PTF Carrier?

[Sandygirl]

What exactly are the requirements for a post office to create a PTF Carrier position? Numbers of routes in the office? Number of subs?  If one is created, would the Senior sub get it? Would one of the regular carriers whose route you cover have to choose another day other than Saturday as their relief day? I would really like to be a PTF, I think?

 

[btdtret]

Sandygirl -- "What exactly are the requirements for a post office to create a PTF Carrier position?"

-- Article 30.2.A.3 -- The establishment of a part-time flexible position is AT THE DISCRETION OF THE Employer. However, management IS REQUIRED to establish such an assignment when hiring efforts have been unsuccessful follow the regular carrier's request [ 120-day Notice ], PROVIDED the part-time flexible WILL BE assigned TWO ( 2 ) K-routes.

-- Also check Step 4 ( R-95 ).

-- Search for "ptf" in RI's KNOWLEDGEBASE section.

-- If either K route loses its "K" status, the PTF position goes away.

"Numbers of routes in the office? "

-- That would be a minimum of 2 K routes.

"Numbers of subs?"

-- In theory zero; the RCA filling the PTF position could come from outside the office.

"If one is created, would the Senior sub get it?"

-- In all probability, unless the senior sub made an error in the e-bidding process: the position shall be posted at the post office, including stations and branches, for ALL substitute rural carriers and RCA's that have completed their probationary period. The position will be awarded within 10 days and the awardee placed on the assignment within 21 days.

"Would one of the regular carriers whose route you cover have to choose another day other than Saturday as their relief day?"

-- The 2 K routes need to have different relief days so the PTF can cover both.

"I would really like to be a PTF, I think?"

-- That might depend on the number of work hours you are getting now compared to the evaluation of the 2 K routes.

-- Be aware, as a PTF, you can not refuse to convert to a regular rural carrier.

 

[Morty]

2 K routes are needed.

The 2 regulars will need to be off on separate days, formula guarantees 1 Saturday K day-and for you scoffers, I have a settlement guaranteeing it.

Because the PTF is the primary, both carriers CAN have the same day off in cases of sickness/leave/or holidays. I also have a settlement guaranteeing that.

You will need to convince a regular to hand in a 120 day letter. That, I have found, is difficult to do. An office in my area has 12 K routes and 4 subs. They b!tch about working 6 days, but refuse to submit the letter holding onto the insane idea that one day they will have full coverage.

I dont mind having a PTF. When I want a Saturday off, I generally get it. And they(PTF) cant borrow out, something that use to happen.

And be warned, you must take the next open route. If you're working 72hr×$19/hr×52 weeks is $71k+EMA. Some RCAs out there are making over 100k, and table 1s are pushing $150k. It's pretty depressing to go from 100k to 40k. No amount of benefits bridge that gap. And you'll still work Saturdays for the next decade.

 

[Sandygirl]

Morty and btdtret ,Thank you so very much for the council, I am researching knowledge base , and you brought up some very important points for me to consider.  I have been reading a lot about why an RCA would MAYBE choose not to take a Regular Carrier position IF it is offered, very interesting positions.  What if hypothetically you do not need the insurance? What if you do not need to pay in to the retirement system? Are you required to pay into the system f you don't need to? Or insurance if you already have it? Would that make up the difference between RCA pay and taking on a Regular position?Thank you both for your experienced answers-

 

[btdtret]

Sandygirl -- Y W.

"I have been reading a lot about why an RCA would MAYBE choose not to take a Regular Carrier position IF it is offered, very interesting positions."

-- Both Regular Carrier and PTF are career positions. Neither will be "offered". Both require bidding.

"What if hypothetically you do not need the insurance? What if you do not need to pay in to the retirement system? Are you required to pay into the system if you don't need to? Or insurance if you already have it?"

-- I suppose hypothetically one could say "no" to insurance. Don't know if saying no would be possible regarding the FERS retirement system. I believe even paying a portion into TSP is ( for lack of a better word ) mandatory. Did you hit the lottery? Have a doctor in the family? You don't have to answer!

"Would that [ not paying for insurance or into FERS ] make up the difference between RCA pay and taking on a Regular position?"

-- Maybe -- For starters, FERS deductions would only apply to Regular Carriers. There is some type of health benefits package available to RCA's, but you don't have to take it.

-- IF you are in a sub-short office, your annual pay could very well be more than a regular on a 40-hour route - for instance.

-- Such was my last post office and the regulars would try to tell new regulars that they will probably see a decrease in their take home pay -- which usually got a "Yeah, right!". However, taxes and numerous mandatory and voluntary deductions do take a toll on the wages.

-- Some folks stay an RCA for years, even decades, because no one retired in an office. Very few examples out there for some one wanting to stay an RCA when the opportunity to become a regular presented itself. To each his / her own.

-- Hope this helps.

 

[Sandygirl]

No Lottery however I won $4 last week on Louisiana Powerball -lol -!retired from first career - have insurance and small income from it - So you HAVE to bid on route if route is open I understand, and PTF is given the route and has to accept it but  let's say an RCA wants to remain an RCA and they are senior they simply do not bid - then later another route comes open are they still senior can they now bid as senior sub ? RCA things I like - days off , work Sat does not bother me was free on weekends in last career , love moving around to different routes , like the people I work with, even like the unexpected calls to come to work, love primary route and my regular is great , like the change in seasons , love driving for a living , income exceeds most jobs ,  thank u for all comments - am learning very helpful things from this site and u selfless people -