Deer Smearer
Well-known member
This is turning into Is it right 2.0
RCA Private Thread
- Thread starter SnailMail2000
- Start date
SnailMail2000
New member
Mods can lock the thread now as far as I'm concerned. Anyone who wants to have a serious discussion about RCA working conditions, and ways we can work together to improve them, is welcome to PM me.
I cannot control that a certain poster follows me from thread to thread in order to be antagonizing. At some point, the mods will have to ask themselves if his participation in the forum is driving out other participants (or making it impossible to have adult discussions), and whether it is worth it to have him around.
I cannot control that a certain poster follows me from thread to thread in order to be antagonizing. At some point, the mods will have to ask themselves if his participation in the forum is driving out other participants (or making it impossible to have adult discussions), and whether it is worth it to have him around.
littlesew&sew
Well-known member
Not sure why you think you need a private thread for RCAs. As mentioned before, we've got a whole section "Leave Replacements" to discuss anything that affects us as RCAs.
For the most part, I appreciate the comments of regular carriers who have the experience most RCAs lack.
If there's a comment that I don't agree with or don't like, I don't read it. You know, it's a real original concept!!
By separating off, you're not increasing your ability to make changes for the working conditions of RCAs. The only way to make anything better for RCAs is to convince our union to get off its ass, quit planning parties, and do the job that our dues are supposed to be paying for!
WE ALL knew the RCA job going in - availability at the drop of a hat, work the crappiest days, and get nothing in return.
I have MANY more complaints about most RCAs than I do any regular carrier. The newer RCAs in our office are entitled, self-absorbed, whiny, and slower than a glacier.
For the most part, I appreciate the comments of regular carriers who have the experience most RCAs lack.
If there's a comment that I don't agree with or don't like, I don't read it. You know, it's a real original concept!!
By separating off, you're not increasing your ability to make changes for the working conditions of RCAs. The only way to make anything better for RCAs is to convince our union to get off its ass, quit planning parties, and do the job that our dues are supposed to be paying for!
WE ALL knew the RCA job going in - availability at the drop of a hat, work the crappiest days, and get nothing in return.
I have MANY more complaints about most RCAs than I do any regular carrier. The newer RCAs in our office are entitled, self-absorbed, whiny, and slower than a glacier.
Basically you want to start a conversation with only other RCA's, just to bitch about being a RCA? Talking about what sucks is not going to change anything, it's not like you will become the RCA union and things will change, I agree with the other posts saying just say what you need to under leave replacements.
Also, D.B. Cooper, how can you possibly be a regular?! Every time I check here you are always on, morning, noon and night and you post all day long!
Also, D.B. Cooper, how can you possibly be a regular?! Every time I check here you are always on, morning, noon and night and you post all day long!
SnailMail2000
New member
Thanks for your comment, little sew&sew. I agree with some of your sentiments, but not others. I'm a little confused as to why the talking point so frequently seems to be that regulars should fight for better working conditions, but RCAs should just settle? I do not think RCAs should settle for the dregs of what is offered to us and accept that we "knew it going in." No group of workers has ever improved their lot in life by settling. RCAs have a right to ask for better terms of employment, and the power (a union) to do so. But RCAs are not, as a whole, organized or mobilized or informed enough. RCAs could work together to improve that instead of turning on each other at every opportunity.
I agree that more RCAs should get involved in the Union. I'd love to start a caucus of RCAs that were interested in promoting that. It takes mobilization. That's something we RCAs should discuss together.
This doesn't need to be framed as "regulars" vs "RCAs." RCAs stepping up and organizing for better conditions does not have to be about the regular at all. Why is the default position all about the regular and the RCA is "separating" to discuss their own terms? When regulars discuss their working terms, are they concerned for the RCA? No! That's why we have crappy working conditions!
I agree that more RCAs should get involved in the Union. I'd love to start a caucus of RCAs that were interested in promoting that. It takes mobilization. That's something we RCAs should discuss together.
