From A to Arbitration (Corey L Walton)

This episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on the upcoming NALC convention in Boston and the ongoing fallout from the Renfroe charges. Corey begins by addressing the "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" scheduling conflict and providing updates on the MDA raffle and t-shirt sales. He then reveals Butch Lau as his source for information about the TRAP memos and criticizes the memos' design, arguing they intentionally opened the door for increased management surveillance of carriers.

Corey expresses anger over a letter from James Lloyd, which declares that heat illness prevention program (hip) training is not a contractual requirement and therefore not subject to grievance. He argues that this contradicts previous statements and actions by the USPS and highlights the ongoing falsification of hip training records. He then shares a memo from Manny Peralta highlighting the widespread falsification of hip training records and suggesting strategies for addressing this issue nationally. Corey criticizes Renfroe's response to the issue, noting his continued deflection and unwillingness to take responsibility.

He then introduces Charlie Miller, who discusses Renfroe's letter attempting to prevent the appeals of the charges from being heard at the convention. Miller argues that Renfroe's interpretation of the constitution is incorrect and that the convention has the supreme authority to decide these appeals. He emphasizes the importance of allowing the membership to hear and decide on the charges. The discussion shifts to the issue of Renfroe's lack of accountability, his apparent use of the ADA and FMLA defenses inappropriately, and his failure to apologize for his actions. Miller details his strong support for James Henry's candidacy.

Miller discusses the importance of transparency in contract negotiations and advocates for open bargaining. He notes that the current secrecy surrounding negotiations has created a climate of distrust among members, and it harms the ability to organize and mobilize around clear demands. He criticizes the lack of member involvement in recent contract negotiations.

Corey introduces Mike Caref, who provides an update on the planned balloon release in honor of the murdered Chicago letter carrier and clarifies the circumstances surrounding the incident. They discuss the need for a stronger union presence and improved safety measures, including increased funding for postal police. Caref also discusses the upcoming CLC meet and greet and the importance of member mobilization at the convention.

Corey then introduces Gary Lang, who details Renfroe's manipulation of the S&DC agreement to benefit a larger branch. Lang expresses frustration with the lack of response from both Renfroe and the business agent. He highlights the need for greater accountability within the union, and he mentions filing a charge against Renfroe.

The discussion shifts to the importance of member education and self-advocacy. Corey and guests discuss the need for stronger union leadership, increased member engagement, and a renewed commitment to fighting for better working conditions and wages. The episode concludes with Corey reiterating his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers and encouraging members to attend the convention and get involved in the ongoing reform efforts.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration begins with the announcement that James Henry will be the CLC's presidential candidate. Corey expresses his surprise and positive impression of David Noble's previous interview and proposes a debate between Noble and Renfroe. He also announces an upcoming interview with Mike Caref.

Corey then clarifies the events leading to James Henry's selection as the CLC's presidential candidate, refuting misinformation about the process and emphasizing that the CLC's choice was made after a unanimous recommendation. He uses the metaphor of "cancer" to describe the internal conflict that led to Mike Caref's departure from the CLC ticket and praises James Henry's qualifications and experience, emphasizing his record as an arbitrator. He contrasts Henry's strong stance against management's use of electronic monitoring with Renfroe's dismissive attitude, illustrated by Renfroe's letters downplaying concerns about carrier surveillance.

The podcast continues with Corey sharing several examples of management's actions (e.g., imposing arbitrary time limits on tasks, using carrier data for discipline) that he believes demonstrate the failure of the current union leadership. He emphasizes the need for union leadership to fight back against these policies. Corey criticizes the ignorance and inaction of some business agents and RAAs, illustrating this with examples of poorly handled grievances and a lack of training on relevant issues.

Finally, Corey presents a Zoom-recorded conversation with Nicholas Vafiades, a National Business Agent from Region 2, who explains his vote against the charges filed against President Renfroe. Vafiades argues that the Weir report was not the final word, that the charges were not substantial enough to warrant action before a full hearing, and that considering Renfroe's past DUI after he had sought treatment for alcoholism was inappropriate. The conversation touches on the importance of due process and the need for accountability within the NALC. Corey and Vafiades discuss the complexities of the situation, with both agreeing on the need for greater transparency and a stronger union response to management's actions.

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Corey starts by acknowledging that he messed up the audio for last week's episode, which was very long, and apologizes for the inconvenience.

He then moves on to discuss a few things he wants to address. He talks about the importance of union stewards and how they can help protect carriers' rights, especially during investigations and grievances. He encourages listeners to be informed about the grievance procedure and to stand up for themselves when they believe their rights are being violated.

Corey shares a story about an incident where a manager tried to intimidate a union steward and how the steward stood his ground, ultimately exposing management's dishonesty. He then dives into a detailed discussion of the "3996," a form used to request overtime or auxiliary assistance, and provides specific examples of how this form can be used to challenge management actions.

He also addresses the issue of management manipulating or misinterpreting data used to determine overtime and work hours, encouraging listeners to be vigilant in checking those records and to file grievances when necessary.

Corey ends the episode by encouraging listeners to stay informed, stand up for their rights, and to fight against any form of tyranny or injustice.

C-25035 M-01366 M-01769

C-29394 M-00304 M-01444

C-33998 M-00829 M-00536

C-29981 A-B M-01458 M=01216

C-31406 M-00326

C-32470 M-01664

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This episode delves deeper into the complexities of 6-day counts, providing detailed information and analysis to help letter carriers prepare for upcoming route inspections. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing the importance of supporting businesses that are supportive of letter carriers. He then discusses a recent arbitration where he successfully defended a carrier against disciplinary action based on inaccurate GPS data, highlighting the need to challenge management's reliance on technology for performance evaluations.

The core of the episode involves a comprehensive review of several arbitration awards and a detailed explanation of the procedures and regulations outlined in the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook. He stresses the importance of meticulous documentation, thorough preparation, and assertive advocacy in challenging management's actions during 6-day counts, and he provides a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in the route inspection process, emphasizing the importance of carrier participation in consultations and the need to challenge improper time deductions and the use of averages in evaluating routes. Corey emphasizes the need to challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary standards, especially when those standards are derived from expired memos, such as the TRAP memos.

Corey discusses instances of management's attempts to manipulate 6-day counts, such as imposing arbitrary office time limits, altering established work practices, and using intimidation tactics to pressure carriers into accepting under-time. He provides specific guidance on how to handle these situations, emphasizing the importance of filing grievances and challenging management's attempts to circumvent established procedures and contractual obligations. He provides specific examples of grievances that can be filed, emphasizing the importance of challenging management's use of scanner data for disciplinary actions and their attempts to impose arbitrary time limits on tasks and their use of local policies that contradict the national agreement. He highlights the critical role of shop stewards in educating carriers and ensuring their rights are protected and encourages members to actively challenge management's actions during 6-day counts. He provides detailed information on how to complete PS Forms 1838c, 1840, and 3999, emphasizing the importance of recording all relevant information accurately, highlighting the need to challenge management's attempts to use these forms for inappropriate disciplinary action.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the need for stronger union leadership and a more aggressive approach to combating management abuses. Corey criticizes the current leadership's inaction on key issues and emphasizes the importance of member education and mobilization in achieving meaningful change within the NALC. He promotes several resources for handling 6-day counts and encourages listeners to utilize these resources to effectively prepare for upcoming inspections. The episode ends with a call to action for members to stand up against management's abuses and to fight for their rights.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on challenging management's requests for medical documentation when an employee calls in sick for three days or less, emphasizing the importance of a strong and well-prepared union defense against potential abuses of power. Corey begins by acknowledging listener feedback and upcoming episode previews.

The core theme of the episode is a deep critique of management's potential for abusing power and the need for union members to be prepared to challenge such actions. Corey highlights a recent trend where management is increasingly demanding medical documentation for short-term sick leave, arguing this practice may violate the contract, and is particularly problematic because it lacks clear legal justification or precedence within the contract.

The episode presents several specific arbitration cases involving similar issues and dissects the relevant contract provisions to demonstrate Corey's position that management has the burden to prove a valid reason for requiring such documentation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the procedural requirements for grievances and how management's actions potentially contradict established principles and protections afforded to letter carriers.

Corey also shares a personal story about a near-drowning experience, using it to illustrate the theme of standing up for oneself and one's rights, arguing that a strong advocacy stance is crucial for the union and its members.

He concludes by reiterating the need for union members to be educated and equipped to challenge management's policies, and by outlining a plan to help members prepare for similar future issues. The overall message is a call for a more proactive and assertive approach to defending the rights of letter carriers against potential management abuses.

Brandon C-19250

McConnell C-04974

Foster C-04436

Caraway C-04195

Rosen C-30959

Marx C-04209

Zumas C-04897

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a highly critical and passionate discussion about Corey's frustrations with the NALC's leadership and management's tactics, particularly regarding heat safety issues, the handling of grievances, and the perceived lack of member support. Corey begins by thanking a guest and previews future episodes on emergency placements and time record falsification.

The episode centers on a specific grievance involving a one-hour office time policy. Corey criticizes the union's apparent inaction and lack of preparation in addressing the new policy despite months of discussion and speculation about its implementation. He directly challenges the union's leadership, arguing that their hesitation and lack of proactive measures in preparing their members for such potential issues put their members at a severe disadvantage in negotiations and potential arbitration. He further criticizes this by highlighting that the NALC is now behaving like 15 different unions, rather than as a cohesive national entity.

Corey analyzes several arbitration decisions, emphasizing that management's arguments are often based on dubious metrics and that their actions are not always in keeping with the contract's protections for workers. He demonstrates how to effectively dispute charges related to stationary events, emphasizing that carriers should primarily respond with "I was working," and avoid engaging in further discussion about their activities. He criticizes management's practice of using scanner data as evidence, pointing out that the use of these data points is often prohibited, based on their own memos.

Crucially, Walton dissects the importance of understanding and using contract provisions like Article 16, which details the "Just Cause" principle, to challenge management's actions. He advocates for meticulously scrutinizing any discipline notices to ensure they have a strong factual basis and are consistent with the contract. Walton also emphasizes the importance of understanding and challenging management's attempts to use "covert techniques" (e.g., monitoring on scanners) to support disciplinary actions. He cites a specific arbitration ruling that addressed such tactics and argues that any disciplinary actions based on these techniques are often invalid.

Corey critiques the union's leadership for not proactively educating members, highlighting that carriers are being disciplined or pressured into unsafe practices, and that the union isn't providing adequate support or guidance. He emphasizes the need for a stronger and more unified stance against management, including an aggressive approach to challenging management's actions and demanding compliance with the contract.

The episode ends with a passionate call for change within the union, advocating for more assertive and educated union leadership. He emphasizes the need for collective action and urges listeners to prepare for upcoming challenges through education on relevant contractual provisions, arbitration precedents, and the establishment of a more assertive stance against management.

M-01458

wolitz C-32778

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This episode focuses on the perceived weakness of the NALC in addressing carrier concerns, likening the union to a possum, not a lion. Corey critiques the union's response to various issues, including management's increased monitoring (through memos and videos showing how to meet office time/load time standards), inadequate training documentation (including falsified records for heat illness prevention training), and the use of locally-generated forms that are inconsistent with the contract.

Corey emphasizes the need for the NALC to take a more assertive stance in defending letter carriers. He criticizes the lack of action from union leadership and business agents to address these concerns and points out the union's failure to issue cease and desist orders. He highlights examples of management using new tactics, documented via scanner messages, to monitor carriers' time. He challenges the validity of new management-imposed load and office time standards in light of documented past practices.

Importantly, Corey highlights several arbitration case summaries, specifically decisions from arbitrators Arlen Sensi, David Stanton, and Louise Wollatz, addressing violations of the contract. These summaries detail instances where locally generated forms were not properly promulgated, or forms violated national standards, and resulted in union wins. He urges listeners to examine these cases for their insights.

He also mentions a national video on how to meet new office time/load times that carries potential for discipline. Further, Corey discusses issues around certified mail and DPS procedures, highlighting contradictions between postmaster instructions and the contract (M-41 335.16). He provides a solution: use the contract to challenge these practices through grievances. He concludes by reiterating the need for the NALC to be more proactive and aggressive in defending the rights of letter carriers.

Finally, Corey emphasizes the importance of using arbitration case studies to inform grievances, and notes the use of discord and other online forums as avenues for support and information sharing among carriers. He further emphasizes the importance of the cease and desist orders in these grievances and urges listener engagement in such efforts.

Hutt C-35552

Stanton C-34924

Wolitz C-34211

Stanton C-34874

Cenci C-35989

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This episode of From A to Arbitration details the first part of the Weir Report, an investigation into charges against union president Brian Renfroe. Corey, discusses the report's findings, focusing on the president's alleged absences from regional meetings, lack of preparation for contract negotiations, and a 2018 DUI.

Walton begins by recounting his recent travel experiences and then presents the context of the Weir Report, stating that the report is a documented record of the investigation into charges against Renfroe and a crucial piece of information for the letter carriers. He emphasizes that the report is the letter carriers' property, given they funded the investigation, and argues that the union's refusal to provide it is a serious failure in transparency.

He contrasts the current union's approach with previous practices, criticizing the current leaders' opaque handling of the situation. The episode extensively analyzes Renfro's alleged absences from regional wrap sessions and the subsequent disruption of training. Specific examples are given of Renfro's absences and the actions of other union officials during these instances, highlighting the chaotic management and unclear communication. The episode also dissects Renfroe's 2018 DUI, presenting supporting documentation like police reports and DMV records, demonstrating Renfroe's alleged violation of the union's driving policy and potentially exposing the union to legal liability. Corey points out Renfroe's alleged failure to disclose this incident to the union.

Corey emphasizes the importance of the report, stressing that its disclosure is a fundamental right of the letter carriers. He also outlines the potential consequences of management's failure to address these issues and predicts potential retaliation against members who might challenge the current leadership. Corey ends by previewing the second part of the Weir Report for the next episode. The central themes are Corey's frustration with the union's perceived opacity, the documented failures of the union president, and the importance of members knowing the full context of the situation.

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This episode delves into the intricacies of the six-day count process, focusing on management's review requirements after route adjustments and the importance of meticulous form review to prevent manipulation of carrier time. Corey emphasizes the necessity of filing grievances if management fails to review routes or make necessary adjustments after an initial adjustment. He advises waiting 60-75 days post-adjustment to file, allowing carriers time to acclimate to the route and gather strong evidence of overburdening. This strategy also counters management's argument that carriers are simply unfamiliar with the route.

The episode then meticulously details sections 243.6 and 243.7 of the M-39 handbook, outlining management's responsibilities for reviewing routes, completing necessary forms (3997, 3999, 1813), examining time records for excessive overtime or auxiliary assistance, and ultimately readjusting routes if found to be out of adjustment. Corey underscores the importance of accurate data entry, highlighting a recent arbitration case where management was found to have falsified time records, and pledges to address such falsification head-on when he becomes Director of City Delivery.

Corey then transitions into a detailed explanation of various forms used in the six-day count process, including the 1840B, 1838C, and 1838. He explains how to interpret the data on these forms, emphasizing potential areas where management might manipulate figures to steal carrier time. He notes the importance of verifying entries for auxiliary street time, excluded time, and mail volume. The analysis of form 1838C emphasizes the need to scrutinize line items to ensure carriers receive appropriate credit for all performed duties. Corey gives examples of how management might misclassify recurring tasks as non-recurring (line 22 instead of 21) to deny carriers credit for their time. He stresses the importance of carrier and steward vigilance in reviewing these forms and requesting interviews with carriers to verify information accuracy.

Finally, Corey discusses form 1838, highlighting how waiting street time is frequently manipulated to underreport actual street time. He warns against unexplained deductions in street time and advises investigating any discrepancies through interviews, form reviews, and employee testimony. He concludes by reiterating the importance of scrutinizing these forms, as management is often trained to find ways to steal time from carriers. He then briefly mentions an upcoming CLC training session and promises a future episode covering other listener-submitted topics.

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This episode is hosted by Cole Billups, a shop steward in Asheboro, North Carolina, delves into the anatomy of a grievance file. The episode is aimed at new shop stewards and those considering the role. The episode begins with a breakdown of the different steps in the grievance process: Informal Step A, Formal Step A, Step B, and Arbitration. It emphasizes the time limits for each step and highlights the importance of documenting everything. Cole then dives into the process of investigating a grievance, emphasizing the importance of being methodical and using available resources like employee everything reports and online resources. He advises new stewards to be detail-oriented and to use interviews with carriers, management, and even customers to gather information. He discusses the importance of requesting information and time from management, always ensuring to obtain copies of signed requests and confirmations of time provided.

