RCA/CUSTODIAN/CCA

[JFT]

Let me preface this with I AM GRATEFUL FOR WORK. That being said, what the hell just happened?!?

So far this week I’ve run an auxiliary route, cleaned bathrooms, taken out trash, cleaned the entire bank connected to the Post Office, changed locks on NBU and CBU’s, stacked cardboard on a pallet, mopped, called customers to let them know their keys were ready, and cleaned up the parking lot. Then for the kicker, I get asked to run a City Route because the CCA was going home sick. I attempted the City Route but I was so lost and confused and also I have tendinitis in both ankles and this town was SUPER hilly. I told the PM sorry but I’m not going to risk injury and loss of my job as I’m still on probation. PM just said “ok”.

I’m posting to look for any advice and also just to kind of vent. I see what you guys have been warning all us newbies about “Manglement”! They pretend to care and then BAM!

Still, even with all the nonsense, I really need the hours so I’m looking for some advice. I thought I was coming to this office to do my job as an RCA. I don’t mind doing custodial work because it’s easy money but I also don’t want to be a part of the problem by crossing crafts.

Any helpful info on what I can do or can’t do would be helpful. Thanks everyone!

 

[oi veh.]

Well I hate it when people cross crafts, but if you need the hours, then you need the hours.

If you are being forced to do it, you can file a grievance or at least make your ADR aware.

If you are being asked, then go ahead. It's up to the other crafts to file a grievance for loss of work.

p.s. It is very rare to have management who actually cares. Those are like the dodo bird.

 

[callofthewild]

Totally agree with Oi veh.............never good to cross crafts........but if the work it there and you are willing to work it.......go for it. Remember Management can ask you to do anything.......but can't require you to clean the PO.. I am sure most people will do most anything to feed and clothe their family and themselves......I have..

Just be sure....you are getting paid for this extra duty......some PostMasters think because you are so honored to be a member of the Postal Service you VOLUNTEERED. Please get a calendar or your phone and mark down every minute you are working. Chances are.......this is a rather small PO???? and the Clerk or PostMaster is supposed to be doing this custodial work..........so I don't know how the money you are being paid is in their budget.

 

[lbpd16]

I work 6 days a week as a RCA, usually 10 hour days, including Amazon sunday. Our new PM tells me the other day that he will start cutting back RCA hours because he's hiring a bunch of people. He says that I can clean the building and cut grass. He didn't say I had to but it didn't come off as optional either. I'm sure if it comes to it, it will be optional. I can't see him making any RCA do work that is not in their craft.

Well, the "bunch" of people he hired (3), 2 of them already opted out (shocked).

We had 2 custodians at one time, a part timer and a full timer. The part timer quit months ago and was never replaced. The full timer will be retiring soon and usually only works 3 or 4 days a week.

Anyone have thoughts on my switching to the custodian position? Can I do so as a RCA? Already past my 90 days and 1 year on the job.

 

[JFT]

This PO has a regular custodian but she’s out on medical leave. No one else will do the work and since I need the hours I was willing. I just wasn’t sure it was allowed. I’d love to just switch to custodian craft. The job is full time career with no overtime and weekends off and all the benefits. It’s just not available as the custodian will be back eventually.

I’ve found other custodian openings but they are all in the most expensive parts of the state and California is having a hard time keeping people in those areas because the pay is not up with the cost of living. Especially in the San Francisco area. So many career openings available to the general public. I looked online the other day and there were at least 10!

I’d take a career position in my area but not over there. A studio rents for $2000 a month at the cheapest!

 

[Boston65]

I work 6 days a week as a RCA, usually 10 hour days, including Amazon sunday. Our new PM tells me the other day that he will start cutting back RCA hours because he's hiring a bunch of people. He says that I can clean the building and cut grass. He didn't say I had to but it didn't come off as optional either. I'm sure if it comes to it, it will be optional. I can't see him making any RCA do work that is not in their craft.

Well, the "bunch" of people he hired (3), 2 of them already opted out (shocked).

We had 2 custodians at one time, a part timer and a full timer. The part timer quit months ago and was never replaced. The full timer will be retiring soon and usually only works 3 or 4 days a week.