This doesn't need to be framed as "regulars" vs "RCAs." RCAs stepping up and organizing for better conditions does not have to be about the regular at all. Why is the default position all about the regular and the RCA is "separating" to discuss their own terms? When regulars discuss their working terms, are they concerned for the RCA? No! That's why we have crappy working conditions!
faceindawind
New member
Oh whoopee. Your PM (management) has joined your private thread which now has become no longer "Private".
Keep dreaming on your Super Secret. They care about you as an RCA only because it could lead to paying us REGS no OT. Us REGS who served many years as an RCA know what it's like being one and having to adjust our lives to accommodate the USPS. Nothing has changed since we are REG. We have adapted to adjust and welcome the OT.
Keep dreaming on your Super Secret. They care about you as an RCA only because it could lead to paying us REGS no OT. Us REGS who served many years as an RCA know what it's like being one and having to adjust our lives to accommodate the USPS. Nothing has changed since we are REG. We have adapted to adjust and welcome the OT.
SnailMail2000
New member
It was never about being "secret." It was always about reducing useless, off-hand noise from regulars who don't share the same goals as RCAs, in order to have an adult conversation. This thread is a case in point.
D.B.Cooper
Active member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>4807 said </strong>
...
Also, D.B. Cooper, how can you possibly be a regular?! Every time I check here you are always on, morning, noon and night and you post all day long! </blockquote>
LOL... <img title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" />
I wonder about that too sometimes... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />
...
Also, D.B. Cooper, how can you possibly be a regular?! Every time I check here you are always on, morning, noon and night and you post all day long! </blockquote>
LOL... <img title="Laugh" alt="Laugh" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-laugh.gif" />
I wonder about that too sometimes... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />
littlesew&sew
Well-known member
Snailmail2000 - I still don't understand your desire to take the discussion of RCA issues elsewhere. If you don't want to read something that is posted, skip over that person's comment and make your next post back on topic.
For example, on the topic of RCA issues:
I've been an RCA for six years now. While covering for an injured regular, after 90 days I started earning sick/annual leave. As soon as the route went up for bid and was filled, I was no longer in leave earning status. My annual leave was paid out immediately. However, I have 5.5 days of sick leave that are unusable until I enter leave earning status again. I can't use those days at all. If I never take a full time position or enter leave earning status again, those 5.5 days disappear. While I am thankful that there's a provision in the contract for RCAs to earn annual/sick days, it's such a limited opportunity that it's nearly worthless. Will the union fight for more generous leave earning for RCAs? NO. If 7,000 RCAs come forward at convention and propose something similar to what the CCAs have now, will our union fight for us? NO, they have a party to plan.
We - RCAs and regular carriers have a contract that states the industrial study for revised compensation was supposed to be in place back in 2015. I haven't heard a peep out of our union in regards to the study. Many of the carriers in my office don't even know there's a study going on. Is our union going to fight for back pay once the study is in place (if it ever is) like the city carrier's union fought for back pay when their last contract was signed...........I'm having a hard time typing now because I'm laughing so hard at the mere thought of our union doing so....
Is the union doing anything at all with regards to the RCA in our office that wasn't required to work a single Sunday in Nov-Dec while the rest of us were required to be available? NO. Is the union doing anything to try and get premium pay for Sunday/holiday/after 6pm work like the other crafts? NO.
After six years on this job, I'm still looking at probably a minimum of 2 more years before I have the opportunity to get a full time route. Do I think it's fair that I have no access to TSP? NO. Do I think it's right that I have such a limited way to earn annual/sick leave? NO.
Do I think that if every single RCA that works for the post office bands together to try and persuade the union to get us RCAs a few measly scraps in the contract it will change anything? I bet you can guess the answer to that one.
Even IF (and that's a HUGE IF) the union tried to get us RCAs something, they would give it up at negotiations or lose it in arbitration come contract time.
