National guard rca question

Remmikstan · Jan 13, 2018

We have an rca in our office that is in the national guard. Normally you applaud and understand when they are unavailable for work. Typically they have a weekend a month and a two week training period per year. This rca loves to lie about her time and take additional time like Fri-Mon for her two day requirement. Now I was told guard people can sign up for extra days and perhaps this is the case but the pm does not even ask and we were told by the union that we couldn't even question her about it. Once she heard this she even had five days of guard duty over Easter weekend. This past September she applied for a full time job with the guard and got it so she hasn't worked but a day here and there as a favor since September. She was even left out of mandatory Sunday deliveries that all the other subs have to do. Now her full time guard job is down to part time, she won't work unless she feels like it and says she is not coming back till march when a regular will be retiring and she can get a full time regular position. How is this right And does anyone know of anything we can do? At the very least she should have to work sometime or lose her seniority position. Any help would be appreciated as this puts the other subs under pressure and is beyond unfair to them!

Morty · Jan 13, 2018

Oh well. Try having an RCA out on workmans comp that knows how to play the game. Garuntee they'll be out the full 3 years.

btdtret · Jan 13, 2018

Remmikstan -- "We have an rca in our office that is in the national guard."

-- The office steward or Assistant District Representative as well as manglement will just have to comb through Chapter 5 of the ELM.

-- Manglement could go the "availability" route, but could end up with more bad press if the RCA goes to the media that the USPS does not support the National Guard and probably omitting key details.

Rt2mailman · Jan 13, 2018

There is no grievance, therefore the union can't get involved. The USPS can only request the National Guard orders for this carrier. In that way they know how to plan schedules. It is illegal to question the carrier about the guards schedule, questions can only be addressed to the commanding officer of that carrier.

gotstamps · Jan 13, 2018

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Morty said 
Oh well. Try having an RCA out on workmans comp that knows how to play the game. Garuntee they'll be out the full 3 years. </blockquote>
It's 2 yrs for OTJ injury.

Remmikstan · Jan 14, 2018

Yeah, we kinda figured there wasn't anything we could really do but since she is not under "orders" but actually applied for this job you would think it would make a difference. I know a lot of RCAs that have given up other jobs and just because she got one in the guard should not be different.

D.B.Cooper · Jan 14, 2018

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Remmikstan said 
Yeah, we kinda figured there wasn't anything we could really do but since she is not under "orders" but actually applied for this job you would think it would make a difference. I know a lot of RCAs that have given up other jobs and just because she got one in the guard should not be different. </blockquote>
Do any of those other RCAs have to take an oath in their other jobs, that they will lay down their lives for their employer (country) if necessary???

Serving in the military is not just another "job"...

Anyone who thinks it's such a great deal, and easy money... check your local phone book for the nearest recruiting station...

Walk a mile in their shoes, then see if you still want to criticize...

Remmikstan · Jan 14, 2018

You don't know this girl or you wouldn't be so high and mighty. I have military in my family and know plenty of honorable guard people. Just because you join any form of military does not make you an honorable person. Her medical unit was being deployed and she waited until they left before rejoining and proudly boasted about avoiding the deployment. She is not a medical person in the unit. I know for a fact that the majority that join do not do it out of grand patriotism but for the benefits that you get that are so hard to find in the world today. I would happily do anything to support our fighting men and women but as in any where else there are those that take advantage and do only for themselves no matter who it may affect and she is one. I don't care who you are or what you do you will not get blind respect but must earn it. Actions will always speak louder the words or a uniform.

D.B.Cooper · Jan 14, 2018

Again, if you think it's such a sweet deal, and all easy-peasy, take a trip down to your local recruiting station... I hear they're hiring...

I commented on you comparing military service to just any other ole job... look back and read what I highlighted of your own words...

The issue here is about what the rules are for people serving in the military, but you want to somehow turn it in to an attack on the character of someone who is not here to defend themselves... to me, that says something about your character.

D.B.Cooper · Jan 14, 2018

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">Remmikstan said 
... Now I was told guard people can sign up for extra days and perhaps this is the case but the pm does not even ask and we were told by the union that we couldn't even question her about it... </blockquote>
Sounds like the question was asked and answered...

Cliff Clavin · Jan 16, 2018

First let me say that I agree with @d-b-cooper !

You @remmikstan say "I know for a fact that the majority that join do not do it out of grand patriotism but for the benefits that you get that are so hard to find in the world today."

Isn't that why you went to work for the PO? Isn't it indeed about about benefits and a decent wage? Also for the kicker, we don't have the draft anymore so it is an all volunteer military. Guardsman are volunteers and they are who we depend on to help defend our rights to be able to have choices to seek employment that gives good benefits.

When these men and women are called to active duty they put their lives at risk, and many have gave all, the same as the ones that volunteered to be in the military.

It appears to me that you @remmikstan have never served in the military. Once again, remember it is our great military that has fought and many lives have been given to protect the freedoms which you and I enjoy today.