Anyone have thoughts on my switching to the custodian position? Can I do so as a RCA? Already past my 90 days and 1 year on the job.

You won’t be able to bid to custodial as that is under the clerk craft. Only way to make that happen is to resign. Sit out a pay cycle, then get hired on as a PSE. The position is a bid position.

 

[eunomios]

This PO has a regular custodian but she’s out on medical leave. No one else will do the work and since I need the hours I was willing. I just wasn’t sure it was allowed. I’d love to just switch to custodian craft. The job is full time career with no overtime and weekends off and all the benefits. It’s just not available as the custodian will be back eventually.

I kid you not - I left work today watching my 4.5 foot PM with her nice clothes on mowing the front lawn in 90 degree, 70-80% humidity weather... The grass was so tall she had to go over areas twice! We don't have a custodian for our small office, and the sup/cleark usually does the housekeeping.... I thought this was so hilarious - I was on Green card time today and even thought to myself, "why didn't she ask me to do it?"

I should have taken pictures - lost opportunity.

 

[lbpd16]

"I should have taken pictures "

yes, and take one of an Arrow key too. Apparently thats very important

 

[Gotrope]

I hired in as a duel hire years ago. I've cleaned offices, painted vehicles, delivered city, worked as a clerk, worked as a part-time postmaster, done groundskeeping, changed lightbulbs, etc. If they want you to do something and it's safe to do so...do it. Make sure they pay you at rca rate( highest of the crafts). If someone else wants to fight about crossing crafts, let them. You get paid, whomever should have done work will also be paid through grievance activity. It actually works to the benefit of the harmed party to have you working as it proves the job/hours were available for scheduling. Enjoy the easy, a/c hours, as they say, " Winter is coming!"

 

[JFT]

You won’t be able to bid to custodial as that is under the clerk craft. Only way to make that happen is to resign. Sit out a pay cycle, then get hired on as a PSE. The position is a bid position.

No need to bid on the ones I’m talking about.
There are career Postal positions in California available to the public through the USPS website. Especially in the Bay Area and Southern California. You can find Sales/Svcs Associate, City Carrier, and Custodian, career job listings that are entry level. High cost of living and the rate of pay isn’t up to par with those areas.

 

[Gotrope]

And with all the drugs we have very few applicants passing the test. This month we had a LEO talking to a new rca about her little meth problem. He was trying to get her to turn on her supplier by not charging her with sales. Another was hiding a death penalty felon. Ahh, the good old days, when we just had quirky mental health issues with new kids. Half our district orientation classes are comprised of homeless people. And they only want the job for the nine days of district pay. They have no intention of working at an office.
We already have new hires who complete their 3 days of primary training being forced to work at other offices up to 50 miles, one way, before they actually do the first relief day on their primary route. 50 miles in horrible California traffic is about 4-5 hours of just driving to commute to the loaning office. One rca lived 71 miles from his installation because that's were he could afford an apartment. They made him drive another 48 miles farther, one way, to work at the beach. He quit after 2 days of driving.

 

[Morty]

I envy my local custodian. He cruises around the state. Replacing lightbulbs, fixing squeaky doors, and other mundane tasks. Custodian for the district.

 

[RDruckus]

And with all the drugs we have very few applicants passing the test. This month we had a LEO talking to a new rca about her little meth problem. He was trying to get her to turn on her supplier by not charging her with sales. Another was hiding a death penalty felon. Ahh, the good old days, when we just had quirky mental health issues with new kids. Half our district orientation classes are comprised of homeless people. And they only want the job for the nine days of district pay. They have no intention of working at an office.
We already have new hires who complete their 3 days of primary training being forced to work at other offices up to 50 miles, one way, before they actually do the first relief day on their primary route. 50 miles in horrible California traffic is about 4-5 hours of just driving to commute to the loaning office. One rca lived 71 miles from his installation because that's were he could afford an apartment. They made him drive another 48 miles farther, one way, to work at the beach. He quit after 2 days of driving.

Gee, I wonder why the USPS and the NRLCA are setting up a task force to try to retain subs.
It would be cheaper to have a proctologist help them remove their heads from their @$$€$.