Protect Yourself

In 2019, while visiting my offices, I have noticed that management, from every level of the Postal Service, have increased day to day pressure on letter carriers. It is clear that management just cares about their numbers and customer service no longer exists. Most managers are told by upper management to leave the regular carrier home on his n/s day and split the route up for the other carriers to case and deliver to save money. When a route gets split up customer service is sacrificed. Carriers are working more hours than ever and Management just does not care. Where are the savings??

We need to start protecting ourselves no matter how bad management runs the service into the ground. Don’t give management a chance to write you up. Here are some things that you can do to protect yourself:

Attendance:

1.         Report to work on time. Don’t be late.

2.         Fill out a 3971 when putting in for scheduled sick leave in advance. Make yourself a copy of your 3971. Management cannot tell you that you can’t go to your doctor’s appointment if you give them advance notice.

3.         If you have a medical issue, or an immediate family member has a medical issue, fill out paperwork to apply for FMLA to protect your absences. You are allowed to take 80 hours of dependent sick leave every year.

4.         Please call when you don’t show up for work. Don’t give them a chance to say you’re AWOL.

Safety on your route:

1.                  Never leave the truck running when you’re not sitting in the driver’s seat.

2.                  Always put your seat belt on when you’re in the driver’s seat and ready to put the truck in motion.

3.                  Obey all traffic lights and signs while driving your vehicles. Do not go over the speed limits and remember to signal.

4.                  Engage your emergency break, curb your wheels, and take out the key when you park.

5.                  While walking a relay have your mailbag and dog spray with you.

6.                  Case your dog warning cards and hazard cards.

Following Instructions:

1.                  Avoid getting into a verbal confrontation with management or another employee. If you need to catch your breath take your 5 minute personal break in the morning and step off the floor.

2.                  Scan your parcels attempted or delivered only when you’re at the delivery.

3.                  When management comes around to see if you are on time ask for a Form 3996 and fill it out if you are running late. No need to have any verbal confrontation.

4.                  Protect yourself with a phone call on the street if you’re running later than you stated on your 3996. You also need to call if you left early in the office but extended your street time by not coming back early.

5.                  Management is constantly doing street supervision. Do your route as if you were on route inspection. Don’t deviate from your route.

6.                  Do not wear anything on your ears while delivering mail. Cell phones are not to be used while delivering or driving.

Accidents:

1.                  Report vehicle accidents immediately to your supervisor. Do not try to settle the accident without reporting it to management. Call the police if you can’t contact the office.

2.                  Report an accident if you get hurt while walking your route. Fill out a CA-1 form and write a statement when you go back to the office, to receive worker’s compensation and pick a doctor of your choice to get medical attention. See your shop steward for guidance if needed, with your claim.

These are just some of the items management may write you up for. I hope this information helps you and stops management from issuing discipline.

Please refer to the M-41 Handbook that covers all carriers duties and responsibilities or ask your shop steward, or call the branch office, if you have any questions on your job as a letter carrier.

Be safe and keep smiling.