What I'm getting from the above four posts is that when I take my lunch at the time I want, I'm actually doing MYSELF a disservice, because it somehow skews the route. I don't see how that is possible. I take lunch at approx. the same time each day, whether I'm loaded heavy or normal. I break off before my pickups, take 1/2 my lunch, do a few more pickups, take the rest of my lunch, do the rest of my pickups and continue on to what ever deliveries I have left.
Taking my lunch when I want to neither speeds me up nor slows me down. I don't even know what the contractual times are for lunch.
This seems hipocritical.
First off , I was not speaking for you Steve. Your response reminds me one like Upstates. Very self centered and "me" oriented. Re-read my response, I am talking for the good of all drivers in your center and everywhere, not only your own personal gain.
There are many different scenerios that affect FT employees and FT drivers are not the only ones affected by appropriate lunch/ break hours.
But on-topic for drivers,
IF the company were forced to plan routes according to what is a fair days work plan/dispatch, while allowing for meal and break times at the contractually given windows: AND the break/lunch times were reviewed by the local union periodically (examination of records ), do you think the management team would need to plan more routes and bodies, or not?
You should never have a right to file a grievance if management violates the contract; simply because you are willingly violating it yourself and likely making the company and local management team look better than they should.
center manager "Well Steve takes his lunch at 6 pm in the bldg, theres no reason YOU shouldn't be able to also.
Driver "No, I will take my contractually agreed 4th and 6th hour lunch. I need a lunch to re-energize. thank you."
center manager: *insert cliche guilt line designed to make employee feel cheapened* "
Driver: "No, I am taking my lunch in the contractual window. "
center manager "Ok, we will play by the rules then. Get out of here. *insert arrogant smirk* "
Next day, said driver has 2 splits 20 miles away and a 12 hour planned day
Thanks Steve!