I refused...

Skeptic1202 · Dec 28, 2017

So, today, when I got back from doing my own route my OIC informed me that the POOM ordered I go help another office. I'm kind sick of this and it's fucking with my anxiety. I'm the type of person that needs to mentally prepare for this stuff and I need to know my schedule for days out. Also, I am starting to feel sub-human and like I have no rights in the PO.

I refused and told my OIC he'd have to write me up and left. I'm home now. I'm not sure I can handle this job anymore but I have bills to pay and don't have another job lined up.

I feel stuck. Is there any point in calling my union rep? I know their mantra is "obey then grieve." I'm not sure if they will fire me for this. I'm not sure I care. I've been a good worker, proficient at my job and friendly but it clearly doesn't matter.

Thanks, I just needed to share.

wolfound · Dec 28, 2017

sucks being a slave......and subhuman. I asked my OIC if management really cared about any of us...they reply..."not really...they only care about making the numbers..." kinda hit me in the gut....i bust my hump to do what they ask....never thanks never good job.....big xmas luncheon for the regulars in my boodunk office...think even one RCA invited to partake? Not one......we were out delivering the regulars s*&t so they could enjoy.....

D.B.Cooper · Dec 28, 2017

If they ask to have a discussion with you about this matter, tell them you want a union rep present...

stillfirstclass · Dec 28, 2017

guessing that you are in trouble for not following orders.. not enough trouble to lose sleep over..ask for a union rep and demand green card time for any and all discussion including what has already occurred..

noluv4llv · Dec 28, 2017

I say no all the time. I was hired for a job that is 1 day a week and in my interview I was told I would only ever be guaranteed 1 day a week and that's usually what they get out of me. If I am asked to cover another route or help another office I will go only if I choose to. You absolutely can say no, I just can't tell you what your office will do about it. I am so sick of post office's trying to bully people into working whenever they want them to. The RCA position is guaranteed at best 1 day a week (unless your on an aux route) with no benefits what so ever. Do not stress out over this job! I see the subs in my office who are exhausted and have worked almost every day for the past month and a half and I ask myself, why? If you truly need the money and you are ok with all the work that's one thing, but when you start to hate your job and you are just fed up don't push yourself any further. If a route needs covered that's the pm or supervisors problem. It sounds like you need to take a little break, I will suggest just working your assigned day for a couple weeks and getting some well deserved rest.

Ihatesnow · Dec 28, 2017

Never been forced to another office myself, other than on Sundays, usually around the holidays. Not sure what the contract states on this issue.

I don't blame you for doing this, I also like to prepare myself when having to do additional help after a route. They would have a much better chance of me saying yes if they asked politely, or even gave the illusion of me having a choice. Sorry you had to go through this, its BS

trashistan · Dec 28, 2017

I've also refused a few direct orders, they say you're refusing a direct order! I say yes. Then we move on. I think it really is up to the management though, some of them might make a bigger deal out of it. I wrote this somewhere else, but what I've been learning from the situation my office is that EAP can be a big help if you're experiencing any kind of bullying or unfair treatment. I think they will be especially aware of that sort of behavior now. Good luck.

Shafted · Dec 28, 2017

Well, if your office doesn't have branches, or stations, or is combined with any other finance numbers or zip under it, and this is just a case of the PM offering to loan you out to another office like a library book........ Tell him no way Jose. You are under NO obligation to work at another office that is not directly attached to your office by way of stations, or branches etc. I may not be able to cite exact verbiage, because I am in a stand alone zip. If this PM demands you go, ask for it writing, then tell hm/her you are attaching it to your grievance. I had a cocky PM from another office call me at the crack of dawn, who proceeded to tell me I had to get in there ASAP to run one of his downed routes when I was an RCA. I didn't like his arrogant tone, that insinuated I was a piece of his property, and I hung up. A-h$&@ called right back, and I let into him, and told him never to call me again. He didn't.

D.B.Cooper · Dec 28, 2017

Know what most RCAs have seemed to figure out nowadays... everything is about $$$ money with the USPS... so, if you're already trained and doing the job, do they really want to fire you and go thru the time and $$$ expense of trying to replace you??? The answer is no... <img title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" />

And, if you're currently on Table Four for pay, you are REALLY the kind of RCA the PO wants to keep... we've lately seen new Regular carriers posting on this forum that are PISSED because they've now done the math, and figured out that they're gonna make close to $500K, yes, almost half a million $$$ dollars less than the carrier they replaced because of being on your reduced pay scales... <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" />

So do the math... figure it out... are they really gonna fire you??? <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" /> Probably not... and even if they do... maybe they're doing you one BIG @$$ favor... <img title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" />

Deer Smearer · Dec 28, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Shafted said 
Well, if your office doesn't have branches, or stations, or is combined with any other finance numbers or zip under it, and this is just a case of the PM offering to loan you out to another office like a library book........ Tell him no way Jose. You are under NO obligation to work at another office that is not directly attached to your office by way of stations, or branches etc. I may not be able to cite exact verbiage, because I am in a stand alone zip. If this PM demands you go, ask for it writing, then tell hm/her you are attaching it to your grievance. I had a cocky PM from another office call me at the crack of dawn, who proceeded to tell me I had to get in there ASAP to run one of his downed routes when I was an RCA. I didn't like his arrogant tone, that insinuated I was a piece of his property, and I hung up. A-h$&@ called right back, and I let into him, and told him never to call me again. He didn't. </blockquote>
RCAs being forced to non-connected offices was grieved by the NRLCA.

