CCA Corner Episodes
Volume 3: How to Survive Your 90 Days - A Comprehensive Guide
This episode of CCA Corner provides a comprehensive guide for new City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) navigating their first 90 days at the post office. It covers both office and street procedures, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and the importance of union membership, and includes a guest feature from Richie Ray, host of Hot House with Richie Ray. *Office Procedures: We discuss the initial stress of the office environment, dealing with management, and the varying helpfulness of colleagues. It highlights the importance of On-the-Job Instructors (OJIs) as resources. *Street Procedures: We cover details of the three main types of mail delivery: *Park and Loops: Parking the truck and walking a street. Emphasizing proper parking procedures ("curb it, park it, break it, take it"), carrying the satchel correctly, and using dog spray. *Dismounts: Short stops at individual addresses, with similar safety precautions. *Mounted Boxes: Delivering mail from the vehicle, stressing the importance of placing the vehicle in neutral or park at each box. *Some additional tidbits we cover include: *Safety First: Checking the vehicle for safety issues and reporting them is paramount. Carriers have the right to refuse unsafe work. *No Mistake Pace: Prioritize accuracy and safety over speed. Speed will develop with experience. *Forming Good Habits: Establishing proper procedures from day one is crucial for long-term success. *Union Importance: Joining the union is strongly recommended, for protection and advocacy. Stewards are available to answer questions and help with issues. *Schedule Awareness: CCAs should check their schedule daily, as it can change. They are entitled to a minimum number of work hours if scheduled.
Episode Cites
- M-41 Section 225.16 – Reversing a letter to indicate a parcel
- M-41 Section 3 – On the Route
- 832.1 Vehicle Checklist
- Instructions to Enroll and Sign in to LiteBlue with Multifactor Authentication (MFA) (Source: npmhu.org)
- Standard Training for City Letter Carriers
- Money Lost Skipping Breaks
- Pivot Plan Examples
How to print a pivot plan (management instructions):
- DOIS
- Route/Unit Maint
- Pivot Plan Maint
- Route #
- Print Pivot Plan
Volume 4: An Impromptu Conversation with Alan Gegax
In this episode, we sit down with Alan Gegax, from Classes of Mail. The interview discusses the treatment of City Carrier Assistants (CCAs), and the perception of CCA treatment from the East Coast. Gegax argues that CCAs are often mistreated by management and that the union does not do enough to protect them. He also discusses the importance of education and empowerment for CCAs. This comprehensive discussion gives a unique perspective toward perception of the CCA position, the union itself, and handbook provisions that receive little attention.
The CCA Corner with Bad Mouth Morris: Volume 1
This introductory episode of CCA Corner features Badmouth Morris advocating for CCA organization and empowerment. He criticizes the current tentative agreement (TA) for neglecting CCAs and calls for their mobilization, particularly in the upcoming election. Morris stresses the importance of education and empowerment, aiming to provide digestible information about rights, union processes, and grievance procedures for newer CCAs. He highlights the need for solidarity between CCAs and regular carriers, emphasizing that change comes from the bottom up and that a unified front is crucial for challenging management and improving working conditions. Morris encourages mentorship and support for CCAs, urging experienced carriers to share knowledge and offer encouragement. Future episodes will address topics like surviving the first 90 days, common grievances, Weingarten rights, and escaping de facto on-call status, with topics crowdsourced from CCAs nationwide.
Episode Cites
Volume 2: Proper Street Procedure and Management's "Street Blitzes"
In this episode of the CCA Corner, Badmouth and Mallory discuss the recent increase in "safety blitzes" conducted by management. We break down common violations, delve into the M-41 manual for safe driving procedures, and provide essential tips for staying safe and avoiding disciplinary action. In this episode: 1. Understanding Safety Blitzes: Learn how management is observing carriers and what they're looking for. 2. M41 Mastery: We explore key sections of the M-41 manual, including safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and handling mail. 3. Building Good Habits: Develop essential habits for safe and efficient route delivery. 4. Weingarten Rights: Understand your rights to union representation during any investigatory interview. 5. Staying Safe: Learn how to respond if you feel you're being followed or if you're questioned by management. Join us as we equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges of being a CCA and thrive on your route.