“Crash Scene”
Originally printed in May’s 2023 Mountaineer
Have you heard of derailing trains in the news recently? They've caught national attention by the danger they represent, but they also present a real good question: "Why is it happening?" Initial investigations have pointed towards overheated bearings. Sure, overheated bearings are definitely part of the cause, but that sort of thing should be caught in an inspection. So what happened?
President of Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America, Scott Slawson, has a pretty good idea. According to Slawson, safety measures for the railroad aren't regulated well, and reform has been difficult. Inspections have been reduced to as low as a minute per car to get them on the track as fast as possible. The railroad also lobbied against electronic brakes even though they were shown to be much safer because of the cost associated with them. Better maintenance, more thorough inspections, and better safety equipment is the solution according to the Union representing these workers.
It's no surprise though. Cut out “down-time” and you maximize profits, it’s pretty simple math. When your job is making money you look for where to make cuts, and suddenly a twenty minute inspection goes to one minute, maintenance time is dramatically lower from less maintenance needed, and those expensive brakes aren’t an issue because your reports show nothing is going wrong. You're a hero by saving the company money, and the more you do it the better you are at your job.
Hey, anybody notice how in the Area and Regional Update (Central-Western Edition) that supervisors were referred to as "fiscal stewards?"
It’s no secret, City Letter Carriers have seen a lot of discipline and threats of discipline over safety violations. Why is that? Because when an accident happens that costs the Postal Service money they have to answer for it. They write up discipline as a way to show upper management that they’re controlling cost by “making sure it doesn’t happen again.” Is that right? Not even a little bit.
“But wait,” I just heard you say. “Management has given lots of unsafe instructions to me and my fellow carriers.” Yes indeed. I’m a steward investigating such a case as I write this, which is why I’m prompted to write it. You’re given those instructions because doing it that way is faster, with less maintenance, and that means less money. Unless there’s an accident, that is, and now because there’s a cost to the service it’s your fault.
So here’s the skinny:
Management is contractually obligated to provide a safe working environment. Management’s job is to make sure the mail gets out as quickly as possible. You cost them money when you have an accident. You cost them money when you take time for safety. And management’s solution to shift all that burden to you is a banner that says:
“Safety Depends on Me.”
This laissez faire attitude gives them carte blanche to say, “Do this dangerous thing” because then it’s up to you to say, “No that’s dangerous.” Then of course there’s the fight afterward when you receive discipline for not doing the thing you feel is too dangerous to do. Wild, huh? I think so too.
What’s the solution, then? Is there one? Heck yeah, I wouldn’t write this up unless there’s something actionable, so thanks for reading.
Some of the best parts of the labor movement has been the policies on safety observation. We have the right to safe working conditions and the right to be our own advocates for our safety. Even as short as one hundred years ago people were dying horrific ways from preventable accidents because there were no safety provisions in place. The management would give dangerous orders with little to no oversight, and if you refused you’d be fired immediately if you were lucky enough to be released from the premises. The old business tycoons were cutting corners to shave down costs on expenses, saving money from not investing in protective equipment, and with no laws to hold them liable they didn’t need to pay for the medical bills incurred from their negligence. They were just being good…
…Fiscal Stewards.
They fought Unions tooth and nail, and STILL do, because it’s not just wages and benefits we want, it’s a safe workplace, and that costs money.
This all sounds rough, but it’s not all bad, it’s just the conflict of interests.
Our Union has fought hard for our rights for a safe workplace. All those ELM citations in your letter of warning for Failure to Work in a Safe Manner are actually your protections. When you observe those safety provisions you cover your butt. Those provisions take time to observe, but if you do it you’ll be safe and have peace of mind that you’re doing things right.
I’m not saying you won’t get pushback: management will say you’re slow or wasting time, but that’s expected, they’re fiscal stewards after all. As long as you can rely on your contract, safety policies, stand-up talks, and the myriad of other legislation to protect you, you’re being a professional doing your job.
You have a host of things to do when you park your truck, when you pull away from a curb, when you walk between houses, and when you walk up stairs. Safety is a contractual obligation for us City Letter Carriers, and you know what? That safety stuff takes time. Our safety protocols are actually pretty good too, they do keep us safe, and when you neglect those things routinely your route will get longer with the latest route adjustment tools. I wish I was kidding about that. They can’t discipline you for observing safety, but they sure will if you don’t, so if you’re not doing it now, make the change for your future and for your peace at work.
“Safety Depends on Me” is an accusation from management or a shield for you. Which will it be?
Thanks again for the read, stay strong out there.