7 days a week as an RCA?

[OKCdude1527]

With this new formula crap, I was told (like 5 minutes ago) that I am “on call 7 days a week” and I must be available for work? Is this correct? I was scheduled off today and they tried to call me in. I’m not obligated to work on a scheduled day off correct? Also, I’m not actually “on call 7 days a week”... right? ?

 

[btdtret]

OKCdude1527 -- That is correct, rural carriers ( regulars or RCA's ) are not "on call" although manglement may threaten RCA's with firing if "not "available" too many times. Article 30.2.M. Discipline Procedure.

-- "too many times" has not been defined. Though could be problematic if an RCA within the probationary period ( 90-work days or one calendar year )

-- Although some offices have something like a "local MOU" which establishes a time RCA's should be home, say until 9 am, in case there is a need to cover a route. BTW -- "local MOU's" are normally frowned upon by the NRLCA.

-- If possible, take a picture of the schedule when you leave. If not scheduled when you leave, don't answer your phone the next day - if you don't want / need the work.

-- Make an effort to learn all the phone numbers your post office may use to contact you.

-- Let an answering machine be your "call screener".

-- Such phrases may come in handy: "Sorry - my phone wasn't charged up." / "Sorry, I left my phone at home when I went out."

-- Sorry, no limit on the number of days an RCA can work. Some state DO have limits, but as an USPS employee, manglement will most likely say state laws do not apply.

-- As an RCA, possibly manglement needs you more than you need them.

-- Tread lightly.

 

[drakeME]

Formula's supposed to alleviate the sub problem, not exacerbate it.

 

[Itstillfun]

Glad you asked huh. The power of knowledge. pure power . smile and carry on.

 

[OKCdude1527]

You were hired to work on Saturday/Vacation days for your regular and some Sundays to do Amazon if your office does that. You are under no obligation to acknowledge requests beyond that unless you want the hours. Simple as that. Up to you.

They love to scare people while they can't keep people. Sooner or later they will learn that doesn't work. Might be later than sooner because they are always short. Always remember they don't own you. There are a lot of other competing jobs out there that pay as well or better. Management tends to forget that. They wonder why they are always short.

I was told that, for instance, this Friday was originally my scheduled day off. Then they told me I have to work at another office that day, after I already made plans. LOL

I don’t know if I’m obligated to work that day or if I’m actually supposed to talk to my union rep about these guys telling me to work on a day that I was originally supposed to have off.

 

[Voglio-il mio]

I was told that, for instance, this Friday was originally my scheduled day off. Then they told me I have to work at another office that day, after I already made plans. LOL

I don’t know if I’m obligated to work that day or if I’m actually supposed to talk to my union rep about these guys telling me to work on a day that I was originally supposed to have off.

Sounds like your Postmaster is trying to make friends at your expense! Our wonderful board at the NRLCA agreed to loan our RCA's to any PO within a 50 mile radius of their own PO. This agreement was made during our last contract negotiations and agreement, so give the Union Rep a call but it most likely wont do any good!

 

[btdtret]

OKCdude1527 -- "I was told that, for instance, this Friday was originally my scheduled day off. Then they told me I have to work at another office that day, after I already made plans. LOL.

-- Don't "LOL"!

-- That is probably the new provision of the 2018-2021 contract ( which has yet to be seen in print version ) that allows other post offices to reach out and grab / take UNSCHEDULED RCA's and have them work in their office as they are short of RCA's too. Don't expect much help from the union rep as it is part of the new contract.

-- Not sure, but there may be a 50-mile limit on the distance one may have to travel. Anyone??

-- Since you have been informed -- best to show up at the other office. If you don't show, you could be listed as AWOL -- same term as the military uses. The union rep won't be able to help there either.

-- If there is occasion that you absolutely, positively have to be off, submit a 3971 ( Request for or Notification of Absence ). "Leave" is just one of the many reason to use the 3971. Make copies and round-date them ( a clerk can show you a round-dater ). Keep a copy for yourself and hold on to it. HAND your request to your supervisor. Just putting the 3971 on a desk can result in the request "disappearing" before manglement sees it or just saying he/she never saw it. If the request is denied, grieve it so the union rep can determine if manglement is just too lazy to find a replacement for you. Be sure to check the "DO NOT CALL" box! ( or just don't list a phone number )

-- Then again, there is the phone number of unscheduled leave or absence in case you wake up with, say a sore throat or other ailment.

-- Back to your upcoming work assignment at another office. You have a couple of choices:

- do a crummy job so they never call for you again. Remind them you are coming in BLIND, so be gentle. or,

- do a great job so they will call you again. And if it is a better office, transfer there. Just complete your probationary period ( of 90 work-days or one calendar year ) and submit a written request to the other office. If approved, your current office can only hold you for 30 days.

 

[drakeME]

Some people have a hard time saying no once they get on the line with someone. (Guilty)

Best just to mute your phone when you're off and don't want to be reached.

 

[Skierstmoritz]

Okc, remember you get paid for any xtra miles to and from this new duty station, plus you are paid actual hours for the route if you have never done it before. Most pms, in my experience, conveniently forget these facts! Make sure you remind them and write it on the 4240. Good luck

 

[Itstillfun]

Okc, remember you get paid for any xtra miles to and from this new duty station, plus you are paid actual hours for the route if you have never done it before. Most pms, in my experience, conveniently forget these facts! Make sure you remind them and write it on the 4240. Good luck

Snap a pic too if you can