Next, Cole delves into the construction of a grievance file, emphasizing the need for clarity and conciseness. He recommends using a template for issue statements, facts, contentions, and remedies. The episode goes into detail about the importance of remedies, emphasizing the need to make them enforceable for the future. Cole advises shop stewards to aim for language that includes cease and desist clauses and escalated monetary awards for future violations. He concludes by offering a step-by-step guide on organizing a grievance file, highlighting the importance of including all relevant documents and contract language. The episode ends with a brief discussion about the informal Step A meeting and encourages new stewards to be effective in representing their members.

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This episode is a fiery and lengthy discussion, focused on Corey's intense frustration with the union's leadership and management's ongoing violations of the contract. Corey begins by thanking a previous guest and highlighting Mallory's crucial role in maintaining the website and her community engagement. He encourages listeners to support her efforts by utilizing a provided "tip jar" on the website.

The episode then delves into Corey's personal experiences with union leadership, particularly a recent instance where his request to conduct training was blocked by a union official. He expresses skepticism about the union's overall strategy and commitment to carrier rights, characterizing their approach as inadequate and reactive.

Central to the discussion is Corey's critique of management's practices, particularly the implementation of new metrics and policies that he views as detrimental to carrier safety and well-being, including issues with mandatory overtime, restrictive working conditions, and the alleged falsification of training records (e.g., heat training). He argues that management often circumvents the contract, particularly by using scanner data to enforce non-existent standards. He advocates for challenging these practices through a strategic approach based on past arbitration precedents, demanding clear documentation and evidence to counter management claims.

Corey highlights several arbitration cases where management's actions were deemed problematic or dishonest. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how arbitrators interpret issues, particularly regarding the falsification of documents and the concept of "willful misconduct" which can lead to a dismissal or serious punishment.

Crucially, Corey emphasizes the need for carriers to be prepared to fight these issues directly, demanding to see documentation and evidence of any alleged violations of the contract. He presents examples of how to phrase such requests to management, even when confronted with attempts to intimidate them, advocating for a robust and detailed strategy for grievances.

Corey promotes the "Dogs of War" initiative, a group of individuals who will aggressively challenge management's actions and create a hostile work environment for management on the workroom floor, while also creating a supportive environment for carriers to support each other. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity and proactive engagement from all members of the union to combat these issues. The episode ends with a renewed call for collective action and solidarity, urging listeners to be prepared for ongoing battles and to defend their rights.

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This episode focuses on the charge and discipline process in labor grievances. Corey emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the charge itself, ensuring it is accurate and supported by the documentation provided by management. He advises shop stewards to examine the charge thoroughly, ensuring that every detail is correct and that the investigative interview covered all aspects of the charge, and any inaccurate information can be used to weaken management's stance.

The episode also discusses the "official discussion" requirement in Article 16.2 of the JCAM, reminding listeners that management is required to have a formal, private discussion with the employee before issuing discipline for minor offenses. There is also mention of Article 16.3 and the letter of warning, and that Article 16.7 talks about due process and the procedure that must be followed to issue discipline. Corey advises shop stewards to challenge any claims by management that an official discussion took place when it did not.

C-31277: Arbitrator Louise Wolitz “What is in that notice must be true and correct if the removal is to be for just cause.”

Corey discusses the importance of the investigative interview in the grievance process, and how a poorly conducted interview can jeopardize the entire case. He stresses the importance of the carrier's right to a pre-interview consultation with a shop steward prior to the investigative interview. Corey describes the procedure for what the steward is to expect and how to conduct their business during the interview. He further emphasizes that this right is protected by Weingarten rights (NLRB vs. Weingarten, Inc. 1975) and that the shop steward should not be a silent observer during the interview. The shop steward should be actively involved and ensure the carrier is aware of their rights. He also highlights the importance of writing down questions and answers verbatim and avoiding leading or accusatory questions from management. The carrier's right to know the charges against them and defend themselves before discipline is initiated, as it is their “day in court,” and that management must have just cause for discipline.

*notes to be considered in adding: accusatory questioning, fabricated questions and falsified answers, citations of all documents, expectations for the carrier to tell the truth*

Notable documents: M-1668, C-23987, C-26281.

Link to the National Labor Relations Board Weingarten Rights: https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/your-rights/weingarten-rights#:~:text=This%20right%20was%20first%20articulated,without%20a%20requested%20representative%20present.

This episode is a recap of the fourth day of the NALC convention in Boston, focusing on the continued appeals hearings and the ongoing fallout from the handling of the Renfroe charges. Corey begins by announcing the "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" will be Wednesday and clarifies information about the 50/50 raffle. He then shares several listener shout-outs, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support and highlighting the contributions of various members and branches.

Corey details the second day of the appeals hearings, noting that the votes on the charges against Renfroe followed a similar pattern to the previous day, with a significant margin of votes in favor of upholding the guilty verdict on at least some of the charges. He expresses his frustration with business agents who attempted to influence the vote by threatening members with career repercussions. He states his intention to publicly name the offending individuals and calls for Article 10 charges to be filed against them.

He recounts Gary Lang's successful confrontation of Renfroe, highlighting the comical aspect of Renfroe's inability to answer questions about his actions. He expresses approval of the fact that the delegates were ultimately able to hear and vote on the charges and emphasizes the importance of maintaining open bargaining and transparency within the NALC.

Corey analyzes Renfroe's performance during the hearing on the DUI charge, noting his somber demeanor and the strategic use of the alcoholism mitigating factor. However, he points out Renfroe's lack of remorse and apology, emphasizing that this likely played a role in the significant number of delegates who voted against him despite the mitigating circumstances. He predicts that Renfroe will have more difficulty defending himself against the charges related to James Henry due to the lack of an alcoholism defense.

Corey expresses further outrage over the fact that Renfroe hired an in-house counsel without the executive council's approval, highlighting this as an example of his disregard for the union's established processes and his blatant disregard for the union's constitution. He continues to emphasize that the current leadership of the NALC is failing to represent its members and that widespread change is necessary. He notes the growing momentum of the CLC movement and expresses confidence in their ability to secure victory in the upcoming election. The episode concludes with additional shout-outs, a discussion of the importance of member engagement, and a promise to provide daily updates from the convention. Corey reiterates his strong support for the CLC and his determination to fight for the city letter carriers.

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Corey talks about the importance of attendance-related discipline in the grievance process. He points out the low success rate of the union as well as the difficulty of these cases, suggesting they are often won or modified in arbitration. He encourages shop stewards to challenge the validity of any "official discussion" claimed by management, as a formal discussion is required for minor offenses, and to ensure the carrier is fully aware of their attendance record and attendance reviews (or lack thereof). It is important to consult with the carrier before an investigative interview, and Corey mentions how to handle management and acknowledging management responsibilities. He also emphasizes the need to be assertive and fight for the carrier, understanding that they might be going through a difficult personal situation.

Guest David Noble discusses the flaws in the recently negotiated tentative agreement (TA), arguing that President Renfroe's use of statistics is misleading and that he failed to account for the $3,369 loss in purchasing power since the last contract. Noble explains the three ways letter carriers receive pay increases (general wage increases, cost of living allowances, and step increases), highlighting how the TA fails to adequately address inflation, particularly for CCAs who receive no step increases. He criticizes the delayed release of the TA's language and the inclusion of a ballot identification number violating federal law. Noble details the significant changes to overtime rules in the TA, which were not disclosed in the summary provided by Renfroe, and expresses concern about the significant ballot mailing issues preventing many members from voting. He also emphasizes the critical need to address the crippling backlog of grievances pending arbitration, advocating for the addition of more arbitrators to expedite the process and ensure fair contract enforcement, contrasting the current union's focus on finances over addressing carrier issues. He concludes by suggesting that Renfroe's actions indicate a bias towards management rather than letter carriers.

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This episode provides a recap of day three of the NALC convention in Boston, focusing on the appeals hearing for the Article 10 charges against President Renfroe. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and then discusses the CLC's activities, highlighting the large turnout at both the meet-and-greet and the roundtable discussion. He also mentions the real-time convention updates being provided on Discord.

Corey details Gary Lang's confrontation with Renfroe regarding the S&DC MOU, praising Lang's effective questioning and exposure of Renfroe's actions. He suggests Lang should file Article 10 charges against Renfroe for violating the MOU. Corey then discusses the "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" and notes that some branch leaders attempted to prevent members from wearing the shirts, highlighting the level of anxiety within the establishment.

The account of the appeals hearing emphasizes the strong showing by the CLC and the passionate engagement of the delegates. Miller's presentation focused on the procedural errors made by Renfroe in attempting to prevent the appeals from being heard. Corey analyzes Renfroe's strategy during the hearing on the AWOL charge, noting his use of the alcoholism mitigating factor and his lack of remorse or apology. He highlights the fact that a significant portion of the delegates did not accept Renfroe's alcoholism defense, indicating a lack of support for his position.

Corey anticipates the upcoming hearing on the charges relating to James Henry, predicting that Renfroe will have more difficulty defending himself as the alcoholism mitigating factor will be less relevant. He highlights the procedural irregularities and the potential for bias displayed during the hearings. He criticizes the actions of MBAs who attempted to influence the votes on the charges. Corey expresses optimism about the CLC's success in achieving its goals, emphasizing the growing support amongst the rank and file and their determination to bring about meaningful change in the union.

The episode concludes with details on upcoming CLC events in Boston and a call for continued member engagement and action. Corey expresses excitement about the convention and reiterates his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers.

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This episode focuses on preparing letter carriers for upcoming 6-day counts, providing a detailed review of relevant handbook provisions and arbitration decisions. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing his support for businesses that show a commitment to letter carriers. He then corrects a previous shout-out and shares additional shout-outs from listeners.

The main portion of the episode involves a comprehensive review of excerpts from several arbitration decisions related to route count inspections and adjustments. Corey highlights key aspects of each case, emphasizing recurrent issues such as management's failure to follow established procedures, the importance of carrier input, and the methods for demonstrating overburdened routes. He particularly emphasizes the use of work hour workload reports to illustrate the impact of improper route adjustments. He stresses the need to use strong language in grievance settlements and highlights how arbitrators often consider carrier input in route adjustments and the inclusion of CCAs in remedy calculations.

Corey discusses several examples of management misconduct, including the practice of imposing unrealistic case time limits and taking unauthorized photographs of carriers' cases. He provides detailed grievance templates, information requests, and contentions for addressing these issues. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation, thorough investigation, and assertive advocacy to challenge management's actions. The episode includes detailed explanations of how to complete PS Forms 1838c, 1840, and 3999, emphasizing the importance of recording all relevant information accurately and of utilizing line item entries effectively. He provides specific guidance on how to challenge management's time deductions, emphasizing the need to document all activities and to maintain consistency in daily work practices during the inspection week. Corey repeatedly stresses the need to challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose unrealistic time standards.

Corey promotes resources for handling 6-day counts, including podcasts and YouTube videos, and encourages members to actively seek training and education to become well-versed in the relevant procedures and regulations. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of using 6-day counts as an opportunity to punish management for their incompetence and secure significant monetary remedies for carriers. He encourages listeners to remain vigilant, to prepare for the challenges ahead, and to stand united in their fight for fair treatment.

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This episode focuses on the current state of the NALC, criticizing President Brian Renfroe's leadership and the recently rejected tentative agreement. Corey argues that Renfroe's statements about getting every possible penny from negotiations undermined the union's position and led to a poor agreement. He expresses anger over the low pay raise, the continued existence of CCAs, and other unfavorable terms, accusing Renfreo, Tulino, and DeJoy of "stealing" from letter carriers. He praises the membership for overwhelmingly rejecting the TA, viewing it as a sign of a grassroots uprising against incompetent leadership.

Corey emphasizes the need for the union to be a "consequence" for management's abuses, using an anecdote about protecting an inmate in jail to illustrate the role of union representatives. He criticizes management's use of 1767s and other tactics as forms of harassment and calls for stronger pushback. He details specific strategies for challenging 1767s, including referencing relevant M-numbers and requesting interviews with all involved management personnel. He advocates for aggressive grievance filing and using tactics like filing quarterly overtime grievances nationwide to pressure management.

Corey also discusses the upcoming NALC elections, expressing confidence in the CLC ticket's victory and his own future role as Director of City Delivery. He acknowledges the division within the union but believes it will resolve itself with the removal of Renfroe and his allies. He ends by thanking his listeners and promising to fight for their interests.

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This episode delves into a lengthy discussion of the M-01983 memo, which outlines the Technology Integrated Alternate Route Evaluation and Adjustment Process (TIEREAP). Corey begins by addressing listener feedback on his previous episode, emphasizing his dedication to the NALC and his desire for fair representation of letter carriers. He then transitions to the memo, detailing its extensive contents, including the process of appointing joint NALC-USPS teams for route evaluations and adjustments, data analysis procedures, and carrier consultations. Crucially, Corey highlights the importance of carriers being aware of potential management attempts to establish standards for timeframes in street work. The memo describes various data analysis methods, including digital street review (DSR) and work hour workload reports, and emphasizes the need for accurate data entry. Corey emphasizes the significance of carrier consultations and the rights afforded to carriers during these sessions. He specifically notes potential issues related to management using the memo to justify discipline for work-related activities. He stresses the importance of carrier knowledge and participation in the process, especially noting the need to challenge management's interpretation of standards. The episode concludes with a discussion of the memo's details, encouraging listeners to become knowledgeable and prepared to defend their rights in the face of potential abuses. Corey repeats his dedication to his colleagues and the union and promises further episodes addressing relevant NALC issues.

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This episode continues the 6-day count education series, focusing on the procedures and regulations outlined in the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and promotes the "Tallest Nail" podcast, which focuses on CCA issues and the upcoming contract vote. He then announces upcoming episodes, including a discussion with Charlie Miller and an episode on how to effectively communicate with and challenge narcissistic individuals.

The main focus is a detailed explanation of the route inspection process, emphasizing the importance of meticulous record-keeping, accurate time recording, and understanding the specific requirements for various line items on the 1838c form. Corey stresses the importance of challenging management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary time limits, emphasizing how management often tries to deduct time for seemingly minor activities. He stresses the need to challenge management's attempts to use the 1840-R as definitive proof of agreement and to use the opportunity of the carrier consultation to actively challenge any proposed adjustments. He highlights the crucial role of shop stewards in educating carriers and ensuring their rights are protected during the inspection. He reminds listeners that the lack of a street standard prevents management from setting arbitrary paces or time limits for tasks performed on the route and that this must be asserted in any challenge to time deductions or route adjustments.

Corey discusses several examples of management's attempts to manipulate data and intimidate carriers during 6-day counts, providing specific examples and emphasizing the need for strong, proactive responses. He stresses the importance of filing grievances to challenge management's actions and to ensure that all relevant information and documentation is included in those grievances. He provides detailed instructions on how to complete the necessary forms and emphasizes the importance of accurately recording all time entries and of noting any discrepancies or instances of management misconduct.

He then criticizes the lack of leadership and education provided by the national union in addressing these issues and emphasizes that this lack of leadership has emboldened management to engage in increasingly aggressive tactics. He urges members to remain vigilant and to actively challenge any attempts by management to manipulate data, impose arbitrary time limits, and to engage in intimidation tactics. Corey highlights the importance of using the route inspection process as an opportunity to expose management's incompetence and secure favorable settlements for letter carriers. He closes by promoting the upcoming "Vote No" campaign and emphasizing the need for a more militant and member-focused union approach.

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This episode focuses on the challenging topic of dealing with toxic coworkers in the workplace. Corey emphasizes that while addressing such issues is ideally management's responsibility, shop stewards sometimes need to intervene to protect their "flock." Corey highlights the Postal Service's Policy on Workplace Harassment, specifically Publication 552, as a resource for understanding management's obligations in maintaining a respectful work environment. Practical advice is provided on navigating difficult conversations with both management and the toxic coworker, including the use of written statements from affected employees, invoking relevant policies, and filing grievances when necessary. Ultimately, the episode underscores the challenging balance between protecting individual employees and advocating for the well-being of the entire workforce.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration covers a variety of topics, including fan mail, personal experiences, and a detailed analysis of a specific arbitration case. Corey initially apologizes for a technical issue that caused an earlier episode to be deleted.

The main theme of the episode is Corey's frustration with the current union leadership and management's actions, focusing on the aggressive tactics used to pressure and control letter carriers. Corey specifically discusses the lack of accountability within the union and the disregard for letter carriers' rights. He highlights the need for education and advocacy to counter management's initiatives.

