I've been a TCD in southern NM for about 7 months now and had some questions. I know that my primary job function is to preload in the mornings and then drive if needed. We lost our air driver after peak and haven't had a new hire, so they asked me if I wanted to do it on the days I didn't drive to give me some extra hours. I've been doing so, but at this point it feels like I'm stuck doing the air if not driving (which is most days). Can management "force" me to be the air driver, or are they just guilt tripping me?
Another thing is that I'm the first TCD in line for the station and there have been 3 FT driver positions vacated since I started with a 4th one coming up in May, and I only keep getting told that they are awaiting the higher ups to approve new driver spots. Are they just pulling me along or? They also just recently brought in a driver from another area and are having him drive while I get stuck doing the air. Doesn't make sense to me, but maybe someone here could enlighten me?
Last thing, I had a family situation come up in January where I informed management of it and what not where I asked if I could be exempted from driving (air or actual route driving) on Fridays every other week. I even stated I would come in for the preload still (not asking for the day off), just not drive and keep them notified of any and all changes to that schedule. At first, they had no problem with it, but now w/ drivers dropping like flies, I was told that they can no longer allow that accommodation. I have to be available Fridays regardless if I drive or not. I understand the whole them needing drivers thing and wanting me available, but am I really unable to say "I am not available on this day" and be forced to drive? I understand that it can hurt my chances at FT, but I drive at every other chance they have, so am I being unreasonable w/ the every other Friday thing? If anything, could I tell them I can't do the air Fridays and still be okay for the FT spot?
Sorry for the wall of text and if anymore details are needed, I can give another block of text. Any and all help is appreciated, thanks.
Another thing is that I'm the first TCD in line for the station and there have been 3 FT driver positions vacated since I started with a 4th one coming up in May, and I only keep getting told that they are awaiting the higher ups to approve new driver spots. Are they just pulling me along or? They also just recently brought in a driver from another area and are having him drive while I get stuck doing the air. Doesn't make sense to me, but maybe someone here could enlighten me?
Last thing, I had a family situation come up in January where I informed management of it and what not where I asked if I could be exempted from driving (air or actual route driving) on Fridays every other week. I even stated I would come in for the preload still (not asking for the day off), just not drive and keep them notified of any and all changes to that schedule. At first, they had no problem with it, but now w/ drivers dropping like flies, I was told that they can no longer allow that accommodation. I have to be available Fridays regardless if I drive or not. I understand the whole them needing drivers thing and wanting me available, but am I really unable to say "I am not available on this day" and be forced to drive? I understand that it can hurt my chances at FT, but I drive at every other chance they have, so am I being unreasonable w/ the every other Friday thing? If anything, could I tell them I can't do the air Fridays and still be okay for the FT spot?
Sorry for the wall of text and if anymore details are needed, I can give another block of text. Any and all help is appreciated, thanks.
