It is a contractual violation.
Exception air drivers are only allowed to deliver packages that are not able to be delivered by the regular driver because of time commitments.
Ground, second day air, 3 day select, and air savers (res) aren't air exception packages.
They are only allowed to pickup packages that weren't available for pickup when the regular driver closes out the pickup for the day.
When they do the air driver is entitled to top rate pay, but that is only half the issue.
Any driver willing can grieve it as extra work not awarded in seniority order.
I have filed hundreds of these grievances and won thousands of dollars in settlements.
I have 12 pending as we speak and dare them to continue.
Truth of the matter is that they are forced to staff to the bare bone and often have no recourse but use the air driver when in a pickle.
I tell them that they can consider paying the grievance part of doing business under their present model.
When their bare bones staffing works out they make money, when it doesn't I do.
GRIEVE IT!!!!!!
P.S. Check the morning report daily (we call it the racing form). I bet you'll see many air drivers getting excessive hours even when they aren't covering a route. They will use them to shuttle bulk and misloads, as well as deliver extra splits. Check the breakdown of premium packages to their total piece count. If they are working more than 5 hours they are probably doing fulltime work or have an abundance of late air. The records will tell the story.