For example, on the topic of RCA issues:
I've been an RCA for six years now. While covering for an injured regular, after 90 days I started earning sick/annual leave. As soon as the route went up for bid and was filled, I was no longer in leave earning status. My annual leave was paid out immediately. However, I have 5.5 days of sick leave that are unusable until I enter leave earning status again. I can't use those days at all. If I never take a full time position or enter leave earning status again, those 5.5 days disappear. While I am thankful that there's a provision in the contract for RCAs to earn annual/sick days, it's such a limited opportunity that it's nearly worthless. Will the union fight for more generous leave earning for RCAs? NO. If 7,000 RCAs come forward at convention and propose something similar to what the CCAs have now, will our union fight for us? NO, they have a party to plan.
We - RCAs and regular carriers have a contract that states the industrial study for revised compensation was supposed to be in place back in 2015. I haven't heard a peep out of our union in regards to the study. Many of the carriers in my office don't even know there's a study going on. Is our union going to fight for back pay once the study is in place (if it ever is) like the city carrier's union fought for back pay when their last contract was signed...........I'm having a hard time typing now because I'm laughing so hard at the mere thought of our union doing so....
Is the union doing anything at all with regards to the RCA in our office that wasn't required to work a single Sunday in Nov-Dec while the rest of us were required to be available? NO. Is the union doing anything to try and get premium pay for Sunday/holiday/after 6pm work like the other crafts? NO.
After six years on this job, I'm still looking at probably a minimum of 2 more years before I have the opportunity to get a full time route. Do I think it's fair that I have no access to TSP? NO. Do I think it's right that I have such a limited way to earn annual/sick leave? NO.
Do I think that if every single RCA that works for the post office bands together to try and persuade the union to get us RCAs a few measly scraps in the contract it will change anything? I bet you can guess the answer to that one.
Even IF (and that's a HUGE IF) the union tried to get us RCAs something, they would give it up at negotiations or lose it in arbitration come contract time.
D.B.Cooper
Active member
Okay, I'll eat my hat here... <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" />
This is a RCA or Leave Replacement Forum... so if I've stepped on anybody's toes, or hurt anybody's feelings... I sincerely apologize...
I know you don't wanna hear this (again)... but I was a RCA for a LONG time... and I know, as do most Regs, and most RCAs, that RCAs are $#i+ upon... I wish you all the best in making your lot in life better...
Btw, if you can get some retroactive credit for all of our RCA time, your Regs will LOVE you for it...
Good Luck!!! <img title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" />
This is a RCA or Leave Replacement Forum... so if I've stepped on anybody's toes, or hurt anybody's feelings... I sincerely apologize...
I know you don't wanna hear this (again)... but I was a RCA for a LONG time... and I know, as do most Regs, and most RCAs, that RCAs are $#i+ upon... I wish you all the best in making your lot in life better...
Btw, if you can get some retroactive credit for all of our RCA time, your Regs will LOVE you for it...
Good Luck!!! <img title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" />
littlesew&sew
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>D.B.Cooper said </strong>
Okay, I'll eat my hat here... <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" />
This is a RCA or Leave Replacement Forum... so if I've stepped on anybody's toes, or hurt anybody's feelings... I sincerely apologize...
I know you don't wanna hear this (again)... but I was a RCA for a LONG time... and I know, as do most Regs, and most RCAs, that RCAs are $#i+ upon... I wish you all the best in making your lot in life better...
Btw, if you can get some retroactive credit for all of our RCA time, your Regs will LOVE you for it...
Good Luck!!! <img title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" /> </blockquote>
DB - if anyone thinks you've stepped on their toes, they need to put on some da** shoes.
We're all adults here (I assume). We should be able to have a little fun, get some helpful advice, razz each other a bit, and have some lively discussions without getting our panties in a twist.
I work in a very rural office, and I've learned a lot from the other carriers here that deal with insane crap every day. Without this forum and the knowledge that I've gained here, things would be a bit different in our office. For example, we didn't have a RDWL until myself and another regular that works in my office learned about the rules on this forum.
