RCA's on call every day

Michiganrc · Nov 16, 2017

is it true that an RCA is on call everyday and cannot deny work. Say I have tues, wed and Thursday that I'm not on schedule, Tuesday night I decide to drive up state to visit my mom. Wednesday the office calls and wants me to work. I can't because I'm 5 hours away. Boss is stating that unless you previously asked for that day off you HAVE TO WORK IF CALLED! So basically if this is true I cannot do any last minute plans unless it is first ok'd by the boss.

Quivo · Nov 16, 2017

This is the classic fight between RCA and management and is one of the top reasons why RCA is a terrible job.

You are technically not on call because you are not getting paid. However, you have to be available to work when called and can be disciplined for not being available. It's a thin line, and a good relationship with management or a good union steward helps out a lot. Remember, the USPS wants to keep RCAs because it costs so much to train you and there is not exactly a line of people waiting for this job.

The best tip is to be available as much as you can, and if you don't want to work don't answer the phone, and accept the verbal abuse until there is discipline against you, and then grieve it. Good luck and may you go regular soon.

stillfirstclass · Nov 16, 2017

get a deer? you did nothing wrong.. with rca shortage in mi.. look to transfer..

boxstuffer · Nov 16, 2017

If you don't answer the phone they can't tell you that you are needed.

However, If you don't answer the phone too many times (???) management can fire you.

In our office the RCA's put in leave slips to let management know they need days off.

BS

stillfirstclass · Nov 16, 2017

boxstuffer? if they deny those leave requests? green card time for filling out a couple hundred leave slips a year? not on call......sorry. maybe the next contract this will be addressed? don't mean disrespect, but have to guess his supe is a real winner(not)

OutHereSomewhere · Nov 16, 2017

I'm getting ready to go through this same problem with a new sub. Sub has a full time, during the day job, and is under the impression that it's only going to be Saturdays, with a day or two here and there. Which is what it will be most of the time. Until I get sick, go on vacation, etc etc. Then what's sub going to tell the full time employer?

H.Guders · Nov 26, 2017

Put in slips for every hint of needing time off. Its not like you're burning AL by doing so. Otherwise you're 'Available' which I think even my District fellow has said. Just be honest in this case. You can come back, but it is what, 5 hours you said? Say 7 hours then, give or take some traffic.

I've been states away and gotten calls before. "yeah, if I drive nonstop I can be there by tomorrow morning."

Also that full time other job sub is gonna get smashed. I can understand an evening side job to fill the gaps, but they should have known when they were hired they'd be needed during the week.

Unless they're ARCs. ARCs are weird. no one besides the other subs knows we have one.