aux route creation

MiddleOfNowhere · Apr 27, 2018

a couple of questions on a soon to be formed aux route. after count, we have ended up with 4 routes being over 46k. i myself at 56:26, actually lost 10 minutes from count, and have never had 2080 issues, but now with other routes going into 47k+ territory, it has been said that an aux route will be formed. pm said they want to take all the growth areas they can get for the aux route. really sucks, as what i'm giving up will leave me with areas that have only lost boxes in the past 20 years.

question is for the senior sub, who really doesn't want to take the aux position, as she will lose $ in the process. (she knows 16 routes, and can work almost every day she wants) if she doesn't take the aux position, will another rca that takes it, have first rights to the next full time rural carrier job? not that she loses seniority, but will be lower in order of consideration, when the next rural carrier job opens up?

Shafted · Apr 27, 2018

The RCA not taking aux has no bearing on being the next regular. The only way as senior rca to get bypassed for next regular position is to turn down a PTF carrier position if it’s created. Passing on the aux happens all the time by a senior RCA, and the decision is all yours.

faceindawind · Apr 27, 2018

Isn't 43 the lowest they can cut Reg routes to adjust or create a dreaded AUX? Must be at least 12 hrs if created.

If criss crossing the same territory you serve you should contact a REP. I gained back from AUX due to vacant status because of this. Make them prove your growth area is cost efficient at this moment. Fight this. Give the AUX any territory with no growth possibilities if you can.

All it takes is 1-2 bad counts and your a J.

MiddleOfNowhere · Apr 27, 2018

thanks for the replies - i got to thinking about them even filling this, as we only have five rca's.. three of which have full time employment elsewhere, one , the senior rca, doesn't want it ( the one that knows routes everywhere), and the last is a sub on an llv route, that doesn't have a pov to drive.

getting 12 hours out of three routes, shouldn't be a problem, as one route was 59+, one at 57, and mine at 56 1/2. adjusting them to 52, should give them 7 + 5 + 4 1/2 = 16 1/2+ as there will be a little extra distance in mileage for them to put it together. the one overburdened in rmpo, will be absorbed by an h route.

i'd laugh, and almost hope that there are no takers... we have a terrible time hiring rca's, and most run when they find out they have to work weekends.

btdtret · Apr 27, 2018

Faceindawind, M-O-N, et al -- "Isn’t 43 the lowest they can cut Reg routes to adjust or create a dreaded AUX?"

-- No, a route can be cut below a 43K if need be.

-- M-38 ( Management of Rural Delivery Services ) Section 823.13 - also part of Step 4 ( R-134 ):

.13 -- Generally, it is desirable to adjust evaluated routes to as near 52 standard standard hours per week as practicable, i.e., the route should be adjusted to the 43K option category. HOWEVER, in some cases this may be impractical. There IS NOT PROHIBITION against adjusting a route BELOW 52 hours per week when it is operationally advantageous [ to the USPS ]. HOWEVER, documentation MUST be supplied with the route adjustment documentation on as to why it is not practical to adjust the route to 52 [ standard ] hours.

"Must be at least 12 hrs if created. "

-- True, an AUX must have 12 hours.

M-O-N -- " it has been said that an aux route will be formed. pm said they want to take all the growth areas they can get for the aux route."

-- If that results in the AUX route having "dead-head" time to service portions of its route, get the ADR involved as it won't be "cost-effective" for starters. Pretty sure the ADR can point out other problems.

-- You do have the right to submit your concerns in writing (which manglement seems to ignore -- the contract does not say manglement has to use your input).

-- The senior sub can bypass the AUX route without concern of future route bidding.

-- It is when the senior sub passes on a PTF ( career ) position, that is when problems develop. Page 46 of the contract -- top of the page on the right hand side. In part: The notice shall state that a part-time flexible rural carrier CANNOT DECLINE conversion to regular carrier. The wording is found in Step 4 (R-95 ).