I appreciate all the advice from regulars and fellow RCAs. And like I've said before, if I don't want to read something, I just scroll past it. I've learned far to much here to get upset every time someone posts something I don't like.
Okay, I'll eat my hat here... <img title="Surprised" alt="Surprised" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-surprised.gif" />
This is a RCA or Leave Replacement Forum... so if I've stepped on anybody's toes, or hurt anybody's feelings... I sincerely apologize...
I know you don't wanna hear this (again)... but I was a RCA for a LONG time... and I know, as do most Regs, and most RCAs, that RCAs are $#i+ upon... I wish you all the best in making your lot in life better...
Btw, if you can get some retroactive credit for all of our RCA time, your Regs will LOVE you for it...
Good Luck!!! <img title="Wink" alt="Wink" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-wink.gif" /> </blockquote>
DB - if anyone thinks you've stepped on their toes, they need to put on some da** shoes.
We're all adults here (I assume). We should be able to have a little fun, get some helpful advice, razz each other a bit, and have some lively discussions without getting our panties in a twist.
I work in a very rural office, and I've learned a lot from the other carriers here that deal with insane crap every day. Without this forum and the knowledge that I've gained here, things would be a bit different in our office. For example, we didn't have a RDWL until myself and another regular that works in my office learned about the rules on this forum.
I appreciate all the advice from regulars and fellow RCAs. And like I've said before, if I don't want to read something, I just scroll past it. I've learned far to much here to get upset every time someone posts something I don't like.
gotstamps
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>SnailMail2000 said </strong>
A frank discussion about our pay, working conditions, and benefits would be nice. We have collective bargaining power. We should start planning on ways to harness it.
I<strong><em> do not</em> </strong>discount that current regulars have valuable information to impart and that there are many many regulars who are allies in helping RCAs move towards a better working environment. Unfortunately, in this forum they have a tendency to be drowned out by the unhelpful and ubiquitous comments of certain louder, more prolific <em>regulars </em>who just can't seem to pass up a thread without making a snarky comment.
As such, I think it's important to create our own place where we can have serious discussions and weed out the constant noise from people who do not share our goals of a better working environment for all RCAs. </blockquote>
RCAs alone do not have any "bargaining power". An RCAs main goal is... to be a Regular carrier. After May 2018 there is no contract and the rules of this one will just continue until one can either be agreed upon or arbitrated as usual. The study should start being implemented soon after the end of contract. Unless you are in the Union, go to the meetings, go to the State and National convention as a voice with resolutions, your attempt at the "private thread" as a resolve to anything is but a pipe dream.
When I was a sub, we had ZERO rights and in every contract since, the RCAs seem to get more and more rights to make life a little better than before. At the same time, we can't seem to keep them without 3/4 of the hired getting "butt hurt" if a Reg or mgmt looks at them wrong much less task them with any job they don't feel like doing including the one they were hired for. It's ridiculous for me to have to actually tell an RCA how to interact with Mgmt when PreD'd i.e. Keep quiet & listen, yes & no answers, full respect, no cursing, do not yell or become belligerent, etc. AND for Pete's sake, DON'T do it again! Conduct yourself as an adult & you'll be treated as such. There are no trophies in real life.
Good luck in your endeavor and don't forget to remove yourself from your RCA group when you convert to Regular.
A frank discussion about our pay, working conditions, and benefits would be nice. We have collective bargaining power. We should start planning on ways to harness it.
I<strong><em> do not</em> </strong>discount that current regulars have valuable information to impart and that there are many many regulars who are allies in helping RCAs move towards a better working environment. Unfortunately, in this forum they have a tendency to be drowned out by the unhelpful and ubiquitous comments of certain louder, more prolific <em>regulars </em>who just can't seem to pass up a thread without making a snarky comment.
