The Pony came home last week and announced that MAW (Middle Aged Woman) had put a hold-down on the route they had started working on their first week of employment. They'd shared it for a while, and then one or the other would do it alone, depending on vehicles available. The Pony knew all the stops, and had his routine for bathroom and breaks.
From the best I can tell, a hold-down means you get to work a route that is currently unassigned. Meaning that the regular carrier might be on vacation, or has taken a different route. Parts of that route can be taken away, if a regular carrier needs the work to get 8 hours for the day, with no obligation to send you out to make your own 8 hours. The greatest perk appears to be that you can't be loaned out to other offices.
"I actually thought we had to wait three more days before we could sign up for a hold-down. The union rep apparently told MAW she ought to sign up for it if she was interested. I found out after my day off."
Farmer H had the opinion that The Pony had a fast one pulled on him. I don't think so. It's a merit system job, like when I worked for the state of Missouri. Regulations are pretty clear, if you delve into the rule book. The Pony didn't apply for a hold-down, and MAW did. It's his responsibility to know the regulations and follow them.
"Don't you want that route? So now she gets it, because she signed up? What if you both put a hold-down on that route?"
"I don't know, since we started the same day. So neither of us has seniority. But I do that route faster. I guess the supervisor would have to decide. I like that route, but I also like doing pivots. That's when I get sent out to help other people finish parts of their route. A lot of it is driving back to the post office to get the stuff, then driving to deliver it. I kind of think I like that better."
HEH, HEH! The Pony actually said he prefers HELPING PEOPLE!!!
Oh, I think it's not the "helping other people" part that appeals to The Pony. I think the "wasted" time involved in driving back and forth appeals to him.
ReplyDeleteIs there a radio in mail trucks? Just curious...
I think he likes the part where he gets to drive back and forth on his own.
ReplyDeleteSioux,
ReplyDeleteNot-Heaven, no! According to The Pony's description of assorted LLVs that he's driven (nobody is assigned a forever LLV), they're held together with baling twine and hope. No radio, no air conditioning. Supposedly a heater, but in winter, each carrier is issued a can of de-icer to use on the INSIDE of the windshield.
The Pony listens to music on his phone, but I'm not sure if he does that while driving. If it's through earbuds, then no. I think that's against the rules. Or the law! Some carriers listen to audio books on their routes. One you know your routine, I imagine it doesn't take much concentration. Except for keeping your feet out of holes, and your pinky-finger out of cats' claws.
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River,
Yes, I think it gives him a respite from being on his feet, and keeps him out of the sun or rain. He spent a year lounging on the couch or bed, so this level of activity six days a week, 9-10 hours a day, is quite a shock to The Pony's system. He says his feet hurt. Don't want him to come up lame!