Cover drivers are another way for UPS to exploit low wages. Agreed If used correctly there would be a need. But to abuse the language on the usage of a "TEMPORARY" Cover Driver puts a bad taste for the hard work in negotiating a fair contract. We have TCD that have been on the same routes for over 2 years. Why go full time and become a swing driver when you have your own route? Maybe less wage is worth less aggrivation
I don't know about the wage as far as other conferences go but it is 85% in the Southern Conference. You must be told prior to the end of your shift what you will be doing the next business day. If sent to your part time job you can be asked to do cover work to cover unexpected absents, your option, even though management won't tell you this. You may be told to report as a cover driver the next day. Management will tell you to hang around and they will see if they need you.
The Key is for you to know your rights and take this to heart without burning bridges...
1. When reporting as a cover driver you are guaranteed 8 hrs. at cover driver wage for all work performed
A. performed work is not a junk car or bulk stops
B. it isn't air work for 2 hours and then go home
C. It isn't stand around and send you home, a grievance will get you your 8 hrs...
2. You shall be used to cover a full time package car
positon.
If you don't like doing TCD for 2-4 years, try it, get the taste, disqualify yourself, when you get closer to your seniority date to bid on full time then just before, get back on the cover driver list for 6 months. Your seniority now at 4 years will but you ahead of anybody that went TCD between that time. For example, your buddy that has 2 months less part time seniority has been coverdriving for 3 years you sign a TCD bid in your 4th year and you now have coverdriver seniority rights over him. Then the full time bid comes up and you slide right in without the 30 day qualification period. or starting at the lower wage.
Managers try to abuse the TCD's by offering you air work. If so, make sure they pay you as a cover driver not as an air driver. And tell them you want your 8 hr guarantee. Then do the work and file a grievance for the rest of the pay. You will eventually get it...
Just something to think about...