As such, I think it's important to create our own place where we can have serious discussions and weed out the constant noise from people who do not share our goals of a better working environment for all RCAs. </blockquote>
RCAs alone do not have any "bargaining power". An RCAs main goal is... to be a Regular carrier. After May 2018 there is no contract and the rules of this one will just continue until one can either be agreed upon or arbitrated as usual. The study should start being implemented soon after the end of contract. Unless you are in the Union, go to the meetings, go to the State and National convention as a voice with resolutions, your attempt at the "private thread" as a resolve to anything is but a pipe dream.
When I was a sub, we had ZERO rights and in every contract since, the RCAs seem to get more and more rights to make life a little better than before. At the same time, we can't seem to keep them without 3/4 of the hired getting "butt hurt" if a Reg or mgmt looks at them wrong much less task them with any job they don't feel like doing including the one they were hired for. It's ridiculous for me to have to actually tell an RCA how to interact with Mgmt when PreD'd i.e. Keep quiet & listen, yes & no answers, full respect, no cursing, do not yell or become belligerent, etc. AND for Pete's sake, DON'T do it again! Conduct yourself as an adult & you'll be treated as such. There are no trophies in real life.
Good luck in your endeavor and don't forget to remove yourself from your RCA group when you convert to Regular.
blamethesub
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>littlesew&sew said </strong>
Even IF (and that's a HUGE IF) the union tried to get us RCAs something, they would give it up at negotiations or lose it in arbitration come contract time. </blockquote>
I've been with the PO going on 14 years now. I know, still a young pup with lots of abuse left in me. In that time, RCAs have made some gains, but have taken losses too.
I started as a TRC at $11.55/hour. You could be fired at any time for any reason; no 90 days of probation. There was no five pay periods of actual time while you learned, and no opportunity for health insurance which you couldn't afford anyway. The training has been revamped since then and seems to be longer and more involved. I could be wrong on that though.
So for those steps forward, the step back is new hires are on a lower pay scale. The company has the right to do it, and it happens in private industry as well, but it still sucks. It's a shame the union allows us to "eat our young" for the sake of those at the top of the pay scale and the retirees. RCAs are also the first to get hurt financially after these crappy short mail counts if routes drop from K to J or to H.
Just to be clear, going regular is hardly a ticket to the promised land. It comes with it's own set of problems. I guess we all have to decide if we're benefited by this job more than by other ones that are available in our area. If the answer is yes, then do an excellent job every day even though you're not officially rewarded for it. Help others in your office to learn and to improve. Try to keep a smile on your face as much as possible, and don't become one of those angry, bitter people. It ain't worth losing your soul.
Even IF (and that's a HUGE IF) the union tried to get us RCAs something, they would give it up at negotiations or lose it in arbitration come contract time. </blockquote>
I've been with the PO going on 14 years now. I know, still a young pup with lots of abuse left in me. In that time, RCAs have made some gains, but have taken losses too.
I started as a TRC at $11.55/hour. You could be fired at any time for any reason; no 90 days of probation. There was no five pay periods of actual time while you learned, and no opportunity for health insurance which you couldn't afford anyway. The training has been revamped since then and seems to be longer and more involved. I could be wrong on that though.
So for those steps forward, the step back is new hires are on a lower pay scale. The company has the right to do it, and it happens in private industry as well, but it still sucks. It's a shame the union allows us to "eat our young" for the sake of those at the top of the pay scale and the retirees. RCAs are also the first to get hurt financially after these crappy short mail counts if routes drop from K to J or to H.