A Step 4 decision denied the grievance.

Whether the step 4 went to arbitration or not is anyone's guess.

Skeptic1202 · Dec 29, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">D.B.Cooper said 
Know what most RCAs have seemed to figure out nowadays... everything is about $$$ money with the USPS... so, if you're already trained and doing the job, do they really want to fire you and go thru the time and $$$ expense of trying to replace you??? The answer is no... <img title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" />

And, if you're currently on Table Four for pay, you are REALLY the kind of RCA the PO wants to keep... we've lately seen new Regular carriers posting on this forum that are PISSED because they've now done the math, and figured out that they're gonna make close to $500K, yes, almost half a million $$$ dollars less than the carrier they replaced because of being on your reduced pay scales... <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" />

So do the math... figure it out... are they really gonna fire you??? <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" /> Probably not... and even if they do... maybe they're doing you one BIG @$$ favor... <img title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" /> </blockquote>
This is kind of how I feel at this point. We have a sub shortage in the area so I don't think they will fire me and add to the problem. I run an aux route and our new sub is just starting academy. I don't think she'll make it, personally and def won't with the way they've been treating the subs in the area.

If they do fire me, oh well. My mind and body will probably rejoice. I'm so stressed out all the time and I feel like I'm 30 going on 70 every morning when I get out of bed.

On the bright side (maybe) not a word was said today. I went in acting like I normally do and so did everyone else. Doesn't mean I'm in the clear, but does probably mean that the POOM didn't blow a gasket over it otherwise I would have heard about it.

D.B.Cooper · Dec 29, 2017

For what you did, I don't think they could fire you... maybe have a "discussion" or some other Mickey Mouse thing... but, they probably know you've been ran ragged over the past several weeks... if they were honest, they'd be thanking you, rather than hassling you... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />

faceindawind · Dec 29, 2017

You do not mention if you are in an APO/RMPO office. The matrix comes into play here.

As far as I know all RCA'S in APO/RMPO mix can be forced to work the offices associated even if not a choice on the matrix. You are entitled to mileage pay and drive time it takes you to serve these offices and return to your home office. This driving time to and from adds to the 40. These offices must be on the Matrix.

You have no obligation to serve offices not within your office matrix. It's managements problem of that office to have mail delivered. If by chance you volunteer to serve these offices you only get hrs worked for assistance or the routes eval. If routes in these other offices are not delivered they must answer to POOM. Bottom line is PM of these offices are responsible to deliver for their unit.

Did you ask for a copy of alleged E Mail?

Charlie Brown · Dec 29, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Faceindawind said 
You do not mention if you are in an APO/RMPO office. The matrix comes into play here.

As far as I know all RCA'S in APO/RMPO mix can be forced to work the offices associated even if not a choice on the matrix. You are entitled to mileage pay and drive time it takes you to serve these offices and return to your home office. This driving time to and from adds to the 40. These offices must be on the Matrix.

You have no obligation to serve offices not within your office matrix. It's managements problem of that office to have mail delivered. If by chance you volunteer to serve these offices you only get hrs worked for assistance or the routes eval. If routes in these other offices are not delivered they must answer to POOM. Bottom line is PM of these offices are responsible to deliver for their unit.

Did you ask for a copy of alleged E Mail? </blockquote>
RCA's CAN be forced to work other offices, you may not have seen Deer Smearer's post #10 The NRLCA filed a step 4 class action grievance on this and it was denied. There is absolutely no language in the contract to prevent RCA's being ordered to work other offices. Because of this the USPS basically said that it was denied and if the NRLCA didn't like it then they need to address it at contract time. I don't know if the NRLCA will take this to arbitration but doubt it. With no language to prevent it and both the APWU and the NALC allowing it arbitration may be a lost cause. This would probably fall under the Mgmt. has a right to manage article in the contract.

Also, do you really think that the NRLCA is going to spend your hard earned money fighting for the RCA's? Not a chance, they have a party to pay for!

Shafted · Dec 30, 2017

I'm thinking I would get out a copy of my call in notice ,from when I was interviewing , and form 50 from being hired, ( print it off, it's in your E-opf ). This is where you were hired to work, ( including branches and stations ). I'm sure that the PO doesn't want to pay anyone for travel to where they expect to farm RCA's out to either. Anything outside of the zip(s) listed I would refuse. Can you imagine the private sector trying to tell someone flipping burgers that, " ok next week you have to go cover the grill at a McDonalds an hour away ". Not going to happen.

Skeptic1202 · Dec 30, 2017

My office is not associated with any other offices. It's a stand alone and I only have that zip on my Form 50.

The POOM has taken the whole ordering RCAs places to heart and she's driving everyone crazy with all her micromanaging. I just know that this is going to be a thing going forward - I feel bad for the newest subs coming on. She's even driving some Regs out.

As for the NRLCA - I don't think they are going to lift a finger. Of course, they have no problem taking money from RCAs though.