He dedicates time to fan mail, including a response to a critical listener who accused him of making a homophobic remark. He uses the occasion to explain his personal experience with the difficulties of discussing his son's sexual orientation. His message emphasizes unconditional love and understanding.

The episode then delves into the detailed analysis of an arbitration case where Corey highlights serious due process violations by management, including a concurring official who was heavily involved in the investigation and later acted as the formal step-a designee. Corey points out inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the manager's statements and actions as significant flaws in the arbitration process. He argues that the arbitrator's decision in this case is problematic due to these violations and the fact that the charges were not properly investigated or related to letter carrier duties.

Corey further criticizes the union leadership for not adequately addressing these issues and for allegedly hiding information from the membership. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of Publication 552 (the Postal Service's policy on workplace harassment) in future arbitration efforts and previews the next episode dedicated to a detailed analysis of Publication 552.

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This episode discusses two prevalent issues among postal workers: management's imposition of a 5-minute PM office time limit and the prohibition of casing Special Handling Parcels (SPRs). Corey emphasizes the importance of diligently filing grievances against these directives, citing examples of both successful and unsuccessful cases. He advocates for a strong union stance, arguing that every grievance, no matter how challenging, should be pursued. He recounts personal experiences, including a case where a carrier was essentially forced to work off the clock due to these restrictions. Corey stresses the need for stewards, formal representatives, and branch presidents to actively support and represent carriers, highlighting the importance of detailed investigation, thorough preparation, and unwavering support for employees. The episode concludes with advice on how to effectively grieve these issues.

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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.

https://fromatoarbitration.com/cca-corner/

This episode features Tyler Vasseur and Ernest Gonzales from Build a Fighting NALC (BFN), a rank-and-file reform movement within the NALC. Coreys begin by discussing the creation of a new section on the From A to Arbitration website dedicated to unique LMOU provisions, highlighting the need for greater transparency and resource sharing within the union. They also clarify Corey's previous comments about the TRAP process, emphasizing that his criticism is directed at those who used their positions to harm carriers, not those who genuinely tried to protect them.

Vasseur and Gonzales then outline BFN's plans for the upcoming NALC convention: canvassing, distributing flyers and buttons promoting open bargaining, and recruiting new members. They stress the importance of their movement in addressing widespread anger and frustration among letter carriers over low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of union support. They emphasize that BFN is not just a "young kids" movement, but a broad effort to reform the union and ensure better representation for all members.

The discussion shifts to the open bargaining resolution, highlighting its growing support and the strategies BFN will employ to ensure its passage at the convention. Gonzales emphasizes the importance of mobilizing state associations to exert political pressure on Congress. He also discusses BFN's plans to establish itself as a formal caucus within the NALC after the convention, emphasizing the need for a more democratic and member-driven approach to union governance.

Vasseur details the plans for a large in-person meeting during the convention and explains the upcoming GoFundMe efforts that successfully raised the funds needed for this event. The episode concludes with a reiteration of BFN's core principles and a call for increased member involvement and support. The team underscores the importance of challenging the status quo and holding union leadership accountable, and emphasize their determination to create a truly "fighting" NALC that effectively represents its members' interests.

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https://www.fightingnalc.com/

This episode continues the 6-day count education series, focusing on specific procedures and strategies for challenging management's actions during route inspections. Corey begins with listener shout-outs, promoting the work of several union activists and highlighting the "Tallest Nail" podcast, which focuses on CCA issues. He then addresses a listener's comment about arbitrators lacking feelings, countering this with personal anecdotes about how arbitrators often show sympathy, particularly towards veterans, and emphasizes the importance of making arbitrators aware of such mitigating factors.

The main focus is on providing guidance for handling route count inspections. Corey emphasizes the importance of understanding the regulations, meticulous record-keeping, and assertive advocacy. He reviews several key provisions from the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook, detailing requirements for unit reviews, dry run training, advance notice, and carrier consultations, stressing the need for accurate time recording and the importance of challenging management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary time limits. He highlights the significance of the "no street standard" provision in challenging time deductions and emphasizes the importance of carriers actively participating in consultations and documenting any instances of management misconduct. He explains how to effectively respond to management attempts to deduct time for minor activities, such as stopping to talk to a customer, and how to identify and counter potentially misleading statements made by management during the consultation process.

Corey then addresses the issue of management's attempts to impose unrealistic time limits, such as the one-hour office time limit and the 22-minute load time, and expresses frustration with the union's failure to provide adequate guidance and support to members in combating such tactics. He criticizes the lack of leadership from the national union, noting the continued lack of a national strategy for dealing with these issues and the silence from the leadership in the face of widespread reports of management misconduct. He discusses the ongoing issue of non-compliance with grievance settlements and emphasizes the importance of utilizing all available legal and procedural avenues to fight against management abuses. He specifically emphasizes the importance of seeking cease-and-desist orders and escalated monetary awards to incentivize compliance. He uses anecdotes from his arbitration cases to illustrate effective strategies for handling management's dishonesty and for challenging their narratives. He highlights the importance of focusing on the “just cause” requirements of Article 16 and of utilizing M-1458 to counter the use of GPS data as the sole determinant for disciplinary actions. He also stresses the need to challenge management's attempts to impose arbitrary time limits and to use the carrier consultation to effectively document and contest those adjustments.

The episode concludes with a passionate call for greater member engagement, education, and a renewed commitment to fighting for a stronger, more member-focused union. Corey urges members to reject the tentative agreement and to actively participate in the upcoming "Vote No" campaign, and he promotes several online resources for obtaining additional information. He emphasizes the importance of standing united to combat the current leadership's failures and to build a more militant and effective union that prioritizes the needs of its members.

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This episode features an interview with Charlie Miller, a long-time NALC activist and former branch president, focusing on the appeals process for the Article 10 charges against President Renfroe. Miller begins by expressing condolences for the recent murder of a Chicago letter carrier. He then provides background on the Article 10 process, explaining the steps involved and highlighting the unprecedented nature of the charges against Renfroe.

Miller emphasizes the importance of the NALC's internal processes for addressing misconduct and expresses his belief in the union's potential for positive change. He commends Chris Jackson and James Henry for their courage in bringing the charges and criticizes those who remained silent or withheld information out of self-interest. He also praises Mike Weir's integrity in conducting the investigation despite pressure.

The discussion delves into the specifics of the appeals, with Miller reading the written appeals for each of the four charges. He highlights key points of contention and criticizes the panel's decision, particularly their acceptance of the ADA/FMLA defense, which he argues was not legitimately raised by Renfroe and misrepresented the application of these legal protections. He also criticizes the panel chair's ex parte communication with the NALC attorney and his failure to include the dissenting opinion in the final report.

Miller details his strong support for James Henry's candidacy and highlights Henry's extensive experience and accomplishments within the NALC. He criticizes Renfroe's leadership, pointing to instances of dishonesty, neglect of duty, and creating a hostile work environment. He contrasts Renfroe's actions with Henry's track record of integrity, competence, and dedication to members.

Miller concludes by discussing the importance of the upcoming convention, urging delegates to support the appeals and emphasizing the need for greater transparency and accountability within the union. He also promotes the CLC's efforts to reform the NALC and encourages members to get involved. The episode ends with a promotion of various NALC-related podcasts and a plea for greater member engagement and education.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate discussion on Corey's concerns about the NALC's current leadership and management's tactics, particularly concerning a new tool called CDPOM (City Delivery Pivoting Opportunity Model). Corey begins by acknowledging a technical issue and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement cases.

The episode centers on Corey's critique of management's use of CDPOM, which he claims is a tool designed to create undertime situations for carriers and bypass contractual obligations. He contends that the tool is based on historical data, and management's use of it is a tactic to manipulate carriers' workload without proper consideration for the actual conditions of each route.

Corey explicitly argues that the union's current approach is inadequate in countering management's tactics and lacks the necessary proactive measures to defend letter carriers. He stresses that the union leadership has failed to adequately educate the members on how to fight back against this new tool.

He analyzes several precedents from past arbitration cases (particularly episode 52, which is highlighted as a crucial resource) to illustrate how similar issues were resolved. The episode showcases his knowledge of relevant contract provisions and arbitration precedents, demonstrating his strategy for how to challenge management's use of CDPOM. He highlights the lack of provisions in the contract protecting carriers from manipulation and pressure, and that the union's failure to address these systemic issues has resulted in carriers being vulnerable.

The episode's theme is a call for a stronger, more militant, and educated union. Corey urges the audience to educate themselves on their rights and the relevant contract provisions (such as Article 41 and M-01769) to be able to counter management's aggressive actions. He emphasizes that the union leadership needs to step up and advocate for its members proactively. Corey concludes by emphasizing his commitment to educating and empowering letter carriers, offering to share resources for challenging management's tactics.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate and critical analysis of the NALC's current leadership and its handling of grievances. Corey begins by apologizing for the abbreviated format due to a technical issue, and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement and clock ring falsification.

The episode pivots to a discussion of the perceived double standard between management's treatment of letter carriers and the union's response to documented grievances. Corey argues that the union contract, while intending to protect carriers, inadvertently safeguards management from accountability in many situations. He highlights a lack of proactive measures and education from union leadership, leading to a situation where carriers are being bullied.

He dissects specific examples of grievances, emphasizing how the union's current approach fails to adequately address instances of management misconduct. Corey argues that management often attempts to dismiss grievances by claiming no financial harm occurred, contrasting this with the often significant and lasting harm faced by letter carriers due to unfair practices, intimidation, and harassment.

The episode's core theme is a call for the union to adopt a more aggressive and militant stance against management's abuse of power. He criticizes the union's leaders for complacency and for not adequately educating letter carriers on their rights and how to challenge management's actions. He uses specific examples like the falsification of time records (including heat illness training) and the implementation of new policies (like the "hour office time" rule) to demonstrate how management is gaining the upper hand.

Corey presents several recent B-team decisions as evidence of the union's lack of assertiveness, lamenting the watered-down language that fails to adequately hold management accountable. He contrasts this with how he, as a representative, would approach these situations, advocating for a more militant and assertive strategy. He urges listeners to prepare for future challenges by educating themselves on their rights, using past arbitration decisions as a resource.

The episode concludes with a passionate call to action, urging members to support a new union leadership more committed to the needs of the city letter carriers. He emphasizes the need for a militant union with leaders who will proactively address management's abuses and actively fight for the protection of their members.

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Corey talks about past practice grievances and how they are often successful in arbitration. He discusses the importance of understanding the concept of past practice and the three elements required to establish a valid past practice: clarity and consistency, longevity and repetition, and acceptability. He also emphasizes the need for good-faith bargaining when management seeks to change a past practice. Corey highlights specific arbitration cases and provides guidance on how to build a case file and navigate these types of grievances.

Bahakel C-30984

August C-34447

Talmadge C-34614

Talmadge C-20253 (denied)

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a highly critical and passionate discussion regarding the current state of the union, specifically focusing on the union's leadership and the challenges faced by letter carriers.

Corey initially thanks a listener for providing the podcast's new intro music and addresses audio issues experienced in previous recordings. He then emphasizes his intent to focus on challenging management's tactics and policies, particularly in relation to recent arbitration cases. He states a commitment to a proactive and aggressive stance.

Walton discusses significant concerns about the union's B-teams (grievance resolution teams) and the perceived lack of support from business agents and union leadership. He expresses dissatisfaction with the B-teams' decisions, blaming business agents for not adequately training and supporting the teams. He also critiques the union's handling of issues like the red-line policy and the lack of response to non-compliance with settlements.

He delves into the issues surrounding the TIERAP route adjustment process and management's aggressive monitoring practices, such as using GPS data to track letter carriers, arguing that these actions constitute violations of the union contract. He calls out the union president for not adequately addressing these issues, calling him out for a perceived lack of leadership and a lack of concern for the workers' well-being, contrasting this with his prior advocacy for workers.

The episode further addresses concerns regarding the handling of grievances, particularly untimely resolutions and non-compliance with previous arbitration awards, highlighting the significant problems and frustrations stemming from the current union leadership. He advocates for a more proactive and educated approach to grievance filing and resolution.

Corey emphasizes the need for a change in leadership and a more assertive, militant approach within the union. He highlights his own personal experiences and criticisms of the current leadership, including personal criticisms and the lack of support he received as an advocate.

Corey concludes with a fervent call to action, urging members to get involved and vote in the upcoming election for a new leadership that will represent the city letter carriers' interests. He emphasizes the need for a strong union and a proactive stance against management's abuses. He also discusses the importance of getting informed about current issues through resources like Discord and Reddit, alongside previews of upcoming episodes detailing the Memphis arbitration case's testimony.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration continues the "Memphis Mini-Series," focusing on the testimony of three witnesses in an arbitration case. Corey begins by thanking Cole for contributing to the podcast's intro music and discussing improvements to the audio quality. He then previews the upcoming topics, including a special guest next week and the continuation of the aggressive stance against management.

The episode delves into the testimony of three witnesses in the Memphis arbitration case, highlighting Corey's tactics and concerns. The first witness, a station manager, is characterized as largely irrelevant, with little useful information being gleaned.

The second witness, a supervisor allegedly targeted by the grievant, is presented as a problematic figure for Corey. Corey criticizes this witness, arguing that their testimony contradicts the case file evidence and, that their testimony lacks specifics and shows inconsistencies.

The third witness, a 204B, is criticized for allegedly providing perjured testimony, which Corey presents as an example of the tactics management uses to undermine the union and the grievances of letter carriers. Corey expresses frustration that this witness was not forthcoming with information crucial to the case, highlighting how this type of deceptive testimony can jeopardize the union's position.

The episode concludes with Corey emphasizing the need for careful documentation, thorough preparation, and assertiveness in dealing with these types of cases, including the need for the union advocate to know the case documents better than the management witnesses to overcome potential management bias. He emphasizes that the union's representatives should anticipate potential management tactics and have prepared responses to counter them. Corey foreshadows future episodes focused on the case's closing arguments, predicting a difficult but necessary fight for the union to win. He ends the episode with passionate calls to action, urging listeners to prepare for a potential battle against management and a new leadership direction for the NALC.

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This episode focuses on the detrimental actions of current NALC leadership, specifically President Brian Renfroe and Executive Vice President Paul Barner, and contrasts their behavior with the proactive, carrier-focused approach of the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC).

Corey details the CLC's recent training efforts, emphasizing their commitment to educating members and preparing them for future leadership roles. He criticizes Renfroe and Barner for their opposition to grievances and arbitrations, which he views as essential tools for protecting carriers' rights and securing financial remedies. He alleges that Renfroe is collaborating with management to reduce fixed office time, undermining carriers' efforts to combat the imposed one-hour office time metric.

Corey highlights a template created by a business agent to fight the one-hour office time mandate. This template includes grievance language addressing violations of the national agreement, handbooks, and memorandums. It also emphasizes the importance of carrier statements to document the toxic work environment created by this policy. However, Corey expresses frustration that Renfroe is simultaneously negotiating to reduce fixed office time, rendering the template less effective.

He further criticizes Renfroe for failing to inform carriers about upcoming street observations by a headquarters safety team, as detailed in a letter sent to Renfroe in December. This lack of communication is compared to a betrayal, leaving carriers vulnerable to disciplinary action. Corey also condemns Renfroe's apparent lack of concern for a murdered carrier, focusing instead on James Henry's presence at a memorial event. He criticizes Renfroe for relying on prepared statements and lacking genuine passion.

The episode concludes with a discussion of a successful arbitration case where management was ordered to pay the arbitrator's full fees due to non-compliance with a Step B decision. The arbitrator cited USPS Policy Letter M-01517, establishing that compliance is not optional. However, Corey reveals that Barner, under pressure from national labor, convinced the arbitrator to amend the award and split the fees, a move Corey considers a major setback in the fight against non-compliance. He urges carriers to support the CLC in the upcoming election to oust the current leadership and restore a carrier-focused approach to union representation. He also promotes a uniform discount offered by a carrier-friendly vendor.

Cites: https://fromatoarbitration.com/episodes-201-300/

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Corey discusses the complexities of "last chance agreements" (LCAs), legal documents that offer employees a final opportunity to maintain employment after serious disciplinary offenses. Corey uses a recent arbitration case involving an employee dismissed for a single, brief tardiness despite 111 days of on-time attendance to illustrate the challenges advocates face when defending employees bound by LCAs. He emphasizes the importance of just cause principles, even in LCA situations, and criticizes management's handling of the case, particularly their failure to provide timely information and alleged witness intimidation. Corey concludes by encouraging other union advocates to rigorously defend employees facing discipline under LCAs.