Just to be clear, going regular is hardly a ticket to the promised land. It comes with it's own set of problems. I guess we all have to decide if we're benefited by this job more than by other ones that are available in our area. If the answer is yes, then do an excellent job every day even though you're not officially rewarded for it. Help others in your office to learn and to improve. Try to keep a smile on your face as much as possible, and don't become one of those angry, bitter people. It ain't worth losing your soul.
shyflyrebelguy
New member
I don't know if the trend is the same everywhere, but it seems the rca role/attitude had changed drastically over the years. When I was hired as rca, we were told we don't get days off and have to be available every day. There was tough days and I was almost in tears ready to quit. We didn't get help. We split routes almost on a daily basis. Today is totally different. The Rcas are pampered/babied because they probably don't want them to quit. They get trained up to a month on a route. Split a route? Not a chance, but they will cry if someone leaves them a circular. They will curtail it and get done early anyway. Not that I mind since I'm on rdwl, but there was many times I worked on sat so a sub can have off. I think I maybe took 1 Sat off in 10 years as a sub. Hours were tight some weeks. I never felt entitled to more than 2 days a week, but it was nice to work a full week. I worked 2nd jobs to make ends meet.
gotstamps
Well-known member
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote"><strong>PastOThirty said </strong>
Relief carrier rights in most respects are worse in this contract than the previous one when looking at protections from exploitation and increased discretion afforded to management to inflict increased volatility against us, and entirely inconsistent language when it comes to special sections concerning relief carriers (especially PTFs). Anything addressed in the recent contract specifically to improve the relief carrier situation is an afterthought and window dressing, as in day to day, the changes have no positive impact from the perspective of the relief carrier. All in exchange for less than a pre-tax nickel increase per dollar in wage over the life of the contract on the front end, with much higher give backs on the backend. Phenomenal.
Ah, the infamous, "When I was a sub". How many handful of oats did you feed your package car engine before you started your day as a sub? Was yours a pretty pony? How things were, and why they were is important, to a point. We are beyond that point. We are on the Titanic, and the study being released is that flotsam of ice in the North Atlantic. Cue the band. </blockquote>
Yes, the last contract (by Arbitration) leashed a lot of extra hour opportunities but I guess enough RCAs whined about not getting hours that they made extra work available. I don't see the issue you see on the PTFs as the position has been around for a few contracts but just weren't implemented back when. I'd have loved to start my career earlier even if still a sub.
Parcels weren't quite as big & bad back then as they are now but we carry nothing in the way of mail like we did back then. We had 2nd trips because NO parcels would fit with the mail aside from sprs. We didn't scan as much but we had a lot more Accountables & mgmt was strict on the handling of them. I could only afford used vehicles (no pretty pony here) & went through 3 vehicles in less than 5 yrs along with repairs & tires every 3-6 months. Quite expensive with working only 1-3 days per week prior to the Matrix being used. We weren't aloud to call in, be sick, or take vacations. Ours do it all the time. We couldn't whine our way out of using a POV on a POV route with curbs. Our subs say they can't do it so mgmt gives them a LLV to use. We used to have to alter our vehicles to meet the needs of our job or go find another job. We were expendable so if you couldn't do the job you were hired for or won't come in at a moments notice... goodbye, we don't need you.
I was in tears often from stress of being thrown on a route I knew nothing about with no help. Our training was a few days in "Good Start", 3 days with the carrier, then to the wolves. It was sink or swim! I didn't get LLV training until 3 months in & it was very short with the trainer wanting to get done early and the subs in my office needing me to come in after to run a route. We subs called each other in to get routes covered as mgmt didn't want to be bothered.
I still think things are much better for the subs now than they were in previous years & contracts.
Relief carrier rights in most respects are worse in this contract than the previous one when looking at protections from exploitation and increased discretion afforded to management to inflict increased volatility against us, and entirely inconsistent language when it comes to special sections concerning relief carriers (especially PTFs). Anything addressed in the recent contract specifically to improve the relief carrier situation is an afterthought and window dressing, as in day to day, the changes have no positive impact from the perspective of the relief carrier. All in exchange for less than a pre-tax nickel increase per dollar in wage over the life of the contract on the front end, with much higher give backs on the backend. Phenomenal.
