Laid off Drivers as helpers at $8.50

[Stoph]

I also am in this same situation. I am a cover driver that has been laid off since Feb. my question is what happens after peak with the peak drivers? Does their building seniority count for anything? I know of a couple peak drivers that have more seniorty than me. After peak are they ahead of me on the cover driver seniorty list, or where they considred peak drivers and this will not send me further down the list of drivers waiting to go ft.

[jaded1]

Our laid off drivers are going to deliver on bicycles. Definitely worth the minimum wage for that gig. Where is this company headed? Oh well, after my 11 hour day today that makes 7 years, 6 months and 12 days to go- not that I'm counting.

[Thumbster]

I couldn't find anything in the Master, but I believe the starting rate of pay for off-the-street Helpers is $8.50 pretty much nation wide.

Inside workers are usually paid a little more when they function as Helpers. Same for Drivers. They're usually paid their Driver wages when they function as Helpers. Our inside workers get paid $14.45 this year and are guaranteed 8 combined with their primary duties. This is per a letter of understanding in our local sort rider. Also, Drivers will always be worked before inside workers and off-the-street hires. But that's here. Where you are may be different.

Your Supplemental agreements and sort riders should spell out the rules and rates where you are. No matter how weak or strong your leadership is, you are entitled to a copy of the contract, or at least access to one. You can find a copy of the Master on this site... Look at the newbie sticky, post #19 by DILLIGAF for instance. Also look for "job seniority and reassignment" in your Local contract. A lot of this depends on your local. I could be wrong, but what I do know is that a 4 year Seniority Driver getting paid $8.50 is getting hosed.

If you have been running and gunning since 2006, you will hit the wall this summer or next...

good luck

[MC4YOU2]

Most laid off drivers may already know this since there is a fair amount of unemployment bennies to be had during long layoff spells, but you can usually qualify for unemployment when you have your hours and/or wage rate cut. Our 22.3 guy here discovered this when he got reassigned to inside.
Of course is you get your reg driver rate for helper time, as they do here, this is not necessary. But if you are making 8.50 for being a driver working as a helper, definitely apply for those bennies!

[blue efficacy]

Sounds like the high driver top scale pay rate is finally pricing you guys out of the market.

You really can't blame UPS.

[UpstateNYUPSer]

Originally Posted by blue efficacy

Sounds like the high driver top scale pay rate is finally pricing you guys out of the market. You really can't blame UPS.

There is some truth behind your sarcasm. I have found it more difficult to secure new volume as our price point hinders our ability to be competitive with FedEx (package) and our freight competitors. For example, I deliver and pickup from our local college bookstore and was trying to get their text book returns (3100 lbs). We put a bid in and were underbid by 1/2 by A. Duie Pyle, a LTL company.

I think this, along with a number of other economic issues, will be addressed in 2013, and not in the manner most of us are used to.

[dilligaf-2]

Well it's grievance time. They dropped it to $8.50 I'm in total shock.
If there is enough volume to use helpers. How come we have any laid off drivers to begin with?

[UpstateNYUPSer]

Originally Posted by dilligaf-2

Well it's grievance time. They dropped it to $8.50 I'm in total shock.
If there is enough volume to use helpers. How come we have any laid off drivers to begin with?

It is much cheaper to put more work on the cars and pay a helper $8.50/hr than it is to put a run on, pay driver wage and the costs of putting the vehicle on the road.

[Omega man]

Originally Posted by blue efficacy

Sounds like the high driver top scale pay rate is finally pricing you guys out of the market.

You really can't blame UPS.

Tell Scott Davis to give back part of the raise he gave himself.

[grgrcr88]

Originally Posted by Thumbster

I couldn't find anything in the Master, but I believe the starting rate of pay for off-the-street Helpers is $8.50 pretty much nation wide.

Our helpers here start at $12.88/hr off the street

[UPSSOCKS]

I am all for cutting hours and cutting pay rates. I am proud after reading this thread. Go Big Brown

[grgrcr88]

I see your back with nothing to do Socks!!!

[UPSSOCKS]

Originally Posted by grgrcr88

I see your back with nothing to do Socks!!!

I've been extremely busy at the hub. We are trying to cut back to make up for all the unproductive, worthless teamsters. Working on eliminating pickoff positions, and cutting loads. I've eliminated about seven pickoff positions and with the help of a little load quality I might have cut ten loads this week.

[grgrcr88]

Originally Posted by UPSSOCKS

I've been extremely busy at the hub. We are trying to cut back to make up for all the unproductive, worthless teamsters. Working on eliminating pickoff positions, and cutting loads. I've eliminated about seven pickoff positions and with the help of a little load quality I might have cut ten loads this week.

Thats fantastic buddy, maybe you can get a raise now!!!

[grgrcr88]

Originally Posted by dilligaf-2

Well it's grievance time. They dropped it to $8.50 I'm in total shock.
If there is enough volume to use helpers. How come we have any laid off drivers to begin with?

Any drivers being used for helpers should be getting normal driver rate, You are also guaranteed 8hrs because you are doing driver duties

[MC4YOU2]

Originally Posted by grgrcr88

Any drivers being used for helpers should be getting normal driver rate, You are also guaranteed 8hrs because you are doing driver duties

And file for driver pay plus late penalties if you do not receive it weekly. That should offset any illegal savings put forth by a misguided attempt to legitimise stealing Teamster work. Go Teamsters!