Rentfro C-01760 inequitable discipline

Rentfro C- 01030 procedural due process

Cohen C-00239 perfection

August C-34816 Information

Kleine C-10846 LCA

August C-35237 LCA

Axon C-11112 LCA timeliness

Olson C-16970 LCA timeliness

Roberts C-16475

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This episode is a discussion about how to identify and grieve violations of the union contract when a 204-B supervisor is performing bargaining unit work. Corey emphasizes the importance of keeping detailed records and using resources like the JCAM and DOIS reports to build a strong case. They also encourage viewers to get involved in their local union and to be mindful of the need for strong leadership.

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Corey explains what to do when a carrier receives discipline from management. The most important initial step is to have the carrier sign the disciplinary notice, as management has been known to use a carrier's refusal to sign as a reason for discipline.

He then dives into the importance of requesting information during the informal Step A stage, stressing that the shop steward should request everything management used to issue the discipline, rather than waiting until later. This allows the steward to gather the necessary information and prepare a strong grievance. (Note from editor: When requesting any and all information used to issue discipline, you should only include information that helps your case OR information when management changes their stance. You don't need to help management's case in Formal A/Step B/Arbitration!).

Corey emphasizes that the shop steward should not rush to file a grievance immediately but should utilize the 14-day window to gather evidence and build a solid case. He emphasizes the importance of thorough research and understanding the nuances of the discipline process.

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate critique of the NALC's leadership and management's handling of heat-related safety issues, specifically focusing on the death of a letter carrier, Eugene Gates. Corey starts by acknowledging listener feedback and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement.

The core of the episode is an intense critique of the union's leadership, particularly the president, for their perceived inaction and lack of advocacy on behalf of city letter carriers. Corey argues that the current leadership is not adequately representing the concerns of carriers regarding the dangerous working conditions, especially the heat-related risks. He accuses the president of being out of touch with the realities on the workroom floor and of failing to advocate for better working conditions, instead focusing on other issues. This criticism is specifically tied to the death of Mr. Gates, Corey asserting that management's policies and the union's failure to act contributed to his death.

The episode features Corey reading a newspaper article detailing the circumstances of Mr. Gates' death and the employer's subsequent, perceived lack of response. This article and the subsequent discussion are a central part of Corey's critique, illustrating what he sees as the union's failure to use these incidents to leverage change and educate their members. Corey calls for a more proactive and aggressive union stance on these types of safety concerns and critiques the lack of leadership.

The episode concludes with a call for action, urging listeners to take their concerns regarding working conditions to their local leadership. He advocates for a militant stance on grievances and emphasizes the need for unity and education within the membership to counter management's tactics. The episode's underlying message is a call for a shift in the union's strategy to effectively represent the safety and well-being of letter carriers and to fight back against management's abuses of power.

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This episode of "From A to Arbitration" discusses the ongoing issue of 16.7 violations, emphasizing the need for business agents to provide guidance to their members and highlighting management's tactics for targeting letter carriers. Corey analyzes a document outlining management's safety initiative, which he criticizes for its potential to be weaponized against carriers and for its failure to address the inherent problems of a toxic work environment created by management. He strongly advises carriers to request a steward immediately if approached by management during street observations and emphasizes that any evidence collected before the steward's arrival should be considered inadmissible. Corey also discusses the pressure the postal service is under, specifically mentioning the potential for privatization, and advocates for using public outreach to exert pressure on the postal service and Congress. Corey expresses strong disapproval of the tentative agreement and the current NALC administration's response, praising the work of the CLC and anticipating a significant win in the 2026 election. He concludes by announcing plans for a YouTube channel and weekly CLC podcasts focusing on basic union training.

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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.

https://fromatoarbitration.com/cca-corner/

https://fromatoarbitration.com/postal-podcasts/

This episode continues the educational series on 6-day counts, focusing on the procedures and regulations outlined in the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook. Corey begins with listener shout-outs, promoting a vote-no rally and the "Tallest Nail" podcast. He then addresses issues with his email inbox, explaining that he is working to catch up on unanswered emails. He announces a new monthly podcast segment dedicated to CCA issues and promotes several other relevant podcasts.

The bulk of the episode involves a detailed explanation of the route inspection process, covering various aspects from preparation through consultation and adjustment. The host emphasizes the importance of meticulous record-keeping, accurate time recording, and assertive advocacy in challenging management's actions, providing specific guidance on completing the necessary forms (1838c, 1840, 3999) and highlighting specific areas where management often attempts to manipulate data or impose arbitrary time limits. He details the importance of the carrier consultation and urges active participation from carriers in challenging management's decisions. He emphasizes the need to challenge management's attempts to use averages where no standards exist and stresses the importance of documenting any instances of management misconduct.

Corey then addresses the issue of management's attempts to manipulate data and intimidate carriers, providing examples of how management uses the scanner data to target carriers and the need for strong, proactive responses. He highlights the importance of understanding and utilizing M-1458 to counter management's reliance on GPS data as the sole basis for discipline and urges members to challenge management's attempts to impose arbitrary time limits, especially concerning breaks, lunches, and other time-off allowances. He emphasizes that any attempts by management to reduce office time, such as by imposing an unrealistic one-hour limit, should be immediately grieved.

The episode shifts to discuss the upcoming CLC Zoom meeting focused on the “Vote No” campaign, urging members to participate. He also promotes a planned episode focusing on strategies for dealing with narcissistic individuals and emphasizes the need for stronger, more unified action from the union leadership. Corey concludes by reiterating his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers and promoting the upcoming route inspection training series.

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This episode features Tyler Vasseur of Build a Fighting NALC (BFN) discussing the recently released tentative agreement and BFN's planned "Vote No" campaign. Vasseur begins by expressing his strong disapproval of the tentative agreement, characterizing it as a significant setback for letter carriers and emphasizing the need for a more assertive approach to contract negotiations. He outlines BFN's core demands: a $30/hour starting wage, raises for all steps, top pay comparable to UPS, a reduction in the time to reach top pay, full COLAs, and an end to mandatory overtime.

Vasseur then recounts BFN's growth and development over the past year, highlighting the increased support for open bargaining and the launch of BFN as a rank-and-file reform movement. He emphasizes BFN's commitment to building a more democratic and member-driven union, one that actively engages the membership in the decision-making process. He highlights BFN's position on the right to strike, emphasizing the importance of this as a tool for achieving better wages and working conditions and for holding union leadership accountable.

BFN's "Vote No" campaign is discussed, emphasizing the need for organized action rather than simply relying on momentum. Vasseur details the plans for an upcoming Zoom meeting to launch the campaign, highlighting the need for maximum unity among various reform groups to send a strong message to the NALC leadership. He outlines the campaign's strategies for mobilizing members, emphasizing the importance of direct communication, public rallies, and increased member participation. Vasseur discusses the creation of a new BFN website with resources for organizing rallies and other activities.

The conversation addresses concerns about the lack of transparency in the contract negotiations, the potential for members to feel pressured to vote "yes" on the tentative agreement despite their dissatisfaction and the need to counteract the potential influence of the existing leadership by empowering members to make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of their own needs and what they deserve. Vasseur emphasizes the need for a more assertive bargaining position, one that prioritizes the needs of the letter carriers, and he stresses the importance of utilizing all available resources, including arbitration, to secure a better contract. He underscores that the "Vote No" campaign is not simply about rejecting the tentative agreement; it's about building a stronger, more militant union that will actively fight for its members' rights in the years to come. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging members to join the "Vote No" campaign and to participate in the upcoming Zoom meeting.

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https://www.fightingnalc.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration features Ron Speakman, host of the FedUp podcast, discussing various issues facing carriers. Speakman begins by emphasizing the importance of carrier safety and encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being over management pressure, particularly regarding heat-related concerns and the use of GPS tracking devices in postal vehicles. He acknowledges the union's reluctance to address GPS tracking concerns through grievances.

The conversation shifts to the role of union stewards and the importance of carrier self-advocacy. Speakman emphasizes the need for carriers to actively participate in documenting their experiences and gathering evidence, rather than solely relying on stewards or higher-level representation. He stresses the importance of detailed and accurate witness statements when filing grievances.

The discussion then touches on the lack of union education and the resulting complacency among some members and union leadership. Speakman highlights the need for improved training and information dissemination, especially among smaller branches with limited resources. He advocates for a more proactive and aggressive union approach to combating management abuses and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing members' needs over internal politics or financial concerns.

Speakman expresses his strong support for James Henry's candidacy for NALC president, highlighting Henry's leadership qualities, integrity, and experience. He criticizes the current NALC leadership for their inaction in addressing various workplace issues and their apparent deference to management. The conversation also touches on the importance of political action and the need for increased member contributions to the union's political action committee.

Finally, Speakman mentions an upcoming episode focusing on alleged misconduct by a specific HR manager and discusses strategies for addressing such issues within the union, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation and a systematic approach to pursuing accountability. The episode concludes with a promotion of Speakman's own podcast, FedUp, and a reminder of the upcoming NALC convention.

https://feduphq.com/

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Corey talks about Article 16.7: Emergency Placement. He emphasizes the importance of challenging emergency placements by filing grievances, highlighting four key areas of contention: immediacy (the action must be taken without delay), notification (the employee must be explicitly informed of the emergency placement), a detailed written charge, and the length of the placement (which cannot be indefinite). He supports his arguments with relevant arbitration cases and decisions, urging listeners to utilize this information to better defend themselves and their colleagues against potentially unjust actions by management.

C-10146 A&B: Defines what “immediate” is in cases of emergency placement.

C-24822: Determines the precedence and justification for emergency situations in a case where a carrier was put on emergency placement for not wearing a seatbelt - a situation that was not imminently dangerous.

C-30322: Shows that management failed to specify the reason for emergency placement in the charge.

C-32656: Highlights several instances where extended emergency placements were deemed improper.

This episode focuses on the importance of carrier safety, particularly in relation to heat-related illnesses.

Corey starts by wishing a happy retirement to his mentor, Lou Drass, whom he considers a juggernaut in the union world. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the need for strong leadership within the union.

Corey then dives into the topic of heat safety, using a recent grievance filed by a carrier as an example. The grievance stemmed from a station manager who told carriers they could only take one break in the heat, even during periods of excessive heat. This decision was challenged by the shop steward, and the DRT (Dispute Resolution Team) ultimately ruled in favor of the carrier.

The episode details several important M-documents and OSHA citations related to heat safety. M-document 1860 details a memorandum of understanding between the USPS and the National Association of Letter Carriers on heat abatement programs. OSHA citations regarding heat illness, including the definition of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and the necessity to call 911 in case of a heat-related emergency, are also discussed.

Corey strongly encourages listeners to educate themselves about these documents and the relevant laws, and to be prepared to file grievances to protect their safety. He emphasizes that management often prioritizes numbers over safety and encourages carriers to always prioritize their own safety.

The episode is a powerful reminder of the need for union members to be informed and to stand up for their rights, particularly when it comes to protecting their health and well-being.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration, despite technical difficulties, focuses on the critical issue of intentional falsification of heat-related training records by the Postal Service. The host, Corey, expresses frustration at the pervasive nature of this issue, arguing it's the most significant grievance facing carriers in their careers. He emphasizes the importance of holding the Postal Service accountable for this intentional misconduct, likening it to a battle that demands resolute action from the union.

Corey addresses a criticism leveled against him by a person within the union's structure and commits to discussing it further. He lauds the efforts of two business agents, Mike Carriff and Eddie Davidson, for their proactive and aggressive approach to protecting letter carriers in these cases, highlighting their understanding of the importance of education and advocacy to ensure carrier safety. He argues that a well-educated workforce is a powerful workforce, essential to challenging management's attempts to circumvent the contract.

Corey criticizes the union's apparent lack of decisive action in many areas, highlighting how certain business agents and B-teams have seemingly chosen to avoid confrontation. He critiques the passivity displayed by some, urging them to become more proactive advocates. He advocates for transparency and accountability within the union structure, suggesting that every aspect of union activity be visible and explainable.

The episode dives into a specific B-Team decision, outlining the issues involved in a heat-related training case. The decision had been critiqued by some as not taking an assertive stance against the Postal Service's clear falsification, although both parties had already identified the violations. This is a key point: Corey's criticism was not that the decision wasn't strong enough but that the union failed to appropriately pressure management to adhere to the contract.

Corey stresses the importance of holding management accountable, especially when they are intentionally violating the contract. He insists on thorough documentation of carriers' lack of training to support claims to arbitrators, and advocates for challenging management's assertions that this was not a recurring problem.

He highlights management's attempts to present "smoke and mirrors" arguments, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the falsification of records rather than irrelevant details like safety talks or postings. He also discusses the importance of supervisors ensuring training compliance, pointing to the fact that some employees are still being put at risk without proper training due to intentional violations of the contractual obligation of heat-training. This issue directly relates to the health and safety of the carriers.

Corey concludes the episode by emphasizing the need for the union to be more assertive in defending the rights of letter carriers, especially in cases involving heat-related training violations. He emphasizes the need for stronger union leadership to actively support carriers and encourages transparency in union operations. He asserts that the union's failure to act decisively is a serious flaw that threatens the safety and welfare of the workforce.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate discussion on Corey's frustration with the NALC's leadership and management's tactics, primarily concerning the curtailment of mail to force carriers into undertime status. Corey begins by thanking Ron Speakman and previews upcoming episodes.

The episode's core focus is Corey's criticism of management's tactics and the union's perceived lack of effective response. Corey argues that management is strategically using mail curtailment and route adjustments to create undertime situations for carriers, which is a violation of the contract, and that the union's leadership isn't adequately defending its members. He presents several specific examples from B-team decisions and arbitration cases where carriers were instructed to curtail mail, forcing them into undertime.

The episode includes detailed analyses of contractual provisions (like Article 41), arbitration decisions, and the lack of clear guidance and proactive measures from the union. Corey highlights instances where he believes management is deliberately trying to circumvent the contract to avoid overtime pay, and the union has allowed this to happen.

A significant portion is dedicated to dissecting how management's actions violate specific articles and sections of the contract. Corey presents multiple examples from arbitration decisions to support his argument that management has violated their obligations, including the lack of notice for adjustments, the use of inaccurate workload projections, and the failure of local officials to adequately support their members in the face of these situations. Corey argues that the union's inadequate response, relying on general language rather than precise cease-and-desist orders, has left carriers vulnerable.

The episode concludes with a passionate plea for a more militant approach within the union, especially from the business agents' offices. Corey expresses dissatisfaction with a lack of education and proactive measures from the union's leadership and emphasizes his belief in a more aggressive, proactive strategy. Corey foreshadows future episodes by outlining topics like the grievances of the month and the need to hold management accountable, while simultaneously highlighting his belief in the necessity for a stronger and more unified union.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate and highly critical discussion of the current state of the NALC, focusing on issues like the union's leadership, recent arbitration cases, and the need for a stronger advocacy approach.

Corey begins by acknowledging listener feedback and addressing recent technical issues with the podcast's audio. He then outlines upcoming episodes dedicated to Act of God grievances and the ongoing issue of "hour office time."

The episode features significant criticism of the NALC's leadership, which Corey characterizes as weak and unsupportive of the city letter carriers. He discusses the lack of proactive measures taken by the union leadership in response to various challenges, such as the ongoing falsification of hip training, and the significant workload issues facing some letter carriers. He directly criticizes the union president for a perceived lack of support and leadership, especially in responding to carrier concerns.

Corey then tackles the issue of potential pre-arbitration settlements potentially weakening the union's position, and uses a specific example of a shop steward whose personal belongings were stolen from her case and then a pre-arbitration settlement was made to show the weakness of the union's current leadership, arguing it is inconsistent with the union's stated commitment to protecting its members.

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to a detailed summary of a recent, significant arbitration case in Cleveland, Mississippi, including Corey's strategy and the arguments presented. He underscores the importance of a proactive approach to grievances, emphasizing that management often seeks to dismiss grievances by arguing that the problem was already resolved, but the underlying issues persist.

The episode also showcases Corey's meticulous approach to gathering information, using examples from other episodes about past cases to illustrate how to address procedural issues and effectively challenge management's assertions in future cases.

The episode concludes with a passionate call for a stronger, more proactive union, echoing the theme of a "ground-roots uprising" of letter carriers demanding better treatment and working conditions. He previews future episodes with specific topics like the hour office time, and expresses his belief that a significant leadership change within the union is necessary and inevitable. The overall message is a call for unity, aggressive advocacy, and a commitment to improving the working conditions for city letter carriers.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode is a powerful and emotionally charged response to the death of letter carrier Eugene Gates Jr. in Dallas, Texas. Corey expresses deep anger and frustration with the Postal Service's perceived lack of concern for employee safety, particularly in the context of heat-related illnesses, and the union's seemingly inadequate response.