Ah, the infamous, "When I was a sub". How many handful of oats did you feed your package car engine before you started your day as a sub? Was yours a pretty pony? How things were, and why they were is important, to a point. We are beyond that point. We are on the Titanic, and the study being released is that flotsam of ice in the North Atlantic. Cue the band. </blockquote>
Yes, the last contract (by Arbitration) leashed a lot of extra hour opportunities but I guess enough RCAs whined about not getting hours that they made extra work available. I don't see the issue you see on the PTFs as the position has been around for a few contracts but just weren't implemented back when. I'd have loved to start my career earlier even if still a sub.
Parcels weren't quite as big & bad back then as they are now but we carry nothing in the way of mail like we did back then. We had 2nd trips because NO parcels would fit with the mail aside from sprs. We didn't scan as much but we had a lot more Accountables & mgmt was strict on the handling of them. I could only afford used vehicles (no pretty pony here) & went through 3 vehicles in less than 5 yrs along with repairs & tires every 3-6 months. Quite expensive with working only 1-3 days per week prior to the Matrix being used. We weren't aloud to call in, be sick, or take vacations. Ours do it all the time. We couldn't whine our way out of using a POV on a POV route with curbs. Our subs say they can't do it so mgmt gives them a LLV to use. We used to have to alter our vehicles to meet the needs of our job or go find another job. We were expendable so if you couldn't do the job you were hired for or won't come in at a moments notice... goodbye, we don't need you.
I was in tears often from stress of being thrown on a route I knew nothing about with no help. Our training was a few days in "Good Start", 3 days with the carrier, then to the wolves. It was sink or swim! I didn't get LLV training until 3 months in & it was very short with the trainer wanting to get done early and the subs in my office needing me to come in after to run a route. We subs called each other in to get routes covered as mgmt didn't want to be bothered.
I still think things are much better for the subs now than they were in previous years & contracts.
Rt2mailman
Well-known member
I and my steward have helped many RCA's on and off this site with many problems that commonly affect RCA's and their work environments. The people (not regulars, not RCA's) on this site are typically NOT on this site to fight against each other, but as we should, against management and the many ways they refuse to follow the contract we have in place, and the parts of the contract in which it ignores our many work problems. The premise of starting this thread leaves out the most experienced and knowledgeable people on this site, with expectations that those with less experience and less knowledge of how to bring about serious change in OUR union, will cause a profitable change for RCA's. May I suggest that Snailmail's super secret, and exclusive RCA group, with its lacking, will turn into what many union meetings turn into, a 2 hour complaint session and a 5 minute mention of possible solutions. As a group we have strength, when anyone (at least 1/2 of this site is regular) is excluded from "your" group (even though they may be as obnoxious as D.B. Coopper) the over all strength of the group is that much less.
D.B.Cooper
Active member
Wow, I guess this thread did prompt some really good discussion... amazing what you might hear when it's opened up to everybody...
I usually do what somebody else already suggested... when I start reading something I don't wanna read, I skip on the the next post... PO biggest ploy is to divide and conquer, I see no reason to help them toward that end... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />
I usually do what somebody else already suggested... when I start reading something I don't wanna read, I skip on the the next post... PO biggest ploy is to divide and conquer, I see no reason to help them toward that end... <img title="Confused" alt="Confused" src="https://www.ruralmailtalk.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-smileys/sf-confused.gif" />
SnailMail2000
New member
Ah, another thread full of "when I was a sub" and "subs these days..." comments. And plenty of anti-sub jabs in there, too! Typical.
Thanks, POT, as usual, for your thoughtful commentary, including:
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">
<strong>PastOThirty said </strong>
How things were, and why they were is important, to a point. We are beyond that point.
</blockquote>
I couldn't agree more.
Thanks, POT, as usual, for your thoughtful commentary, including:
<blockquote class="spPostEmbedQuote">
<strong>PastOThirty said </strong>
How things were, and why they were is important, to a point. We are beyond that point.
</blockquote>
I couldn't agree more.
