35years
Gravy route
My understanding is: If you were hired for a permanent position and you drive 31 days, you are in.
Not always true...I have seen 10 day extentions, depends on the local.
If you are switched to a route other than your training route, you are in.
Not true here, they can bounce you around.
Come January, however, whether you work or not will be determined day to day based on number of routes and your place on the seniority list. Your seniority should be your hire date once you get through probation.
Seniority date is the day you made seniority here...Not hire date.
The days you don't drive will be considered lay off days. Once you rack up 10 lay off days in a calendar year you can start working inside (preload and/or local sort, or whatever else you have in your hub).
If you can hack that for an indefinite amount of time, then it is worth sticking it out.
Disclaimer: I'm just a guy on an internet forum, telling you how things work where I'm at. To get the answers that apply to your situation make your way down to your local union hall on a lay off day and have a conversation with your rep.
Once again, check with your Steward.