The episode's main theme is Corey's sharp criticism of NALC leadership, particularly the union president. Corey argues that the president has failed to effectively address the heat-related safety concerns, and the death of Mr. Gates, leading to a lack of proactive advocacy and a failure to educate members about their rights. He accuses the leadership of failing to rally public support for the carriers' safety and well-being. He stresses that the union's silence, coupled with management's apparent disregard for carrier safety, has left workers vulnerable.

Corey uses the death of Mr. Gates to illustrate the lack of a strong union response. He critiques the statements made by the USPS and the president on the incident, contrasting them with a more forceful stance on protecting letter carriers' safety, arguing that management is prioritizing metrics over worker safety, and highlighting what he sees as a deflection of responsibility onto the carrier.

Corey then analyzes specific arbitration precedents, outlining the steps in how to challenge management's practices. He reiterates his approach to grievance filing, urging members to focus on the contractual obligations of management and the union's responsibilities. Corey argues that by failing to take a proactive stance against the abuse of carriers, the union has failed to protect their members and has effectively given management the upper hand. Corey calls for more militant action and a change in the union's culture to better represent the city letter carriers, emphasizing the importance of education. The episode closes with a call to action, urging greater member involvement in advocating for safer working conditions and a stronger union, highlighting the need for a change in leadership to effectively represent carriers and challenge management's indifference to carrier safety.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Corey emphasizes the importance of starting any grievance process with the "just cause" principles, especially focusing on whether a rule exists that the carrier violated. He emphasizes that management frequently cites rules that don't exist or don't apply to the situation. Corey encourages listeners to research any rules cited by management to determine if they are legitimate and to use this information to their advantage during grievance procedures. He uses several examples to illustrate these concepts and also encourages listeners to be proactive and thorough in their work as shop stewards.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration previews a forthcoming episode with guest JB, focusing on the "one-hour office time" policy. Corey discusses a recent Zoom meeting on "Building a Fighting NALC," highlighting the importance of unity and collective action within the union.

Corey emphasizes the current precarious position of the NALC, critiquing the union leadership's perceived lack of leadership and engagement with the issues facing letter carriers on the workroom floor. He contrasts this with the need for a strong, proactive leadership that actively represents and mobilizes members. He connects this to the theme of love and unity within the union, suggesting that members must support each other despite disagreements.

Corey discusses the importance of social media and existing podcasts like Fed Up as tools for members to engage in discussions about union issues. He critiques the current leadership, comparing them to a leader in a battlefield scene who refuses to fight. He suggests that the current leadership lacks the necessary understanding and experience with the practical day-to-day issues faced by letter carriers, resulting in management's aggressive and unsupported implementation of the one-hour office time policy.

Corey also criticizes the union for not having a contract, and implies this weakness is contributing to the problems faced by letter carriers. He discusses the importance of proactive responses to management's actions, citing the need to collect and use evidence (like documented work hours, interviews, and questionnaires) to demonstrate the unreasonableness of management's one-hour policy. He encourages members to be vigilant and united in their approach. He also announces the upcoming episode's focus on Publication 552 and the IMIP process, as well as a planned episode analyzing a recent arbitration case Corey lost. He concludes by reiterating his love for the letter carriers and his commitment to fighting for their rights, advocating for a more unified and aggressive stance by the union.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

https://www.fightingnalc.com/

This pre-convention episode of From A to Arbitration begins with condolences for the recent murder of a Chicago letter carrier and then focuses on preparing listeners for the upcoming NALC convention in Boston. Corey clarifies that "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" will be Wednesday, not Thursday, due to scheduling conflicts with other events. He provides updates on the 50/50 raffle for MDA (now accepting Venmo payments in addition to Zelle), and the convention t-shirt sales, which are doing exceptionally well. He announces upcoming podcast guests, including Tyler Vasseur, John Poskin, Jason Leath, Charlie Miller, and a pre-convention episode from himself.

Corey then reveals that Butch Lau, a retired postal worker, was his source for information about the "Trojan horse" nature of the TRAP memos, specifically regarding the use of GPS data for monitoring carriers. He criticizes the memos for allowing management to track and question carriers' activities without proper oversight, emphasizing the negative impact on morale and safety. He shares a humorous anecdote about his past collaboration with Butch on a safety initiative.

Corey discusses the ongoing contract negotiations, expressing skepticism about Renfroe's claims of progress and highlighting the lack of transparency. He criticizes the delay in arbitration and the apparent manipulation of the process. He then shares several emails and scanner messages illustrating management's continued harassment of carriers regarding stationary events and office time, emphasizing management's focus on "making the numbers" at the expense of carrier well-being.

Corey expresses his disappointment with the NALC leadership, particularly Renfroe, for its inaction on these issues. He then introduces a special guest, Mike Caref, who discusses the recent murder of a Chicago letter carrier and calls for greater protection of carriers. This segues into a discussion of the need for a stronger union presence, potentially including a postal police force, to address the increasing dangers faced by letter carriers. Caref also mentions a balloon release for the slain carrier and provides details about a CLC meet and greet in Boston.

Corey then introduces another special guest, David Noble, who explains the parliamentary procedure of "calling the question" and its potential use to limit debate at the convention on key issues such as open bargaining and the Renfroe charges. Noble discusses concerns about the integrity of the election process. Next, Gary Lang, a branch president, shares his experience with the implementation of the S&DC agreement, detailing how it was manipulated by the national union for political gain at the expense of his branch and his members. This fuels Corey's ongoing critique of Renfroe's lack of integrity and leadership.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the upcoming convention in Boston, the importance of member education and engagement, and a call for greater accountability from union leadership. Corey re-emphasizes the "slaughterhouse of failure" metaphor to describe Renfroe's tenure and his determination to help usher in a new era of fighting and transparency within the NALC.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate and critical review of the current state of the NALC, focusing on Corey's frustration with union leadership and management. Corey apologizes for the lack of intro music due to a recent move and technical difficulties.

The episode begins with a discussion of a recent article in the postal record, and a cease and desist argument that was raised by the B team. Corey challenges the union's leadership for allowing this watered-down language (instead of a strong cease and desist), which he argues places the union at a disadvantage. He critiques the union's leadership for being too passive and compliant with management, arguing that this is a direct detriment to the letter carriers.

The episode further dissects the problems with the current grievance processes, including cases of alleged noncompliance with arbitration decisions and Corey's dissatisfaction with the lack of consistent support from union leadership. He expresses deep concern about the ongoing harm to letter carriers, who he feels are being neglected and abused by the union's current leadership.

Corey highlights several examples of grievances and arbitration cases. He critiques the handling of a case of falsified clock rings, emphasizing that management's failure to take responsibility and the union's acquiescence to this. This is a critical theme of Corey's discussion – Corey points to examples where he believes management violated the union contract but the union failed to adequately address the issue.

Further, he addresses the issue of understaffing and overwork, noting that the union leadership hasn't addressed these problems effectively. He then shares a story and critiques management's actions, stating that management is likely intentionally obstructing carriers from successfully completing their tasks, which undermines the overall work structure.

Corey concludes with a passionate call for change, highlighting the need for a militant and actively engaged union leadership. He emphasizes the need for a union that protects its members' rights and fights for better working conditions. The episode closes with Corey presenting several specific grievances and the need for organized and thorough documentation.

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This emergency Monday episode addresses rumors circulating about Corey Walton's experience with postal inspectors at the NALC convention. Walton clarifies that he was questioned for approximately 25 minutes, was not arrested or charged, and was not removed from the convention floor. He explains that the GoFundMe campaign initiated by JB was intended as a thank you for his podcast work, not for legal fees or personal gain, and clarifies that he never intended to accept any donations.

Walton addresses criticism of the GoFundMe campaign on Reddit, refuting accusations of unethical behavior and emphasizing that listening to and donating to the podcast are entirely voluntary. He expresses his deep faith and his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers, regardless of personal consequences.

The episode continues with additional listener shout-outs and then shifts to discuss the implications of a letter from James Lloyd regarding the heat illness prevention program (HIPP) training. Walton criticizes Lloyd's assertion that HIPP training is at management's sole discretion, highlighting the contradiction between this statement and previous USPS communications emphasizing the requirement for annual HIPP training. He notes that Congress has also weighed in, emphasizing the need for improved heat safety standards within the USPS.

Walton emphasizes the power of member action, highlighting how carrier grievances and public pressure have led the USPS to reconsider its approach to HIPP training. He encourages members to continue fighting for better safety and working conditions and to actively seek training on how to file effective grievances. He provides an update on plans for future podcasts, including a new series of episodes on 6-day counts and another series on the CLC website dedicated to educational content. He promotes the From A to Arbitration Community Facebook page. He ends by reiterating his unwavering commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers, and his plans to continue the podcast.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218014406302643

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This episode of From A to Arbitration presents the closing arguments in a 2020 arbitration case concerning the falsification of letter carrier clock rings. Corey begins by thanking Cole Billups for technical assistance in preparing the episode's audio.

Corey details the case's background, emphasizing the importance of thorough case preparation. He highlights the significant role of his co-advocate, JB, and other witnesses in the case.

The episode focuses on the legal arguments presented during the closing. Corey critiques management's defense, specifically criticizing their argument that no carrier was harmed by the clock ring falsification. He challenges management's stance on the status quo ante and the perceived lack of punitive remedies, arguing instead that the harm caused to the entire carrier unit constitutes a significant factor in the arbitrator's decision.

The episode delves into Corey's strategy, outlining how he challenged management's arguments, emphasizing the importance of meticulous review of case files and contract language. This includes pointing out inconsistencies and omissions in management's presentation of the case.

Corey cites specific examples of arguments presented (e.g., management's claims that clock ring alterations were for training purposes). He analyzes the case from the perspective of the arbitrator, indicating what the arbitrator may have considered in reaching a decision.

Finally, the episode details the arbitrator's final decision, highlighting specific language used to understand the arbitrator's considerations. Walton emphasizes the importance of documenting management's violations. Corey's perspective throughout the episode is that union representatives need to proactively seek all available evidence and make compelling arguments based on the contract and relevant case law to challenge management. He then pivots to a discussion of upcoming episodes, previews future episodes, including a look at the "Act of God" grievance process and "hour office time" issues. The episode ends with a passionate and resolute call for a more militant approach by union members and leaders to challenge the status quo and advocate for letter carriers' rights.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode focuses on Article 16.8, which deals with review of discipline. Corey explains the importance of this article and how it can be used to challenge management decisions. He points out that any disciplinary action, such as a suspension or discharge, must be reviewed and concurred by a manager who is a higher level than the supervisor who initiated the discipline. This review should be independent, not a rubber stamp. He also suggests that if an arbitrator says that a disciplinary action is not a "de minimus" violation, then it is a fatal flaw and management's case may be thrown out.

The episode centers around educating letter carriers about their rights, particularly regarding grievances against management. JB emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation, using examples like clock rings and tax reports to support grievance claims. He also encourages letter carriers to be aware of their rights as outlined in the M-41 handbook, especially regarding PM office duties and the processing of undeliverable mail. Ultimately, JB advocates for a unified workforce, urging letter carriers to support each other and utilize the grievance process to ensure fair treatment and adherence to contractual obligations.

20:00 Identifying falsified clock rings

43:00 defeating management's 5-minute pm office duties

1:00:00 defining the Part-Time Flexible (ptf)

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This episode of From A to Arbitration features an interview with Tyler Vasseur, a shop steward from Minneapolis, focusing on activism within the union and strategies for stronger contract negotiations. Corey begins by acknowledging improvements to the podcast's sound quality and then previews upcoming topics, notably the "Act of God" grievance process and a revisit of the "hour office time" issue.

The episode centers on Walton's interview with Vasseur, highlighting Vasseur's experience and perspectives on union activism, particularly regarding a recent branch resolution for an open bargaining strategy. Vasseur emphasizes the importance of public actions, like rallies, to strengthen the union's bargaining position, citing successful examples from other unions (e.g., the UAW, Teamsters). He argues that public awareness and pressure on management are crucial in achieving better contracts, contrasting this with Corey's own criticisms of current union leadership's approach, which he views as overly cautious and lacking in direct advocacy for workers' rights.

The discussion extends to broader issues affecting the union, including the lack of transparency in negotiations and the perceived prioritization of financial concerns over members' needs and working conditions. Corey criticizes the current leadership's approach, arguing that a passive approach to management is detrimental and that a more confrontational stance is needed.

The episode also includes listener feedback that prompted Corey to address the issue of union leadership potentially being in cahoots with management, expressing deep skepticism about the current leadership.

Finally, the episode concludes with a preview of future episodes, including the continuation of the "Memphis Mini-Series" (focusing on arbitration testimony), an hour office time discussion, and potentially additional guest interviews or discussions about listener-submitted grievances. The overarching message is a fervent call for a change in union leadership and a more militant approach to negotiations and activism, with Corey emphasizing the importance of educating members and providing them with the tools to fight for their rights.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

fromatoarbitration.com

This episode features James Henry, NALC vice president and CLC presidential candidate, delivering a prepared statement on the tentative agreement and responding to listener questions. Henry begins by acknowledging the widespread disappointment among letter carriers regarding the tentative agreement and expresses his own strong disapproval, stating he will vote "no" and urging others to do the same.

He emphasizes that the tentative agreement falls far short of what letter carriers deserve, failing to reflect their contributions and dedication, and he criticizes the lack of transparency and member input in the negotiation process. He highlights the fact that the agreement offers little improvement over the existing contract, and in some areas, represents a step backward, particularly when considering inflation. He uses the historical context of the 1970 strike to illustrate the inadequacy of the current agreement, demonstrating that adjusted for inflation, entry-level wages are lower now than they were then.

Henry addresses listener questions, explaining that the tentative agreement was presented to the executive council without prior discussion or a vote, further emphasizing the lack of transparency. He discusses accusations of falling asleep during meetings, attributing this to exhaustion from personal issues and heavy travel demands. He refutes allegations of misconduct from his early career, asserting his innocence and attributing any previous disciplinary actions to unjust targeting. He clarifies that his decision to run for president was not a result of any DEI initiative but rather a response to a moral obligation to fight for the rights and well-being of letter carriers.

He emphasizes the need for transparency in negotiations and stresses his commitment to keeping the membership informed about contract developments. He explains that his plan is to build a stronger, more member-focused NALC by actively involving the membership in the decision-making process, prioritizing their concerns and needs. He highlights the need for a more assertive and aggressive approach to bargaining with USPS and to address the noncompliance issues and the backlog of grievances that currently plague the union. He acknowledges the risk of going to arbitration, but asserts that the current situation warrants such a step. He emphasizes the importance of unity and encourages members to remain actively involved in the union, urging them not to leave the organization despite their frustrations. Henry closes by emphasizing the need to reclaim the union's historic commitment to fighting for its members and to ensure justice is served, even if it means taking a long-term perspective and potentially facing challenges in the coming years.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

https://concernedlettercarriers.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate and critical discussion of the NALC's leadership and its handling of recent issues, particularly Corey's grievances regarding the union's current approach. Corey begins by acknowledging a technical difficulty and previews the focus on specific arbitration cases.

The central theme is a critique of the current union leadership for perceived inaction, cronyism, and a failure to adequately represent the interests of letter carriers. Corey argues that the current leadership is failing to protect members from increasingly aggressive management tactics. He presents numerous examples of situations where management is circumventing the contract, including the intentional falsification of records, inconsistent disciplinary actions, and a general lack of transparency in negotiations. He accuses the current leadership of potentially colluding with management to favor their own interests over the membership.

The episode delves into specific grievances, including Corey's own frustration with the way management has handled situations, as well as grievances raised by other members (which Corey relays). The discussion delves into the perceived unfairness of the current system where management can act without facing serious repercussions.

Corey emphasizes that the union's current leadership appears uninterested in addressing these issues, using examples from recent arbitration decisions to highlight the union's apparent failures and what he sees as management's successful use of certain tactics. He criticizes the union's response to these tactics, noting that the union often chooses to avoid direct confrontation with management in order to avoid possible negative consequences. He also discusses how the union's leadership might be losing touch with the realities faced by letter carriers on the ground.

