Lynnie789 -- "Has anyone refused to work Amazon Sunday and lived to tell about it? (in other words is still employed?) Curious as suddenly I am being mandated to work. I signed the list NO. I have a copy of the union MOU. I've been told by my PM that I can't file leave slips (she stated that if I do she won't sign them.) I've contacted my union rep about the leave slips. No response."
-- For starters, if not scheduled when you leave the office, do not answer the phone or respond to text messages.
-- Politely, or otherwise, ask for the PM's reference why you can not submit 3971's.
-- While the PS Form 3971 is often referred to as a "leave request", it's official nomenclature is: Request for or Notification of Absence.
-- Keep submitting them and, if need be, on your copy, write: "PM refused to accept it and or refused to sign request."
-- Draw the PM's notice to the wording on the 3971: "Signature of Supervisor and Date Notified."
- That is "notified", not what action was taken or not taken on the request.
-- Also on the 3971 is the wording: "Official Action on Application ( Return copy of signed request to employee )."
-- The PM's job is to manage and that includes accepting, approving or disapproving 3971's and returning the 3971's with explanation why the time off was denied within a "reasonable" amount of time. ( generally accepted as 3 to 5 days -- but nothing in stone on the length of time )
-- No doubt union reps are busy this time of year with grievances, among other things.
" This is a part time job for me because I am retired. I'm just not interested in working myself into the ground. I don't want to work 21 days in a row before I get a day off. "
-- You didn't mention when you began a second "career" with the USPS.
-- During the Academy training, were you aware of the ARC ( Assistant Rural Carrier ) position?
-- Short version: ARC's work Sunday and Holiday parcel delivery. May case and carry a route on Saturday - but only after every other warm body in the office has been utilized. ARC's may not work on Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Although seasonal MOU's do provide for ARC's "volunteering" to run parcels on non-holiday weekdays. That sounds like a better fit for you.
" Any ideas? Or is my only choice to resign? "
-- IF your body is telling you to get out -- listen to it!!
-- On the other hand, you and the USPS have put time, effort, and $$ in getting you from a person on the street to someone familiar with the workings of the rural delivery system. If you don't ask, you won't know -- so ask if you can "convert" from RCA to ARC!
-- If the PM is willing to work with you on this, great. After all, you are something of a valuable asset to the USPS ( whether or not they are willing to admit it )
-- If not, not so great, but there is the door!
-- If you kind of like the work and the money, try to hire on as an ARC at another post office.
-- In the meantime, if there are other post offices within a reasonable driving distance, ask if they could use an ARC as you may soon be available.
-- Apparently ARC's can not transfer to another post office. Anyone??
-- No idea if the USPS would be willing to "speed" up your ARC application because of your previous status as an RCA. Anyone?
