I've witnessed many feeder drivers come back to package, but I believe its based on your local contract. Also, its my understanding (please correct me if I'm wrong) that if you obtain the class A through a UPS school you are obligated to drive feeders if they need you. They start with the most senior class A package driver if they want to go to feeders and work their way down until the bottom. If they don't fill the position by asking in seniority order, the bottom guy that obtained the class A through UPS is forced into feeders. I'm speaking from the New England supplement. I think I have this right.
Besides this, feeder drivers are free to move between feeders and package at every bid, no? Also, its my understanding that a feeder driver can bid a package route for the annual (now bi-annual) bid and pick his vacations in the package center. Then, 2 months later he can bid on a feeder job and keep his summer weeks that he would have not gotten in the feeder vacation picks.
Am I wrong? This kind of irks me, but its the system and I have to live with it. Still, it irks me becuase I've been with UPS for 12 years and I can't get 1 summer week off and part of that has to do with feeder drivers pulling tricks so THEY can get a summer week! It is what it is I guess?
Just to vent for a minute, I'm not a rookie here, I'm a 12 year veteran. I've been dating the same girl for 7 years and her entire family goes to a beautiful lake in NH for 2 weeks every year and every year they ask my girl why Browniehound is never here. They can't believe in the last 7 years that I couldn't get a week off in July to stay at the cottage. They think I'm avoiding them or something because they don't understand UPS.
My girl tries to explain the situation but I don't think they buy it. The adults and especially the little kids alway ask "Where is uncle Browniehound"? My girl says he'sworking and they don't buy it.
All I want is 1 summer week. Just 1. I have at least 5 senior drivers in my center take all their weeks (6) during the summer (which is their right) along with the package-to-feeder drivers sucking up summer weeks and I have no chance. Can you feel my frustration? My mother doesn't believe me and my girl's mother doesn't believe me. They think I'd rather take my vacation in March without them! Its causing ill will with my future MIL.
I'm talking 12 years here, not 6 months. I just want 1 July week. Just 1. Even August or late June would be better. Its not happening in my center!
See, when I go to my girl's family barbeque's and explain to them about UPS they don't get it because they live in a normal world. They all work M-friend 9-5 without understanding how great they have it! They ask questions like "why can't Browniehound be here by 700 on Monday"?
My girl then explains that he starts at 830 and works until his route is done.
For example on July 6th (the hottest day on earth here in MA) my girl's friend wanted us to come over when I got out of work for a couple of frozen drinks. Sounded awesome to me, however when she told them 830 they asked why. Does Browniehound not want to come over? They asked her.
No, it was 103 degrees and my entire body was wet. I punched out at/around 715 and needed to shower big-time, but normal people don't understand the UPS driver/on-car sup. way of life.
All I want is 1 week and the system and my own brothers are screwing me, lol. Have mercy on us middle of the list guys when you pick all 6 weeks in July and August.
Again, only at UPS that an employee can not have a summer vacation! I never here this crap from my girl's entire family. 19 of them make it there every year. Browniehound hasn't been there in the last 7 and they all wonder why?