The episode closes with a passionate call for change within the union and a stronger advocate role, urging listeners to consider what they want from their leadership in the upcoming elections. Corey highlights the importance of supporting a more militant union leadership, urging members to be vigilant about the union's actions and advocating for leaders who understand the needs and concerns of city letter carriers. He previews future episodes on additional grievance topics, expressing a commitment to continue educating and empowering the membership.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

fromatoarbitration.com

Corey welcomes Jason Atchley to this episode. They discuss unauthorized overtime and how to defend against discipline related to it. Jason explains that there are two competing theories on discipline: single-track (where any violation can lead to immediate discipline) and multi-track (where discipline is progressive). The podcast focuses on the multi-track theory, which is based on the language of Article 16 of the JCAM, and emphasizes that discipline should be corrective, not punitive.

The podcast encourages shop stewards to be proactive in challenging unfair disciplinary actions, check their past record for previous discussions or discipline, and to ensure their members understand their rights and protections.

Non-specific references in this episode:

Arbitrator Glenda August: A letter carrier involved in an accident, management put him on 16:7 and removed him. The carrier had prior attendance discipline, and a prior accident, and in this situation did not immediately report the accident. The arbitrator makes the differentiation that even though the carrier was involved in a prior accident, the discipline was for him failing to report the accident. She also states the grievant's prior disciplinary history was not all related to safety infractions and the mistakes made in the accident at issue were not so egregious as to rise to the level of removal.

This podcast episode focuses on the fifth of six "just cause" principles in labor arbitration: "Was the disciplinary action taken in a timely manner?" Corey explains that management cannot delay disciplinary action indefinitely and that the discipline must be issued promptly after the offense occurs. He gives several examples of cases where arbitrators ruled that management violated this principle by delaying discipline, and explains how shop stewards can use these cases to defend their members. He encourages shop stewards to be mindful of the timing of disciplinary actions and to challenge any delays as a violation of the just cause principle.

Corey emphasizes the importance of this principle as a crucial protection for employees and highlights how it can be used to win grievances. He also encourages listeners to use his provided examples to strengthen their cases and to be proactive in their work as shop stewards.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

The episode leverages the adage, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend," to illustrate their support for rural carriers who are also negatively impacted by management decisions, aligning both groups against a common adversary. This "enemy," management, is accused of unfair labor practices like manipulating route inspection data, imposing unreasonable time constraints, and disregarding medical restrictions. Corey criticizes the larger union for not adequately protecting workers and encourages carriers to actively resist these injustices by grieving every infraction and refusing to be conditioned into accepting unfair treatment. Ultimately, the episode reveals a struggle for power between labor and management within the postal service, with Corey urging individual workers to become informed and take action to protect their rights.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Corey discusses the importance of union stewards, the difficulties of dealing with management, and the ongoing battle between city and rural carriers. He emphasizes the need for education among city letter carriers and encourages them to stand up for their rights.

Corey also talks about his personal experience with blood clots and how this led to his temporary removal from the National Convention. He then discusses several memos and agreements related to city and rural carrier jurisdiction, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by carriers in both city and rural settings.

Overall, the episode is a passionate plea for city letter carriers to stay informed, fight for their rights, and support each other in the face of a difficult work environment.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode continues the 6-day count education series, focusing on the detailed procedures and regulations outlined in the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook. Corey begins with listener shout-outs, highlighting the contributions of several stewards and promoting the "Hot House with Richie Ray" podcast. He then discusses a recent arbitration win, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive case preparation and the need to challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary time limits.

The main part of the episode involves a detailed reading of sections from the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook. Corey meticulously explains the procedures for route count inspections, emphasizing key aspects such as the requirements for unit and route reviews, dry run training, advance notice, and carrier consultations. He highlights the importance of meticulous documentation, accurate time recording, and assertive advocacy in challenging management's actions during the inspection process, and he provides specific guidance on completing PS Forms 1838-C, 1840, and 3999, emphasizing the importance of recording all relevant information accurately and of utilizing line item entries effectively. Corey emphasizes the need to challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary time standards, specifically focusing on the calculation of office and street times, the use of auxiliary assistance, and the exclusion of Saturdays from the count on routes with abbreviated deliveries. He provides detailed instructions for navigating carrier consultations, emphasizing the importance of obtaining all relevant documentation and of actively participating in the process.

He discusses management's attempts to circumvent established procedures, such as imposing unrealistic time limits, changing established work practices, and using intimidation tactics to pressure carriers into accepting under-time. He provides specific guidance on how to handle these situations and emphasizes the need to file grievances and challenge management's attempts to circumvent established procedures and contractual obligations. He stresses the need to challenge management's use of technology for surveillance and disciplinary actions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and utilizing M-1458 to challenge the use of GPS data as the sole basis for discipline.

The episode concludes with announcements regarding upcoming podcast guests (Charlie Miller and a planned episode on dealing with narcissistic behavior) and a call for continued member engagement and education. Corey reiterates his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers and encourages listeners to utilize the provided resources to effectively prepare for upcoming 6-day counts. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for 6-day counts and of using them as an opportunity to challenge management's actions and secure significant monetary remedies for carriers.

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This podcast episode discusses a challenge issued by Nicholas Vafiades, a business agent, to debate positions live and unedited. Corey accepts and calls for other challengers. Corey expresses strong disapproval of the current union president, citing incompetence and a failure to address critical workplace issues. Specific criticisms include the president's refusal to take responsibility, inability to tell the truth, lack of remorse, and penchant for blaming others. Corey uses the case of Susie Miller, a shop steward whose son was unfairly treated by management and whose union failed to assist, as an example of the president's failures.

The episode focuses on two major workplace issues: excessive "hour office time" and "stationary events," which management is using to discipline letter carriers based on scanner data. Corey argues these actions are violations of the contract and result from weak leadership and complicit business agents. Corey details instances of management's tactics, including measuring mail volume with tape measures, taking pictures and videos of carriers, and questioning them on the street. They provide guidance to letter carriers on how to respond to these actions, emphasizing the importance of requesting a shop steward and consistently responding "I was working" to any questions about time spent on tasks. Corey further explains how to file grievances based on violations of the M-39 handbook, specifically section 134 concerning street management and the requirement for supervisors to accompany carriers on their routes. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging letter carriers to educate themselves on their rights and prepare to fight back against management's actions. Corey also mentions plans for a new union ticket focused on representing the letter carriers' interests.

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This episode focuses on the implications of Mike Caref filing charges against NALC President Renfroe and the need for a more militant union approach to combat management abuses. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing the importance of supporting businesses that value letter carriers. He then addresses rumors about his own interaction with postal inspectors, clarifying that he was questioned but not arrested or disciplined.

The core of the episode centers on Caref's announcement of charges against Renfroe, citing Renfroe's negligence in contract negotiations, lack of transparency, and failure to adhere to convention resolutions. Caref details the process for handling the charges and emphasizes the importance of member participation in holding union leaders accountable. He stresses that the charges are intended to prevent Renfroe from being the chief negotiator in the next round of bargaining. He highlights the extended timeframe of negotiations and the negative impact of the lack of transparency on member morale and the union's ability to bargain effectively. Corey emphasizes the importance of a unified front against management and calls for greater member engagement in the process.

Corey then pivots to discussing the planned contract rallies on October 14th, emphasizing the need for proactive member mobilization and public awareness campaigns. He discusses the importance of using this opportunity to pressure the USPS into negotiating a fair contract and highlights the need for a more unified and assertive approach from the union leadership. He notes that many members feel demoralized and are considering leaving the union due to the prolonged contract negotiations and management's unwillingness to comply with contracts and agreements. He then pivots to discussing the need for greater accountability among union leadership.

Corey criticizes the current leadership's response to various issues, such as the falsification of HIP training records and the use of GPS data for disciplinary actions. He emphasizes the need for a more aggressive and proactive approach to grievance filing and contract negotiations, advocating for a return to a more militant union culture that prioritizes member needs and holds both management and union leaders accountable for their actions. He highlights examples of management misconduct such as the imposition of arbitrary time limits, the use of intimidation tactics, and the practice of taking unauthorized photographs of carriers' cases. He emphasizes that management's actions are driven by a desire to cut costs at the expense of carrier well-being and that this needs to be met with an equally forceful response from the union. He provides specific examples of grievances and arbitration cases where significant monetary awards were obtained, emphasizing the importance of seeking escalated remedies for non-compliance and of using cease-and-desist language in settlements. He stresses the need for a unified, national strategy for handling grievances and for greater member education on these issues. He concludes with a call for a complete overhaul of the union's leadership to replace the current “cowards and ass-kissers” with truly militant leaders who will prioritize the needs of city letter carriers.

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This episode expresses Corey's strong disapproval of the tentative NALC contract agreement, characterizing it as a concession to management that offers little to letter carriers. He begins by announcing upcoming podcast guests (Mike Caref, Tyler Vasseur, and James Henry) and a multi-part series on 6-day counts. He then addresses rumors about his encounter with postal inspectors, emphasizing that it was a voluntary meeting with no negative consequences.

Corey strongly criticizes the tentative agreement, arguing it represents a failure of leadership and a betrayal of the membership. He dismisses those who attempt to justify the agreement by citing the postal service's financial difficulties, emphasizing that the postal service's mismanagement is the root cause of its financial problems and that letter carriers should not bear the brunt of that mismanagement. He highlights specific areas of concern within the agreement: the retention of the CCA position, inadequate pay increases, and the lack of progress on issues like non-compliance, mandatory overtime, and toxic work environments.

He then details Mike Caref's filing of Article 10 charges against President Renfroe, emphasizing the importance of holding union leadership accountable for its failures. He describes the meeting of national business agents from which Caref was excluded, highlighting this as a further example of the union's disarray and lack of transparency. He urges listeners to contact their business agents to demand accountability for this exclusion.

Corey strongly criticizes the business agents' attempts to influence the membership's vote on the Renfroe charges, emphasizing the unethical nature of these actions and calling for disciplinary measures against those involved. He then shifts to discussing the planned October 14th contract rallies, emphasizing the need for member mobilization and public awareness campaigns to pressure the USPS into negotiating a fair contract. He encourages members to participate actively and to prepare for potential pushback from management.

Corey provides examples of management's tactics to pressure and intimidate carriers, such as imposing arbitrary office time limits, using scanner data for disciplinary actions, and threatening to deduct pay for stationary events. He provides detailed instructions for responding to such actions through the grievance procedure, including the use of M-1458 to challenge the use of GPS data as the sole basis for discipline. He then discusses the importance of educating members about their rights and responsibilities and urges members not to be intimidated into accepting unfair treatment.

Corey expresses his frustration with the current union leadership, emphasizing the need for a complete overhaul of the organization and a return to a more militant and member-focused approach. He closes by reiterating his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers and urging members to vote against the tentative agreement. He promotes future episodes focusing on 6-day counts and encourages continued member involvement and engagement in the ongoing efforts to reform the NALC.

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This episode focuses on strategies for dealing with chronic liars and individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies, particularly relevant in union grievance processes and arbitration hearings. Corey begins with a listener shout-out and promotes a vote-no rally against the tentative agreement. He then criticizes social media posts that attempt to downplay the severity of the tentative agreement by citing the postal service's financial losses. He emphasizes the need for evidence-based arguments and challenges the assertion that arbitrators will automatically reject any substantial pay increase due to the postal service's financial situation.

The main focus is on identifying and addressing the behaviors of chronic liars and narcissists, providing practical advice for union representatives. Corey emphasizes the importance of gathering irrefutable evidence to counter their claims, highlighting the effectiveness of using this evidence to challenge their statements and expose their dishonesty. He uses examples from his own arbitration experiences to demonstrate how to expose a liar's contradictions and to effectively utilize evidence to discredit their testimony. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing oneself to be intimidated or sidetracked by their persuasive but ultimately untruthful narratives.

Corey then analyzes the recent handling of the charges against President Renfroe, highlighting Renfroe's untruthfulness and lack of remorse, and the executive council's failure to hold him accountable. He uses specific examples of Renfro's dishonesty, such as his conflicting statements about the availability of meetings, his failure to apologize for his actions, and the misrepresentation of the numbers to make the TA look better, to illustrate the importance of having concrete evidence when confronting a narcissist. He then shifts to discussing the implications of the tentative agreement and the importance of mobilizing members to vote “no” in the upcoming ratification vote. He criticizes the lack of transparency around the tentative agreement's details, the lack of member involvement in the negotiation process, and the apparent attempt by the leadership to downplay or dismiss member concerns.

Corey details the upcoming vote-no campaign and urges members to engage actively and to get involved. He promotes an upcoming episode on how to effectively communicate with narcissistic individuals and highlights several online resources for further information and education on grievance procedures and arbitration. He concludes with an impassioned plea for greater member engagement and a renewed commitment to fighting for a stronger, more representative union, and he emphasizes the need for increased militancy within the NALC to combat management's manipulative tactics and to ensure the members' needs and rights are prioritized.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate discussion on Corey's frustration with management tactics and the union's response. Corey begins by acknowledging a recent technical difficulty and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement and time record falsification grievances.

The episode's core focus is on Corey's critique of the NALC leadership for perceived inaction and insufficient support for letter carriers. He argues that management is strategically using certain processes, like 1838Cs (efficiency counts), to intimidate carriers and unfairly exert control over their work schedules. He also criticizes management for not adequately preparing the union to handle these tactics.

He discusses the importance of carriers understanding their rights concerning 1838Cs and the need for union representatives to proactively educate and support their members against potential abuses of power.

Corey presents several examples from various arbitration cases. He cites instances where management may have violated the contract but that the union didn't adequately respond, highlighting the importance of having clear and specific arguments in grievances and arbitrations. He emphasizes the need for the union to proactively challenge management's actions by citing relevant contract language, precedents, and past arbitration awards as a means of bolstering the union's position.

A central theme of the episode is Corey's dissatisfaction with the union's passive response to management's aggressive tactics. He advocates for a more proactive, educated, and unified response from the union to hold management accountable. Corey stresses the importance of a stronger union stance and highlights the need for immediate action to counteract management's perceived abuses. The episode ends with a preview of future episodes and a call to action, encouraging listeners to educate themselves and prepare for future challenges.

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JB joins to discuss the complex issue of "Deems Desirable," a policy allowing supervisors to request medical documentation for absences of three days or less. Leath emphasizes the importance of stewards understanding contractual provisions and building strong cases by gathering evidence like employee attendance records and ERMS reports. He criticizes the arbitrary use of "Deems Desirable" as a blanket policy, advocating for case-by-case application and prior notification of attendance concerns. Drawing upon his own arbitration experience, Leath highlights a successful case where management failed to demonstrate reasonable justification for placing an employee on "Deems Desirable" without prior notice or documented attendance issues. He encourages stewards to familiarize themselves with relevant USPS manuals and proactively gather information to support their arguments when challenging this policy.

M-01597

M-00002

ELM 511.42

ELM 513.361

JCAM 10-14

eRMS report 260F0

eRms report 515F0

3972

eRMS leave usage/call in log

eRMS key indicator report

August C-35201

August C-33650

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate discussion on the state of the NALC, focusing on the need for change, particularly within the union's leadership. Corey begins by acknowledging technical difficulties with the audio and previews upcoming episodes focused on specific arbitration cases.

The episode centers on Corey's frustration with the union's current leadership and their handling of various issues, notably the lack of support for letter carriers. He criticizes the union for allowing management to dictate terms and for not adequately representing members' concerns, notably those relating to grievances that Corey feels have been handled poorly.

Corey utilizes specific examples of recent arbitration cases and grievance settlements to highlight the issues with the union's current leadership, particularly the perceived cowardice and a lack of proactive action against management's tactics. He argues that the union's current approach to negotiations, which he frames as overly cautious, is ultimately detrimental to letter carriers.

He advocates for a more militant and aggressive approach, calling on union leaders and members to prioritize the needs of city letter carriers. This includes demands for more proactive, educated stewards and business agents who understand the issues facing their members. He critiques a perceived prioritization of money-saving measures above the rights and needs of the carriers, arguing that a strong union would aggressively pursue all reasonable grievances.

Corey presents a series of examples, like a pre-arbitration settlement that doesn't include cease and desist language, to support his claim that the union has allowed itself to be manipulated into less favorable terms. He uses the "art of war" metaphor to illustrate the current leadership's failure to understand and confront the enemy (management) effectively. He also highlights instances where union leadership has not adequately investigated or supported members facing harassment or abuse, claiming these are further indicators of a weak and ineffectual union.

The episode concludes with a call for a new, militant union, urging the audience to vote for leaders who will fight for the letter carriers' rights, and previews the upcoming episode on Act of God grievances. A key theme throughout is Corey's deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the union and his advocacy for a fundamental change in leadership and strategy.

