PTF's required to be "on call?"

Guin · Mar 28, 2017

So one thing I don't understand about a PTF is whether or not we are required to be "on call?" For example, I looked at my office schedule before I left for work yesterday(Monday) and found that I was not scheduled for the next three days. Some people would probably want the money and the hours but being that I have a lot of personal stuff going on that has been severely neglected and this is probably the first time I've had that much time off without having to request it in almost 2 years I was ok with it and made plans for myself over those three days. I just gotten a call/text from my boss that I am required to come in tomorrow to run a route. I thought I was being nice enough to respond by saying that I had already made plans since the schedule when I had left stated I just wasn't scheduled but now I'm being given a hard time for it. Am I not allowed to make plans? Or have a life outside the post office? Since it's for the day before is this considered ample notice by the post office? Is there some place I can read specifically in our union handbook that can explain this a little better?

Deer Smearer · Mar 28, 2017

<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>Guin said </strong>
So one thing I don't understand about a PTF is whether or not we are required to be "on call?" For example, I looked at my office schedule before I left for work yesterday(Monday) and found that I was not scheduled for the next three days. Some people would probably want the money and the hours but being that I have a lot of personal stuff going on that has been severely neglected and this is probably the first time I've had that much time off without having to request it in almost 2 years I was ok with it and made plans for myself over those three days. I just gotten a call/text from my boss that I am required to come in tomorrow to run a route. I thought I was being nice enough to respond by saying that I had already made plans since the schedule when I had left stated I just wasn't scheduled but now I'm being given a hard time for it. Am I not allowed to make plans? Or have a life outside the post office? Since it's for the day before is this considered ample notice by the post office? Is there some place I can read specifically in our union handbook that can explain this a little better? </blockquote>
A PTF is still a relief carrier on the rural side, so yes, basically you are required to work when told. If you want time off you should put in a leave request.

CCAs are city carrier subs. If they are not scheduled they are not required to be available if called.

Cliff Clavin · Mar 28, 2017

Don't answer your phone....

LouSainus · Mar 28, 2017

No you are not an on call employee. On call employees as per the official OPM definition receive compensation for being on "on call" status. Ask how you are going to be paid to wait around for a call if they tell you are required to be on call.

On the other hand you are required to be available to be scheduled. Scheduling happens in advance of the start of the week not during the week. Changes can happen but you are not required to call in or be on call if they change the schedule after you leave. Your day off starts when you leave the office the last day you worked.

Guin · Apr 5, 2017

Thank you everyone for the responses. As an update the same situation happened this Monday (not involving me but the other RCAs/PTFS in my office). My post master was supossed to 'speak with me' on Monday but she never did. I'm not holding my breath that I'm off the hook yet but I think it will add to my case if she does try to reprimand me for it.