I've been a package handler for 2 weeks.
This is quite literally the worst job I've ever had. I've been in the labor force for over 22 years and have worked all manner of jobs, including being a back-end manager of a retail establishment. I am no stranger to a physical job.
I get 0 breaks.
The managers yell at everyone when 1 person fucks up or is not “moving fast enough.”
The theories of safety they teach in training do not actually work in practice.
They claim an “open-door policy”, but when I mention a safer or more productive way to do things, I'm told; “No, we do it the (name-redacted) way.”
The only people I see in good moods are the least productive, laziest ones.. or the ones who don't utilize the brain power to think beyond surface level.
The pay is not enough to rent a non-roach infested apartment.
I get paid between 1.67 – 2.5 cents for every package I touch. (unloading trucks)
My math is based upon what I was told in training is the expected scan rate: 2 – 3 seconds/package. Assuming 2 unloaders per truck working at the same rate and one scanner, that's 4-6 seconds/package for unloaders.
I get paid $15/hr while clocked in. That's 25 cents per minute.
For context: the CEO makes over $21 every minute of every day for doing…well I'm not exactly sure how he contributes. His name rhymes with Smed Frith. (As a publicly traded company, this is information I can find with a simple google search.)
I worked trucks for over 5 years before this and rarely had minor injuries on my whole team. People get hurt here EVERY DAY. (Smashed fingers, muscle fatigue, cuts on arms and hands, etc. Nothing really “reportable”, but injuries all the same)
I am not eligible for any benefits for another 2.5 months.
One manager stated in a morning meeting that about 95% of the workforce of this plant quit within 1 year. This reflects upon the working conditions, not the workers.
This is my personal experience, but I think we all deserve better.
I come home everyday and apply for different jobs.