tankerton37 -- Normally we'd say "Welcome to the USPS!", but in your case, it would be "Welcome to the Twilight Zone!"
-- New RCA's get paid actual time for the first 5 pay period, so you may have a pay period or two to go until pay is based upon the evaluation of the route. Being new, you WILL go over evaluation and will be providing the USPS with "free work". It happens to everyone new RCA, so you are not alone in that matter.
-- You are in your probationary period which is 90 work days or one calendar year ( which ever comes first ). Keep a log at home of the days your work and the routes you work ( more on that later ). Don't make a big announcement in the office when you complete your probationary period; it just means a union rep can work with you should you have an "every day" grievance. Now is the time to be a "turtle" -- keep you head in and keep under the radar as manglement can fire you for literally any reason they can come up with.
"The PM and the clerk told be that, "The regular was very lazy, whines alot and will try to drag me into her personal drama and turn me against the PM." I thought that was extremely unprofessional and none of my business."
-- You are correct in your observation of unprofessional behavior by other personnel. If the allegations are true, you will soon discover that about the regular carrier on your own.
"Then when I was told to start after the academy, the regular showed up and the PM yelled at her and told her to, "get out until you can provide the proper documentation for being out sick." I understand needing the required paperwork, but again, I thought it was unprofessional to yell at her in front of me."
-- Now is the time to learn about some of the manuals and handbooks used by the USPS. The ELM is the Employee and Labor Relations Manual. The current version is #41 ( I think ). From Section 513.361 - of the ELM: Three Days or Less -- For periods of absence of 3 day or less, supervisors MAY accept the employee's statement explaining the absence. Medical documentation or other acceptable evidence of incapacity for work or need to care for a family member IS required only when the employee is on restricted sick leave OR when the supervisor deems documentation desirable for the "protection of the interests of the Postal Service." ( an easy way out for manglement ).
513.362 -- Over Three Days -- For absences in excess of 3 days, employees ARE required to submit medical documentation or other acceptable evidence of incapacity for work or of need to care for family member....
-- As an outsider, I'd say the PM is trying to make the regular quit ( IMHO ).
-- The USPS has policies to deal with bullying in the work place, harassment, etc, so it would be up to the regular to start filing grievances in an effort to halt the PM's behavior.
"I am left handed. I was told by the PM it was against company policy to case and pull down left handed."
-- Normally I'd be requesting the PM provide a reference for the policy. But in your case, best to let if ride as it seems the PM could consider such a request as a challenge to authority from a new RCA. And grounds for her to show you the door.
"She has banned me from using my left hand, and yells at me if she sees me doing it."
-- Now THAT is bullying and harassment. Contact your Assistant District Representative. The ADR can be found by visiting the NRLCA.ORG web site's home page. Scroll down the page. Info on Stewards and ADR can be found on the left side of the page. You will need to know what District and Area you are in.
"She also sits with a stop watch and times me when I'm casing. That bothers me!"
-- See above! Learning what to do as a new RCA is stressful enough without someone constantly looking over your shoulder.
-- Without waiting for help from an ADR, you might be able to get the PM to back off a bit by telling her that you will be contacting the USPS EAP ( Employee Assistance Program ) because of the stress you feel from the PM's actions towards you.
" I have heard of some RCAs kicking back some mail (flats) until Tuesday so they can get out and done in time."
-- The PM is the one to tell what mail can be curtailed ( kicked back ). You can politely request to kick back some bulk flats ( but don't count on your PM giving an okay ).
" I don't take breaks, I don't even stop for bathroom breaks, and still having trouble making my time."
-- Everyone, especially brand new RCA's have trouble making eval time. Even more true for having a K-route on a Monday. Take those breaks. The contact ( EL-902 ) calls for 30 minutes for lunch and another 5 minutes for "personal" time. If you are an area of the country experiencing summer time weather ( hot and humid ) you better be visiting the drinking fountain often or have bottled water at the case to get yourself hydrated. Google "heat-related illness". Bath room breaks are part of your personal time. You will burn out sooner if you forgo your breaks.
" I have an interview at a larger office next week, are bigger offices better? "
-- By all means take that interview!! If only to get out of your current office. Otherwise you could only request a transfer to another office that has an RCA opening AFTER completing your probationary period.
-- A larger office usually means more helpful assistance ( pointers from other RCA's and regulars ) and less attention from manglement. Getting an LLV route would be a welcomed bonus.
"are all PMs like that?"
-- Thankfully NO! The USPS has a ( bad ) habit of shuffling "problem" managers from office to office instead of getting rid of them or "reeducating" them in personal interaction. Could be your current PM is in her "last change" position as a PM.
-- As we tell all new RCA's -- hang in there. It takes a while ( several months, at least ) for everything to "click" where you feel comfortable in doing the job. Also, being a rural carrier is not for everyone, but give it your best effort ( several months ) before realizing it might not be for you.
-- Good luck - especially with the interview!
