CCA’s and the Job
As previously discussed in other articles, City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) are non-career employees with some rights and benefits. Benefits such as health insurance; work hour guarantees; uniforms; and ability to opt for hold downs to be guaranteed a forty-hour week. CCAs also earn annual leave, and are covered by Workers’ Compensation. More recent, CCAs received paid holidays and are included in the complement on the vacation list, as well as having their pay increased to Step BB.
Starting out as a City Carrier Assistant (CCA) is hard enough. Working the long hours; Fighting the elements, be it summer or winter is really rough. And, working every Sunday has to come with a certain dedication. When hired, CCAs were told it would be this way. Unfortunately, many made the commitment hoping that when they arrived at the post office things would be different and a lot easier. Some found it a lot worse than expected.
Many offices are unable to retain CCAs causing long hours for everyone.
In addition to working Sundays, CCAs are required to work overtime when needed. The maximum daily work hours for a CCA are 12 hours including lunch (11.5 hours + .50-hour lunch). They can’t be required or allowed to work longer. But, CCAs can be made to work before Carriers who are not on the overtime desired list are mandated to work.
Look, this is a tough job. Many people see their Letter Carrier walking or driving up and down the street. They assume it’s an easy gig and nothing to it. Wrong! This is hard work, and not for the faint of heart. It’s a very physical job. Now add the stress of the long hours, starting salary, and management’s expectations and demands, and this can lead to broken commitments and attitudes.
Try to stay in it for the long haul. It does get better. Time brings better pay; Seniority and job conversion; more benefits such as; paid sick leave, additional vacation time, Thrift Savings Plan (401K), pension, additional life insurance and the chance to qualify for other jobs. There is also a light at the end of the tunnel called “retirement”. So, try to stick around, and finish your commitment.
