Ive had several people ask me lately about becoming a "TE". Since I know that several of us on here are subs I want to make sure that you understand what you are getting into if you are asked to switch classifications. Alot of people seem to believe that they are moving up if they accept a TE slot.

A "TE" is a transitional employee. You CANNOT be a TE and a RCA at the same time. As an RCA you are somewhat (not alot) protected and cant just be gotten rid of on a whim from mangement. If you resign the RCA spot you can.

The benefit of becoming a TE is you make more money and you get annual leave. Those are the only benefits as far as I can see. With the forecasted cut in regular city positions that is coming TE's and PTF's will be considered excess first. As a TE you will be required to carry anything and everything. You think the phrase "you are the help" applies mostly to RCA's? NOT so...not so at all. You have to make their ideas of time standards every day or your future is looking very bleak indeed. They can get rid of you anytime they feel you are not as fast as they would have liked.

A TE spot does not mean you will be the next PTF in your office. I keep hearing this brandied about as a reason to accept this position. TE's do not get bidding rights as far as I know. PTF's still have to be hired off the PTF list. It doesnot matter that you have seniority or experince. If you are not on that PTF list..you are not getting hired....and even if you are on the list....you still might not get hired since they have a "freeze' on hiring PTF's.

I hope that this helps someone from being lured into the TE trap. A DUAL-APPOINTMENT is a completely different thing. TO these I say go for it...if you dont mind being a PO packmule. You will get the extra hours with a dual and can keep your RCA spot too. Once again tho I caution...they will use you like a borrowed mule and carrying city mail is way different than riding around in your car delivering it. I have done several dual appointments and didnt enjoy any of them. Plus they dont pay very well at all for the crap you put up with. If you need help trying to sort thru the TE debate drop me a message or something and I will help ya all i can....just dont get sucked in....if something sounds to good to be true...it probably is!