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Corey expresses his frustration with the lack of strong leadership within his postal worker's union. He argues that the union lacks a powerful figure like Vince Sombrotto, a former leader whom Corey believes would not tolerate the current status quo of noncompliance from management regarding worker rights and contractual agreements. Corey highlights the financial burden incurred by management due to these violations, using examples of arbitration awards that cost the postal service hundreds of thousands of dollars. He suggests that greater public awareness of these issues, perhaps driven by a charismatic leader like Sombrotto, could force the postal service to address the concerns of the overworked and underpaid carriers. Ultimately, Corey advocates for continued education and worker empowerment within the union, hoping for a future leader who embodies Sombrotto's fighting spirit.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a highly critical and passionate discussion of Corey's frustrations with the current state of the NALC, particularly its leadership and handling of grievances. Corey begins by acknowledging technical difficulties and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement cases and clock ring falsification.

The episode's core theme is Corey's profound dissatisfaction with the union's leadership, which he characterizes as cowardly and lacking in proactive measures against management's increasingly aggressive tactics. He uses a metaphor from the movie "300" to describe the current situation. He asserts that the union is being quietly devoured by management, highlighting instances of the union leadership allowing management to violate contracts with impunity. He criticizes this as a double standard, where management is protected and letter carriers are not.

The episode features a significant critique of the union's B-team decisions. Corey dissects several B-team decisions and pre-arbitration settlements that, in his opinion, significantly favor management, accusing the union leadership of acquiescing to management's demands to avoid costly arbitrations. He calls this out as a direct violation of the interests of the letter carriers. He accuses the leadership of being overly concerned with preserving the union's financial well-being instead of actively defending its members.

He offers numerous examples from recent arbitration cases to illustrate his points, emphasizing instances of management lying or obfuscating information, and the lack of a unified or militant stance from the union's leadership.

Corey's frustration is palpable throughout, and he repeatedly urges a shift in the union's approach to become more aggressive and protective of its members' rights. He concludes by announcing future episodes dedicated to specific topics and expressing his strong desire for a militant union, one that is actively fighting for its members' interests.

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The episode is about residual mail and the DPS process. Corey discusses several arbitration cases related to this issue, highlighting the disagreement between the union and management about how residual mail should be handled. He emphasizes that management is often incorrect in their interpretation of the rules and that the union has successfully argued against them in several cases. Corey encourages viewers to use the resources provided (including the JCAM and arbitration decisions) to build their own cases and to reach out to the union for assistance if they have any questions.

c-35023

c-34279

c-34983

c-33659

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This episode delves into the topic of rollaway runaway accidents and how to combat potential disciplinary actions against postal workers. Corey begins by reiterating his commitment to supporting letter carriers, stating that he will not back down from any criticism or perceived shortcomings in his advocacy. He emphasizes that his primary focus is on the safety and well-being of postal workers.

The episode then centers on rollaway runaway accidents, presenting a detailed account of a 2011 case involving a carrier at his former station. This extensive case file, comprising 262 pages, is slated for public access on the podcast website, providing a detailed template for handling similar incidents. Corey stresses the importance of thoroughly documenting every aspect of the accident, including witness statements, information requests, and any communication between the union and management.

A key argument presented is that vehicle maintenance facilities (VMF) often deflect blame from themselves onto carriers. Corey emphasizes the importance of challenging these claims and demanding documentation demonstrating that the vehicles are indeed in safe working order.

The episode also revisits the issue of stationary events and how scanner data, used for route evaluations, can be manipulated by management to unfairly discipline carriers. Corey argues that management's use of these data points for disciplinary actions outside of the context of route adjustment (as outlined in memos) is a violation of existing policies. He stresses that carriers should not be penalized for legitimate actions on the street based on data collected solely through a scanner. Corey asserts that the union must forcefully challenge such practices and demand a clear articulation of the justification for any such actions.

Several arbitration decisions are discussed, particularly those regarding rollaway runaway accidents and disciplinary actions. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of false park defects in these types of accidents and suggests the need for detailed and thorough investigation by union representatives at the scene.

Corey concludes by calling for a proactive and assertive approach to union leadership, emphasizing the importance of collective action to combat management tactics that threaten carrier safety and working conditions. He advocates for a wider-reaching campaign to raise public awareness about these issues and urges listeners to file similar grievances and actively challenge these tactics. Finally, he commits to providing information on donating to the family of a recently deceased carrier, Mr. Gates, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting the carrier community.

Roberts C-30421

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All about the shop steward and advice from Corey to stewards, including certification via Article 17, the workroom floor environment, work ethic and integrity, an individuals reputation as a credible and reliable source, understanding our handbooks and manuals (M-41 and M-39), and time sensitivity behind a grievance case.

Corey discusses the importance of being a good shop steward. He emphasizes that the position is often thankless and requires dedication and integrity. He stresses the importance of being properly certified as a shop steward via Article 17 and knowing the relevant sections of the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM), particularly Article 16 (discipline) and Article 41 (opting, etc). He also emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, honesty, and integrity, as a reputation for dishonesty can be detrimental to a shop steward's effectiveness. He affirms that shop stewards should be knowledgeable and proactive in representing their fellow carriers.

This podcast episode is a follow-up to a previous episode on opting, a process within a union contract that allows eligible employees to take on a vacant assignment. Corey expresses his gratitude to Jason Leeth for creating a comprehensive episode on opting.

Corey acknowledges the complexity of the subject, explaining how it affects various aspects of a worker's life, including their livelihood and personal well-being. He also emphasizes the importance of a joint statement, a document that outlines the union's position in a grievance case, and highlights how management often tries to avoid committing to it.

The core message of the episode is that stewards must be prepared and proactive when handling grievances related to opting. They should understand the contract provisions, document all requests for information, and be assertive in challenging management's attempts to manipulate the process.

Corey shares an example of a successful arbitration case where a manager's bullying tactics were exposed, and the arbitrator ruled in favor of the union. He emphasizes the need for unions to be persistent in advocating for their members' rights.

The episode concludes with a reminder that the union is there to support its members and that stewards should be prepared to take a firm stand against any attempts by management to violate the contract.

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This podcast episode focuses on the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace. Corey is explaining to shop stewards how to build a strong case file for grievances related to this statement, specifically in instances where management exhibits bullying or harassing behavior.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Joint Statement and utilizing relevant arbitration decisions to support arguments. Corey highlights a case from Arbitrator Bjork, which establishes that the Joint Statement is a legally binding agreement, and that management's failure to comply constitutes a violation.

Corey encourages stewards to take an assertive approach and to be thorough in documenting everything. He provides guidance on finding relevant information, including previous arbitration decisions, workplace climate surveys, and threat assessments.

Ultimately, Corey emphasizes the need for stewards to be proactive and prepared, building a strong foundation for their case from the start. He encourages them to be thorough in their research and to seek help if needed.

He also advises that stewards should not be afraid to stand up to bullying management and that they should always strive to build a strong case that protects their members.

August Hattiesburg C-33831

August Clinton C- 35122

August Relevancy letter decision C-35441

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This episode addresses the reaction to the tentative agreement and provides further education on 6-day counts, focusing on strategies for challenging management's actions during route inspections. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and promotes several podcasts focused on union issues. He then clarifies that he has not blocked any emails sent to his fromatoarbitration.com address; the issue is a full inbox preventing notification of incoming messages. He announces a new monthly podcast segment dedicated to CCA issues, emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering CCAs.

Corey expresses his strong disapproval of the tentative agreement, characterizing it as a major setback for letter carriers. He criticizes those who attempt to justify the agreement based on the postal service's financial situation, arguing that the postal service's mismanagement is to blame and that letter carriers should not bear the burden of those failures. He points out several concerning aspects of the agreement, such as the retention of the CCA position, the inadequate pay increases, and the lack of meaningful improvements to the grievance process and the lack of attention paid to the issue of non-compliance with existing agreements and settlements. He emphasizes that the agreement is a direct result of the current union leadership's cowardice and inaction and predicts that the members will overwhelmingly reject it.

He then shifts to providing detailed instructions on how to effectively respond to management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary time limits during 6-day counts. He highlights the importance of understanding the relevant handbook provisions, meticulous record-keeping, and assertive advocacy in challenging management actions. He discusses several arbitration cases, emphasizing the recurring themes of management's disregard for established procedures, the significance of carrier input in route adjustments, and the need to actively challenge management's time deductions and their use of averages to evaluate routes.

Corey addresses the issue of management's use of the scanner data to monitor and discipline carriers, emphasizing that this constitutes a violation of the M-39 handbook, section 134, and that GPS data cannot be the sole determinant for disciplinary actions. He provides specific examples of how management uses this data to harass and intimidate carriers and emphasizes the need for strong, proactive responses, and he provides detailed instructions on how to complete the necessary forms, emphasizing the importance of accurately recording all time entries, challenging management's time deductions, and maintaining consistency in daily work practices during the inspection week. He highlights the importance of documenting any instances of management misconduct and using that documentation to file grievances.

Corey then provides advice on how to deal with chronic liars and those exhibiting narcissistic tendencies, drawing on his experience in arbitration. He emphasizes the importance of gathering irrefutable evidence to counter their claims, using that evidence to effectively challenge their statements, expose their contradictions, and discredit their testimony. Corey concludes by urging members to remain engaged, to actively participate in the upcoming “Vote No” campaign, and to prepare for a more assertive and militant approach to contract negotiations under the new CLC leadership. He promises to continue providing educational resources and support to members and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs and rights of the city letter carriers above all else.

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This episode discusses the importance of using tenure as an argument against discipline. He encourages listeners to use the "bank of goodwill," which refers to years of good service, in their arguments. Arbitrators often hesitate to discipline long-term carriers due to their tenure. He suggests including seniority dates on the PS Form 8190 to inform the advocate of the carrier's tenure. He urges listeners to use the "bank of goodwill" as a strong argument in any discipline case.

In This Episode: An arbitration for a carrier with a letter of warning for attendance, in which the arbitrator said management failed to recognize the grievant's 33 years of service.

Bank of Good Will: Page 44 of Defenses to Discipline

Case number 3587: Grievant served the employer for over 8 years without discipline.

C5138 A&B: Carrier followed and harassed by a manager, the carrier assaulted the manager, but her 14-year exemplary work record coupled with the circumstances of the incident led the arbitrator to reduce her removal to a reinstatement without loss of seniority or benefits, and back pay less a 30-day disciplinary suspension.

Elkouri and Elkouri - How Arbitration Works, pp 641: Length of Service with a Company; “Long service with a company particularly if unblemished, is a definite factor in the employee's favor when his discharge is reviewed through arbitration. Arbitrators have recognized that the loss of seniority may work great hardship on the employee and that it is not conducive to the improvement of relations between other workers and management.

This episode focuses on preparing letter carriers for upcoming 6-day counts by providing in-depth analysis of several arbitration cases related to route adjustments and inspections. Corey begins by announcing plans for future episodes, including a multi-part series on 6-day counts and a new educational podcast series for the CLC. He expresses his gratitude to Mallory Sutton for updating the FromAtoArbitration.com website and encourages members to utilize the site's resources. He then clarifies a previous shout-out, correcting misinformation about Corey Grott's relationship with the podcast.

The main portion of the episode involves Corey reading excerpts from seven arbitration decisions. He highlights key aspects of each case, emphasizing recurring themes such as management's failure to follow established procedures, the importance of carrier input in route adjustments, and the use of work hour workload reports to demonstrate overburdened routes. He stresses the importance of collecting detailed carrier statements to showcase the negative impact of improper route adjustments on working conditions and employee well-being. He also emphasizes the use of strong language, such as "cease and desist," in grievance settlements to ensure compliance.

Corey specifically draws attention to certain arbitration decisions and their implications for addressing 6-day counts. He points out the importance of the threshold of 8 hours and 15 minutes commonly used by arbitrators in determining whether routes are overburdened and emphasizes how the arbitrators addressed the issue of carrier input into route adjustments, how they dealt with management's attempts to use signatures on forms as proof of agreement, and how they addressed the inclusion of CCAs in remedy calculations. Corey stresses the need for thorough preparation, including the utilization of all available documentation and a strong understanding of the relevant handbook provisions.

The episode concludes with an encouragement for listeners to utilize the provided resources, emphasizing the value of repetition and study in mastering the complexities of route adjustments and grievance procedures. Corey promises to provide more detailed information on 6-day counts in future episodes.

Cites: https://fromatoarbitration.com/episodes-101-200/

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Corey continues discussing attendance-related discipline, specifically focusing on the concept of "deemed desirable and restricted sick leave." He explains that management uses this to discipline carriers, but it's often a weak argument. He points out that the ELM provision 513.361 states that a carrier is only required to provide documentation for their absences if they are on restricted sick leave or if management deems it necessary for the protection of the Postal Service. He advises shop stewards to challenge these claims, especially when a carrier was not notified of being placed on "deemed desirable."

Corey highlights the importance of understanding national arbitration decisions related to discipline, namely the Vera d Bugg case, a landmark case in attendance arbitration, and suggests using it as a strong argument against management's claims, as it utilizes a percentage of attendance vs absences. He encourages shop stewards to ensure that carriers are aware of their rights and to be proactive in challenging inaccurate or unfair disciplinary actions.

This episode features Colin Smalley and Chris Doles from IFPTE, a large international union representing various federal and private sector workers. They discuss their upcoming union election and the campaign to shift the union towards a more assertive, member-focused approach. They highlight the challenges of representing a diverse range of federal employees across numerous agencies and the lack of unity and coordination among federal sector unions.

The discussion draws parallels between their situation and the NALC, emphasizing the shared frustrations with unresponsive leadership and the limitations imposed by working within the federal system (lack of right to strike, congressional control over pay). Smalley and Doles explain that their union's focus is on improving working conditions, given the limited scope of their collective bargaining rights. They contrast their approach to union representation with the incumbent leadership, who they feel are too focused on maintaining relationships with political figures rather than fighting for members' interests.

The conversation touches on the importance of rank-and-file education and mobilization, citing the successful strategies of unions like the Chicago Teachers Union. They discuss their plan to conduct a survey to better understand the needs of their members and provide more effective representation, highlighting the need for increased transparency, democracy, and direct action within the union. They emphasize their collaborative leadership approach and their hope for a renewed federal labor movement focused on unity and fighting for better working conditions and societal improvements. The episode concludes with plans to maintain contact and collaboration between the IFPTE and the NALC to advance these goals.

https://www.ifpte.org/

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This episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on the nuances of grieving a decision letter versus a notice of proposed removal in NALC cases, emphasizing the importance of procedural knowledge. Corey starts by acknowledging technical difficulties and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement and time-record falsification issues.

The core of the episode is a detailed analysis of the timeliness of grievances, examining the difference between a "notice of proposed removal" (a preliminary action) and a "letter of decision" (the final action). Corey meticulously dissects contract provisions (especially Article 15 and related sections of the JCAM) to argue that a grievance on a decision letter is considered timely, even if a notice of proposed removal wasn't grieved within the 14-day window.

He contrasts this with the union's and management's positions on this issue, citing specific examples of past arbitration decisions that support his position, particularly those in contrast to the APWU's precedent-setting agreement. He emphasizes that this approach is critical because management will frequently argue for untimeliness of grievances if a proposed notice, rather than a decision letter, is grieved.

The episode highlights the importance of understanding due process and Corey's insistence on challenging management's procedural arguments at every level. Corey advocates for a more aggressive approach to grievance processing, urging members to demand detailed charges and a thorough investigation before disciplinary action takes place.

He concludes by emphasizing the critical importance of union members knowing their rights and the union representatives' need to protect these rights at every level. Corey predicts future challenges and emphasizes the need for proactive, informed members, and promises to continue this type of advocacy in future episodes. The overall message is a strong call to action emphasizing the need for a proactive and knowledgeable union membership to combat management's potential abuse of power.

M-00939

M-01137

Britton C-12205

Reeves C-24356

Duda C-20825

'In dubio pro reo' Doubts must go in favor of the accused

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode features Mike Caref, Business Agent Region 3. Caref discusses remedies for non-compliance grievances and disciplinary actions for failure to follow instructions, particularly regarding mandatory overtime and NS days. He highlights a recent arbitration win (case #35858) in Chicago which established a $2,500 automatic penalty for future non-compliance with grievance settlements, cease and desist orders, and step B decisions. The episode also details past issues with the postal service not honoring continuation of pay (COP) requests. Caref emphasizes that employees should follow instructions, but not beyond their work hours or when it is unsafe, and that leaving work before completing their shift is not insubordination. The episode concludes with announcements about future guests, including Brian Renfroe, and encouraging listeners to engage through social media.

