Does UPS drug test part-time handlers upon initial hiring?
If they did, few people would work here.
Are you bodily searched after you leave work? (Like TSA level violation, or like a pat down or something?)
If your building has metal detectors (most don't, just the larger ones + those in rough 'hoods) and you set it off (after placing your belongings on the counter--which are subject to inspection), you get wanded and then perhaps patted down if the guard's suspicious. We have wannabe cops and we also have guards that only harass the girls (and not the fat ones
).
Are people often fired for very little reason, then can be rehired with the help of the union?
Depends on management style and labor needs. I've worked with tyrants who literally seek reasons to fire people (some people firing employees gets them noticed for promotions) and I've worked with managers who turn the other way when PTers fight, come to work drunk, etc. In general, terminations among
low-seniority PTers are not common, and typically require excessive misloads, fighting/sexual harassment or horrendous attendance (50+ lates, 20+ call-ins, etc.). There's definitely a separate set of standards once you've been here awhile (years), though. If you can make it through your 30 days, you have little to worry about. They do dismiss employees who don't hustle during their 30 days or continuously misload.
If you're fired, you'll typically get another chance (misloads, attendance, etc.) unless you've made physical contact with somebody or committed theft.
How do I do about finding a steward to pay my union dues and get into the union?
If you live in a RTW state, he/she should introduce themselves -- and the union -- to you. Ask then. If you do not live in a RTW state, you'll fill out the forms during orientation (it's automatic).
Are you able to apply for either a sorter or a loader--or, do you apply for PT-PH, then tell them?
You start wherever they tell you to. You can let them know where you'd like to, but it probably won't be honored. They use to start people unloading trailers, but that's not so common anymore -- nowadays, they like to stick people loading trucks, since that's where the greatest need is, but you could get lucky and unload/SPA, sort or work in small sort.
Once you attain seniority, you can declare your intent to work in a specific area; job vacancies are then filled by the highest-seniority employees who've requested to perform that work. Ask your steward about this, since many managers harass people who try to change areas.
Do sorters make more money than loaders?
Per contract, sorters and loaders earn $1 more. However, there's reports on here that some locations no longer do so. It's also common for some buildings to start everybody at the skilled rate (currently $9.50, increasing to $11 with new contract).
