NRLCA/USPS Sign FSS(DPS Flats) buffer MOU

[Postaltexan]

The parties recognize the potential impact to rural route evaluations from the implementation of DPS flats; therefore, the parties have agreed to temporarily modify three contractual provisions in rural delivery offices which are scheduled for the implementation of DPS flats.
Additionally, the parties have agreed to expand the application of the temporary modification represented in item #2 to all rural delivery offices within 50 miles of the offices scheduled for the implementation of DPS flats.
Further, with regard to item #2, it is important to note that the modification does not delay the posting of a vacant route; it is the residual vacancy that is withheld in accordance with the temporary modification of Article 12.3.C.2.
http://ruralupdates.blogspot.com/2008/07/nrlca-and-usps-sign-dps-flats-buffer.html

[scanit]

Soo does this mean no new regulars? If so, man oh man did I luck out!! Just went regular last Sat.

[manOman]

This is similar to what they did when DPS letters were coming. I remember I was an RCA, and there was an open route, but they wouldn't fill it.


As an aside, I've been meaning to work up an estimate of the impact of FSS on an actualroute using the figures from the last count.

[manOman]

As an experiment, I'm going to try to post the MOU on this board:

Here's another try:

DPSFlatsBufferMOU_July28_2008.pdf

[DisGruntled]

manOman, the .pdf link worked fine.  Yep, looks mighty similar to the situation we had back when DPS was imminent.  No time limit on holding vacant routes.  Only one initial posting for regs to bid. No adjustments for 47-48Ks.  The only ones who will benefit from this are older carriers in their high 3 with 47-48K's.  Ain't lookin too good for RCA's right now.  


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everybody knows that the boat is leaking....

[shortimer]

Bill Gordon already did a calculation on the Virginia offices for FSS, was about a 5 hour loss worst case at 27ppm (no standard yet). It was a great presentation, saw it at our state convention.

[ctrr03]

Although this doesn't really affect rural carriers YET, they have started consolidating city routes here in Ct.   I know one office that is losing 8  city routes.   They are claiming volume is down, so there is no need to keep all the routes, thus saving on gas and hours.   Not sure what routes are being consolidated, as it's not in my office, but it was something I read on my new's website.  Now, I don't know if these are vacant routes or what, nor what is happening to the affected carriers (if not vacant).   It should be interesting to find out though.

This is what the news article said:

Meriden Postal Routes Cut To Save Money
Cuts Come From Declining Use, Officials Say

MERIDEN, Conn. -- Many Meriden residents have said their mail is being delivered later than usual.

When he asked why that was happening, Dave Swedock said he was told it’s because eight postal routes are being cut to save money on gas and employees.

The postal service is facing declining use, officials said, because more people are paying bills online.

There were some kinks at first, officials said, but new technology makes sorting faster. With new improvements on the way, they said, more time will be spent on the road.

[ctrr03]

In response to my previous post, there was a news story tonight about the late delivery of mail.  People weren't happy with the new changes in Meriden Ct.   LOL   They don't want their mail at 7pm.

Meriden Mail Changes

I remember when DPS first came to Ct to the Fairfield office.   Carriers were still out delivering mail at 10 and 11 pm because the PO got the brilliant idea that they should prepare for DPS early.    The po ended up putting the routes back due to safety and numerous complaints.    They are claiming that Meriden is a test for the state, so it should be very interesting to see what NALC's take is on this.

[acarrierwhocares]

I think this is the worst thing that could have happened to the RCA's and the TRC's.  I have worked for the POst Office for five years and here it is that I am not even going to be able to get a regular route for another 2-3 years or more.  I am really upset with the Post Office concerning thier recent decision not to promote any one up.  I understand the reasons and I can see where they are coming from.  Especailly from a business stand point but they could have at least prepared us for this.  They should have told us that there was no hope for us coming up in September before August.  Now here I am a postal employee and where I am looking there is no future for me.  There are no happy thoughts of the Post Office.  Where there used to be happiness and positivity is now wrenched with heart ache and dispair.  Therefore, no me the Post Office has let down not only the people who come in every day and work hard but they have let down our customers.  In order to have happy customers you have to have happy employees.  In this isntance you have management who doesn't care and carriers who are caught in the middle.  To this I say the Post Office needs to make the work environment better for the carriers and get rid of some of the management that is not doing their job.

[acarrierwhocares]

From my understanding that doesn't mean much.  The guys that have been there for awhile said that the carriers who just went regular might loose thier routes because of this.

[Goldie]

acarrierwhocares ;
I too was in your situation up til the end of last year. I was very fretful of something like this happening. Don't give up hope. Pray. I did. I /we don't know how any of our futures will be. Even if we do keep our routes etc. What will it be like working for the PO? I know it's not much , but where I live what they pay the RCA is more than most people make in the state. I know that's little consolation , but we have to look for some glimmer of hope.
Goldie