MrFedEx
Engorged Member
As we go through another Peak, just a few random thoughts.
1. FedEx "cares" about extracting every bit of productivity and profit from you they can. Not just now, but always. Keep this in mind when you are offered donuts, pizza, McDonald's or whatever these days. One, they don't want you taking a real break, and two, they'd like you to drain your wallet by taking your break waiting on the airplane or CTV. Do you ever get food after Peak? No, you don't, and that should tell you something.
2. Your holiday plans and events mean nothing to management. Yes, I know that long hours are just part of the deal, but if you have to miss your kid's Christmas play because they want you to go back out and deliver until 8pm, it isn't worth it. Your wife. family and kids care.....FedEx doesn't. All of your extra effort will be quickly forgotten. It doesn't pay to be a hero.
3. You are just a "body". In fact, how many times have you heard management use this term for couriers? If you get hurt or have a serious accident, they'll just plug another "body" into your slot. We are units of production to Memphis, and nothing else.
4. FedEx charity events make the company look good to the public at your expense. Give and volunteer, but don't do it in the name of FedEx. They will make you wear a dumb t-shirt and say wonderful things so you can go on Frontline and say how much FedEx cares about the downtrodden. They don't care. Just ask a Ground driver, the one that probably qualifies for food stamps, how much FedEx cares. Most managers attend these events with a gun to their heads anyway because they are required to be there. Give generously of your time and money if you can, but not so MT3 can spray it all over the TV.
5. Don't cut corners on your safety to get it all done. It isn't worth an injury or accident to deliver on ice or snow in the dark. If you fall and get hurt, guess who will get blamed. The ice? Think again. If you slide into the ditch? Same thing.
6. The first day after Peak, they will ruthlessly try and cut your hours in any way possible. Do not waive your minimums. Do not volunteer to leave early unless it benefits you, and don't take LWOP. If there isn't anything to do....too bad. Just as being overwhelmed during Peak is part of the deal, so is the decline in volume after Christmas. Your local management wll probably try to combine your route with 3 others anyway.
Don't be stupid.
1. FedEx "cares" about extracting every bit of productivity and profit from you they can. Not just now, but always. Keep this in mind when you are offered donuts, pizza, McDonald's or whatever these days. One, they don't want you taking a real break, and two, they'd like you to drain your wallet by taking your break waiting on the airplane or CTV. Do you ever get food after Peak? No, you don't, and that should tell you something.
2. Your holiday plans and events mean nothing to management. Yes, I know that long hours are just part of the deal, but if you have to miss your kid's Christmas play because they want you to go back out and deliver until 8pm, it isn't worth it. Your wife. family and kids care.....FedEx doesn't. All of your extra effort will be quickly forgotten. It doesn't pay to be a hero.
3. You are just a "body". In fact, how many times have you heard management use this term for couriers? If you get hurt or have a serious accident, they'll just plug another "body" into your slot. We are units of production to Memphis, and nothing else.
4. FedEx charity events make the company look good to the public at your expense. Give and volunteer, but don't do it in the name of FedEx. They will make you wear a dumb t-shirt and say wonderful things so you can go on Frontline and say how much FedEx cares about the downtrodden. They don't care. Just ask a Ground driver, the one that probably qualifies for food stamps, how much FedEx cares. Most managers attend these events with a gun to their heads anyway because they are required to be there. Give generously of your time and money if you can, but not so MT3 can spray it all over the TV.
5. Don't cut corners on your safety to get it all done. It isn't worth an injury or accident to deliver on ice or snow in the dark. If you fall and get hurt, guess who will get blamed. The ice? Think again. If you slide into the ditch? Same thing.
6. The first day after Peak, they will ruthlessly try and cut your hours in any way possible. Do not waive your minimums. Do not volunteer to leave early unless it benefits you, and don't take LWOP. If there isn't anything to do....too bad. Just as being overwhelmed during Peak is part of the deal, so is the decline in volume after Christmas. Your local management wll probably try to combine your route with 3 others anyway.
Don't be stupid.
