-- Contact your Assistant District Representative about the Matrix mess. Manglement usually responds more quickly when dealing with a union rep. Let the ADR do the "heavy" lifting.

-- Is the Matrix even posted in the office? If not, that is a grievance.

-- Search for "matrix" in RI's KNOWLEDGEBASE Section.

-- From the "Matrix Quick Reference Checklist": #11 - Is there a time frame for redoing the Matrix? No. When circumstances create a large number of blanks due to conversion, auxiliary route assignments, etc., management should review the list to determine if some movement of qualified leave replacements or cross training if needed.
 
They are using u - my regular readily admits she is not as knowledgeable about the matrix as am I because it effects me but not her - the matrix does not affect them when it begins to affect YOU negatively then mention it to your PM then file if the problem is not solved so says my experience -
 
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I think regular carriers can have legitimate concerns about the matrix when it's not being followed, e.g. they're stuck with some newb RCA doing the route instead of the primary assigned to it, who is (possibly) more experienced and less likely to make mistakes, leave mail, etc.

I got a call a few weeks back from an RCA who had worked a route other than her primary, and a brand new hire worked the primary that day. I asked her about the difference in pay and she told me the primary route paid less. I asked her if she had not been trained on the route and she said, no she had done the route before and was fine with it. I told her of course she could file the grievance, but she should be aware that it might not work out to her benefit in that she may lose out on additional pay for the larger route and additional opportunities to work. She said she didn't really understand, but her regular told her she should always work her primary and she needed to file a grievance.

In my experience, it's very rare that a co-worker at the USPS --unless it's a union rep who is required by law to deal with you fairly-- gives two humps about how you're being compensated or if you're being treated fairly or whatever. If they're giving you advice, it's almost always because it benefits them somehow: the regular carrier wants the primary to work the route so mail isn't leftover, or perhaps they're a sh*t-stirrer who is afraid to file their own grievances but wants to sit back and enjoy the show while you fight with management, or maybe even they've got some grudge against you and are looking to get you fired.

I could fill this forum with stories of how co-workers screwed each other over, sometimes for no other reason than they enjoyed the turmoil and the drama grievances (sometimes) cause in offices.
 
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Hmm. I been knudging an RCA about filing grievance about seniority... I am positive she has seniority over an RCA on aux rt. She wants the aux. It would be detrimental to us if she goes to the aux, but if that's what she wants....????
So the question is, can I file the grievance?
 
flash -- " I been knudging an RCA about filing grievance about seniority... I am positive she has seniority over an RCA on aux rt. She wants the aux. It would be detrimental to us if she goes to the aux, but if that's what she wants....????
So the question is, can I file the grievance?"

-- Someone else's seniority and someone else's AUX. You are not actually being harmed. So, no.

-- Let the RCA file on the seniority issue.

-- Possibly have the Assistant District Representative look at the situation.
 
Excuse my ineptness here... How can an RCA who is not covering an AUX run have more seniority? If this other RCA passed on bidding on the AUX run do to whatever reasons. Does that now make them more Junior to the AUX coverage and the Matrix? If they refused to bid when AUX came up for bid. Should not it be NO AUX award now?

If this more Senior RCA transferred to this office based on date of hire I can comprehend. I am also aware of if this AUX needs coverage and no RCA has opted to cover it. It goes to the most Senior RCA in mix available first before transfer.
 
Windindaface -- No "ineptness" involved. Actually we got off topic just a bit. Moving on -- jJust going by what "flash" posted. Per Paul Harvey, we don't have the "rest of the story" which involves how the AUX was awarded and how seniority was determined.

-- AUX's are awarded to qualified substitutes, RCA's, and rural carrier relief employees in the order of the longest continuous period of service at that office, without regard to classification.

-- Your points are certainly valid.

-- Maybe "flash" can provide some more details on RCA #A who now has the AUX and RCA #B who wants it.

- such as hiring dates, reporting to the office dates, etc.

BTW - "flash", appropriate avatar.
 
It’s also worth noting that these same carriers have been really working on me to join the union. It was just 2 and now there’s 3 of them telling me I should file and also that I am basically stealing from our craft because I haven’t joined the union. I do know that one of these 3 lives to start crap and even told me themselves to “watch, I’m about to start something” and proceeded to go stir up another RCA. I just want to do my job and I’m sure I could file a grievance but I’m the newest RCA at our office and I can’t help but think they’re putting me up to it because they don’t want to get their hands dirty.

It’s funny too because I actually know a lot because of this forum and all of you guys but most carriers I talk to in person can’t even tell me what’s in the contract. I’ve mentioned this forum and basically get blank stares like they have no clue what I’m talking about.

Im so grateful I’ve found you all!!
 
Windindaface said:
Excuse my ineptness here... How can an RCA who is not covering an AUX run have more seniority? If this other RCA passed on bidding on the AUX run do to whatever reasons. Does that now make them more Junior to the AUX coverage and the Matrix? If they refused to bid when AUX came up for bid. Should not it be NO AUX award now?

If this more Senior RCA transferred to this office based on date of hire I can comprehend. I am also aware of if this AUX needs coverage and no RCA has opted to cover it. It goes to the most Senior RCA in mix available first before transfer.
Click to expand...

Auxiliary routes are bid like Primary routes to the most Senior RCA that wants it. Seniority dates do not change. The RCA (des. 78) is still an RCA but changes Designation to “79” after 90 days.
 
JFT said:
It’s also worth noting that these same carriers have been really working on me to join the union. It was just 2 and now there’s 3 of them telling me I should file and also that I am basically stealing from our craft because I haven’t joined the union. I do know that one of these 3 lives to start crap and even told me themselves to “watch, I’m about to start something” and proceeded to go stir up another RCA. I just want to do my job and I’m sure I could file a grievance but I’m the newest RCA at our office and I can’t help but think they’re putting me up to it because they don’t want to get their hands dirty.

It’s funny too because I actually know a lot because of this forum and all of you guys but most carriers I talk to in person can’t even tell me what’s in the contract. I’ve mentioned this forum and basically get blank stares like they have no clue what I’m talking about.

Im so grateful I’ve found you all!!
Click to expand...
You should join the union.

Again, I'll ask the question: where do you think the knowledgable posters on this board get the information they share with the rest of us? It doesn't appear like magic to them . . .
 
flash said:
Hmm. I been knudging an RCA about filing grievance about seniority... I am positive she has seniority over an RCA on aux rt. She wants the aux. It would be detrimental to us if she goes to the aux, but if that's what she wants....????
So the question is, can I file the grievance?
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm being naive, but it might not require a grievance. How about making a phone call to the ADR or DR and letting them know that maybe seniority isn't being following in this office with the awarding of the aux route. They'll be able to check everyone's Entry on Duty date and maybe a simple phone call to the postmaster will get everything in order.

It would be nice if things worked like this, but they rarely do. Management will probably need a grievance to do the right thing.
 
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