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In this episode, Corey interviews Mike Carref about the ongoing contract negotiations with the US Postal Service. Mike expresses frustration over the lack of transparency and progress in the negotiations, particularly the absence of a tentative agreement and the delayed arbitration dates. He criticizes President Renfroe's leadership, highlighting his lack of communication with the executive council and the membership regarding the negotiations.

Mike details the charges he has filed against President Renfroe, accusing him of negligence and mishandling the collective bargaining process. He discusses the rationale behind the charges, including the president's failure to adhere to convention resolutions regarding transparency and his disregard for the membership's interests.

The episode also delves into the history of collective bargaining for letter carriers, emphasizing the significance of arbitration and the potential consequences of the current delays. Mike encourages listeners to join the charge against President Renfroe by signing a petition.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a closing argument and year-end review, covering both recent arbitration cases and broader union issues. Corey begins by thanking listeners and Discord members for their support, then previews upcoming topics (Act of God grievances and hour office time).

The core of the episode centers on Corey's critical analysis of the union's handling of recent cases and a broader critique of union leadership. Corey emphasizes the importance of a proactive and militant approach to dealing with management, arguing that the current leadership has been too passive and has allowed management to successfully circumvent union processes.

He presents detailed accounts of specific arbitration cases, including one where management tried to dismiss a grievance because it was not filed in accordance with a time frame, and another where a shop steward's purse was stolen and the union didn't adequately support her, emphasizing the need for better grievance procedures and protection of letter carriers. Crucially, he points out instances where management tried to manipulate the process and the union leadership either failed to act or acted in ways that didn't protect the workers.

A significant portion is dedicated to criticizing the union's current approach to non-compliance with grievance settlements. Corey stresses the union's failure to enforce cease-and-desist orders as a major point of weakness.

He critiques the lack of transparency within the union's leadership, particularly in negotiations. He notes the union's financial strength while advocating for the prioritization of the letter carriers' needs. He calls out the current leadership for perceived cowardice, poor handling of cases and a lack of support for their members. He links this critique to the notion of a "ground-roots uprising" as a means of driving change.

Corey concludes with a passionate and militant call for a strong union and a change in leadership. He previews future episodes on additional grievances and emphasizes his commitment to continuing the podcast's focus on educating and empowering letter carriers to stand up to management.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on a new "grievance of the month" – a case involving part-time flexible (PTF) employees and their potential conversion to full-time status. Corey begins by addressing listener feedback and announcing upcoming episodes on Act of God grievances and hour office time.

The central topic is a detailed examination of the legal precedents and required documentation for PTF maximization grievances. Corey meticulously dissects the relevant sections of the contract, the Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM), and the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM) to explain the specific criteria for converting PTF employees to full-time status, including specific language and references from applicable documents such as Article 7.3c, M-01069, M-00913, and M-01398.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a breakdown of the required evidence. Corey emphasizes the importance of documentation, including detailed time records, leave requests, and other evidence supporting the PTF employee's regular work schedule over a six-month period.

He also addresses potential management arguments, highlighting the importance of countering management's likely stance on issues like leave, holidays, and seasonal periods to avoid jeopardizing the PTF employee's conversion request.

Corey also provides specific templates for grievance filing, including the structure of an issue statement, details of the necessary remedy, and a list of supporting documents to include in the case file. He then presents a specific arbitration award as a model for structuring such a grievance.

The discussion extends to include broader issues affecting the union, such as Corey's frustration with the union's leadership for not adequately supporting PTF grievances and the general lack of protection for letter carriers from management's aggressive tactics and policies. He urges listeners to continue challenging management's actions and to prepare for future battles. The overall message is about the need for a new, more proactive approach from union leadership.

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This episode delves into Corey's response to new USPS memos (M-01982 and M-01984) concerning route adjustments, connecting it to a past grievance experience. Corey recounts a previous grievance where he possessed damning evidence of management using covert surveillance techniques, but the case was inexplicably dropped by the union, which he believes was due to internal collusion. This experience fuels his current anger towards the new memos, which he views as legitimizing the same surveillance tactics he fought against previously. He believes these memos, enabling management to scrutinize carrier data, are a direct result of his lost grievance. Corey plans to read the memos verbatim in the current and following episode, despite anticipating listener boredom, to make the information readily available. He emphasizes the importance of carriers keeping their scanners on their person at all times to avoid misinterpretations of their work activity. Corey shares insights from a colleague whose station already underwent this route adjustment process, highlighting that management rigorously challenges any deviations from what they consider standard times (e.g., loading time), even using scanner malfunctions as excuses to disregard data. This colleague's experience also revealed a concerning instance where, after the route adjustment review, a management representative stated they could not discipline based on the data but would grant management access to it. The union representative's inaction in this situation infuriates Corey. Corey encourages carriers to actively protect their routes, fight for every detail, and use the provided memos and contract language as tools in their defense, emphasizing that carriers must be their own advocates. Finally, Corey clarifies his passion stems from a deep-seated love and loyalty for his fellow letter carriers, whom he considers his family. He expresses strong disapproval of cowardice within the union and urges a more proactive and aggressive approach to fighting for better working conditions. The episode ends with a promise to read memos 01982 and 01984, and memo 01983 the following week, with a final reminder to prioritize safety and self-care, especially during periods of extreme heat.

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This episode features a question-and-answer session with James Henry, NALC vice president and CLC presidential candidate. Henry begins with a detailed introduction outlining his extensive experience within the NALC and the Marine Corps, emphasizing his commitment to service and his dedication to representing letter carriers.

The Q&A section covers a range of topics. Henry expresses his support for creating user-friendly online training resources for NALC members and for allowing members to livestream or record union meetings. He discusses his plans to improve member education and communication, stressing the importance of leading by example and fostering a more unified union. He addresses accusations of falling asleep during meetings, citing personal and family issues as contributing factors. He defends his relatively low level of political action committee (PAC) contributions by emphasizing his extensive involvement in political activities beyond financial contributions. He also explains his decision to remain relatively quiet in the lead-up to the convention. He states his decision to remain relatively quiet prior to the convention was a conscious choice to avoid engaging in negativity and to maintain a focus on integrity and positive action.

Henry defends himself against allegations of misconduct from his early career, asserting his innocence and highlighting his subsequent successful career with the union and the Marine Corps. He details several instances where he actively worked to ensure fair treatment of letter carriers, highlighting two key arbitration cases which resulted in significant financial settlements for members who were victims of management misconduct. He details his role in reforming the NALC's dispute resolution process to improve accountability.

He then discusses his plans for contract negotiations, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and a more aggressive approach to bargaining with the USPS. He stresses the importance of keeping the negotiation process moving towards a timely resolution and avoiding the pitfalls of previous contract cycles. He addresses the need to mobilize rank and file members, outlining strategies to increase member engagement and participation, especially in voting and the grievance process. He expresses his opposition to using the grievance process for non-legitimate issues and strongly advocates for the use of cease-and-desist language in settlements.

Finally, he discusses the outcome of the Renfroe charges at the convention, emphasizing his belief that the membership should have the final say on such matters. He comments on the challenges of navigating union politics, the importance of building a united front, and his vision for a stronger, more member-focused NALC. The interview concludes with a commitment to continue fighting for the rights and well-being of letter carriers.

https://concernedlettercarriers.com/

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This episode, featuring Corey and Jason “J.B.” Leath discussing various issues concerning letter carriers' rights and grievances. Leath addresses concerns about management's use of PS Form 3999 (a one-day mail count) to circumvent the TIEREAP route adjustment process. He argues that this is an attempt to establish new performance standards outside of agreed-upon procedures. He details how carriers should respond to management's use of 3999s, by immediately filing grievances for issues such as improper requests, refusal of copies, and discrepancies with estimated times. He also discusses how the use of one-day counts or 3999 evaluations could lead to violations of other articles (8, 16, and 41) and potential disciplinary actions. JB stresses the importance of documentation, pattern recognition, and unified action to resist these practices. A major point is the inappropriate use of a single day's performance to establish a carrier's performance standard and the carriers' rights to grieve such attempts. He also emphasizes that carriers are not obligated to sign non-postal forms, such as "welcome back" or "return to work" letters, unless those forms are compliant with existing agreements. JB cites various M-documents and handbook provisions to support his claims. The episode highlights the need for carriers to be proactive in filing grievances, educating themselves about their rights, and supporting each other. JB also promotes regional podcasts to address specific issues and help educate carriers.

17 minutes - 3999 and demonstrated performance

58 minutes - grieving management requiring carriers to sign return-to-work letters

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This episode features John Poskin discussing Article 29 limitations on the replication of driving privileges. Poskin begins by outlining the relevant contract language from the JCAM, emphasizing that an employee's driving privileges can be revoked or suspended only when the on-duty record shows the employee is an unsafe driver. He explains that a "Safe Driver Award Committee" cannot revoke privileges; only the employee's on-duty record matters. Crucially, Poskin notes that management must make every reasonable effort to reassign a carrier with suspended driving privileges to non-driving duties within their craft or other crafts, stressing the responsibility falls on management. He explains situations where a temporary suspension of driving privileges is warranted and how an employee's record is assessed. Crucially, he clarifies that suspension or revocation of driving privileges is not automatic based solely on an accident but requires evidence of unsafe driving practices in the employee's on-duty record.

Poskin then delves into a case study (C-18159), where Arbitrator Snow determined that management must make every reasonable effort to accommodate a carrier with a suspended license. This includes offering non-driving duties within the employee's craft or in other crafts, and if no such work is available, the carrier is entitled to leave with pay.

Furthermore, Poskin details a case out of Chattanooga, Tennessee (C-32696), where a carrier with a medically related license suspension was not offered sufficient non-driving work. The arbitrator in this case ruled that management's failure to provide reasonable accommodation constituted a violation of Article 29, ordering reinstatement with back pay.

Poskin also discusses a recent notice of removal case he worked on, highlighting issues in the case file and emphasizing the importance of clarity in charges, particularly when management fails to provide full information to union representatives. He states that in this case, the arbitrator sided with the union, ruling the removal unjustified due to management's failure to clearly demonstrate misconduct and failure to provide necessary information for the union to defend the carrier. Poskin stresses the importance of a clear articulation of the charges and the union's role in advocating for the carrier's rights. He underscores the responsibility of both the union and management to fulfill their contractual obligations in situations like these. The overall message from these cases is that the union has a clear responsibility to ensure carriers are fairly treated during any license suspension or potential removal, and management must prove their actions are justified in the carrier's record and follow proper grievance procedures.

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This episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on the recent vote on charges against the union president and Corey's frustration with the union's leadership. Corey criticizes the current leadership for incompetence and a lack of transparency, arguing that they have not adequately represented the city letter carriers.

The episode delves into the specifics of the vote, highlighting Corey's belief that the executive council's actions protect the president and diminish the letter carriers' concerns. He contends that the vote was a clear demonstration of a dismissive attitude toward the city letter carriers' issues. Corey notes that only one of the substantial charges against the president was upheld. He also calls out the executive council's decision not to allow the appeal of the "not guilty" vote to be heard at the convention, citing this as further evidence of their disregard for the letter carriers' concerns.

He advocates for a new union leadership, emphasizing the importance of integrity, a history of fighting for the letter carriers' rights in the workplace, and the ability to delegate. Corey then discusses various workplace issues, including the use of memos containing unreasonable time limits for various tasks, the increasing frequency of "stationary events" and management's methods for monitoring carriers, and the inadequate support and education given to the letter carriers by their union leadership.

Corey highlights the contrast between management's actions and the union's response, arguing that the union leadership's inaction has created a hostile and demoralizing work environment. He advocates for a more assertive and proactive approach to addressing these issues. He predicts future difficulties in contract negotiations based on the current leadership's approach and calls for a higher starting pay for letter carriers. He criticizes the current union leadership for being excessively compliant with management's demands and advocates for a more aggressive approach to contract negotiations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current leadership's motives.

The episode concludes with Corey reiterating his belief in the city letter carriers' strength and potential for positive change, and encouraging listeners to support a new leadership ticket that prioritizes the letter carriers' interests.

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Corey is discussing the 12 and 60-hour rule and how management is attempting to abuse it using new memos and the PET (Performance Engagement Tool) system. He stresses that the rule is absolute and that management cannot require carriers to work beyond those limits.

Corey also discusses the importance of filing grievances when management tries to force carriers to accept these new standards, highlighting previous cases where arbitrators have sided with the union. They emphasize the importance of challenging management practices that are based on flawed systems and that the union has the power to protect its members against such abuses.

Corey encourages carriers to be vigilant and to fight for their rights, reminding them that the 8190 grievance form is a powerful tool for protecting their time and pay. They also advise carriers to be aware of the tactics management might use to intimidate them, but to stand firm and continue to fight for what is right.

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Corey begins by stating that he will use profanity in this episode but will not in the following one. He starts by thanking Mallory and encouraging listeners to donate to her through the podcast's website. He then promotes the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) campaign, emphasizing the need for fundraising to support the upcoming election and reclaim the union from what he describes as corrupt leadership. Corey discusses the success of the “Dogs of War” initiative, emphasizing its focus on addressing toxic work environments and providing unparalleled training to union members to become more effective in addressing management issues. He then shares numerous shout-outs sent by listeners, recognizing various individuals and branches for their activism and dedication. He reads messages praising specific union members and announces upcoming rallies. A significant portion focuses on the perceived incompetence and dishonesty of the current NALC president, Brian Renfroe, and the lack of support shown to him at a recent regional training event. Corey describes Renfroe's actions as selling out the members and encourages listeners to provide examples of any actions Renfroe has taken to earn their respect. He then addresses concerns about telematics devices in postal vehicles, explaining how shop stewards can effectively handle disciplinary actions related to seatbelt usage by citing relevant regulations. He also analyses a memorandum from the Cleveland Postmaster regarding tour deviations, outlining multiple potential grievances based on contract violations. He discusses several memos detailing performance metrics and argues that these are meant to create a hostile working environment. Corey provides strategies for filing grievances based on these memos, pointing out that the parameters set within them violate the existing collective bargaining agreement. The final section delves into the arrival of Doge representatives, invited by the Postmaster General to identify areas of inefficiency within the USPS. Corey emphasizes that the areas of concern listed by the Postmaster General do not include labor costs, suggesting that the union should focus on these other issues when advocating for improvements. He concludes by reiterating the need to engage with Congress and the public to protect the USPS from privatization and ensure fair treatment of letter carriers.

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This episode is a midweek edition focusing on urgent safety concerns. Corey addresses a nationwide scanner message stating "When possible, take approved rest breaks to beat the heat." He strongly urges listeners to grieve this message every time they see it, calling it "deadly" because it implies carriers are limited to scheduled breaks, which is dangerous in extreme heat, especially for new hires (CCAs) who may not know they can take breaks as needed for heat. He recommends grieving it as a class action under Article 14 and Article 19 via M-01860, demanding a cease and desist and a stand-up talk clarifying break policies. For repeated offenses, he suggests including Article 15 and seeking $50 per carrier per day until the message is retracted and clarified.

The episode then shifts to dissecting a redacted investigative interview and subsequent disciplinary action (letter of warning for improper conduct). The discipline stemmed from a carrier taking lunch late and bringing mail back to the office. Corey critiques the process, arguing the investigative interview was biased from the start, accusatory, and failed to specify what rule was violated regarding bringing mail back. He highlights issues like the unreasonable instruction to take all breaks before 3 pm, potential violations of Article 16, 14, and 19, and the lack of clarity on protocol when unable to reach management to report bringing mail back. He points out inconsistencies between the investigative interview's focus on "failure to follow instructions" and the discipline's charge of "improper conduct," as well as the introduction of new ELM sections in the discipline that were not mentioned in the interview. He emphasizes the need to scrutinize every word and detail in such documents to build a strong defense.

Finally, Corey reiterates the importance of protecting CCAs in the heat and encourages union members to educate themselves and fight for their rights, despite potential management backlash. He clarifies his non-political stance and commitment to the union, emphasizing his role is strictly educational and supportive of union members, particularly in safety matters and fighting unjust management practices.

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Corey reflects on the rewarding experience of empowering letter carriers to advocate for themselves and celebrate victories. He contrasts this with the deeply upsetting reality of union leadership failing to adequately support these advocates, particularly by not enforcing “cease and desist” orders against management overwork. He recounts his personal experience burning out and quitting as a union representative after facing similar struggles with inadequate support. He encourages listeners not to quit, referencing his own story as a cautionary tale while emphasizing the need for solidarity and collective action. He concludes with a rallying cry, calling on his fellow union members to join him in fighting for their rights.

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