UPS adds drivers, shrinks pilots

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04-10-2010, 09:13 AM

#41

chignutsak

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Feb 2006

Posts: 490

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slice

Physically, you're right as far as lifting. However, they don't deal with circadian rhythm issues, time away from home, and their job is much less mentally tasking then mine. Oh yeah, and if they screw the pooch it doesn't cost around $250 mil to replace a package car...

I've done both jobs. The mental stress level was much higher as a driver. If you think that all there is to the driving job is extra lifting, well, you don't know the job. It is an all day pressure cooker, out in the weather. It is surprisingly mental too, meaning that intense concentration at times is required to do the job not only safely and well, but also to deliver the numbers the management goons demand. There is relentless pressure at all levels of the operation to get it done, and you are a piece of dung based on your numbers yesterday. The wear and tear on your body is unbelievable; multiply your circadian rhythm complaint times ten. Now try and see if you make it to your pension and still be able to lift your grandchildren. Yes, you are home every night, how does 8PM (or later) sound to your wife? If a UPS driver(or pilot) hits someone or something, it will cost the company huge bucks, since there will be plenty of shyster attorneys ready to descend upon any incident. And yes, the driver can lose his job, too.

I am not implying that a driver, who is busting his or her rump to bring you your air volume in the evening, then go back out in the dark and deliver 20 more stops in an unfamiliar area, should be paid more than you. Nor am I implying that a driver's training and preparation to do the job equals our own. Again, each group has negotiated what they are worth, based on their skill sets. I am saying that you have a simplistic view of what it takes to pick up and deliver your volume, Sky God. No doubt some drivers believe we are a bunch of overpaid primadonnas who mash autopilot buttons most of the day for a living, and then cry about how tough we have it the rest of the day, but I would like to think that most drivers and pilots have mutual respect and realize that the company needs the concerted efforts of everyone to make it happen.

Flying airplanes is much easier than driving the brown truck, except for those proverbial inverted, single-engine NDB approaches to minimums with 30 knot gusting crosswinds. There is a reason I switched careers.

Last edited by chignutsak; 04-10-2010 at 09:23 AM.