This week on Mike Drop Monday, Mike sits down with union siblings from Branch 701 in Missoula, Montana, to discuss the issues that matter most to letter carriers. From workplace challenges and union activism to the strength of standing together, hear firsthand perspectives from the members who help make our union stronger every day.   

After rumors started swirling that Mike and Region 2 Business Agent Nick Vafiades were “working together” after being seen at the same event, the two decided to sit down and talk openly about it.

In this episode of Mike Drop Monday, they discuss the current climate of NALC politics, how disagreements have turned personal, and why members should be able to have different opinions without fear of attacks or division. Honest conversation, mutual respect, and real talk about where the union goes from here.

Mike teams up with the Next Generation Carriers Podcast for an honest conversation about the newest NALC collective bargaining update posted to the Members Only portal. They discuss member reactions, key points from the update, concerns carriers still have, and why this moment matters for the future of the craft.

On this week’s Mike Drop Monday, Mike opens the floor to a completely unfiltered Q&A this time with a twist: questions come from Spanish-speaking listeners from all over. Nothing is off limits as Mike responds to everything from everyday life questions and cultural differences to deeper takes on work, mindset, and the unexpected moments that come from navigating language and perspective gaps.

Expect real talk, a few surprises, and plenty of humor as ideas get translated, reinterpreted, and occasionally misunderstood in the best possible way. It’s a conversation that shows how much gets lost and found between languages, and why curiosity still connects everyone at the end of the day.

This exclusive Table 2 AMA gives you direct access to Mike for unfiltered conversations and what it actually takes to level up. Pull up with questions and leave with clarity.

Carriers for a Better Union, also known as CBU, has been called the “black sheep” of Texas by some, while others see it as a movement pushing for real change inside the union.

Mike Drop Monday

In this episode, we break down what Carriers for a Better Union is, where it came from, and why it’s getting attention from letter carriers across Texas and beyond.

We also highlight the work being done by Omayra Acevdeo, a steward and Food Drive Coordinator for Branch 181 in Texas, who has been working to translate the M-41 and other important documents to support Spanish-speaking carriers.

We talk about:

• What Carriers for a Better Union (CBU) actually is • Why some consider them “troublemakers” or “black sheep” • The role of grassroots organizing in union change • Omayra Acevdeo’s work translating the M-41 • Why accessibility and inclusion matter for all carriers • How movements like this impact the future of the union

Catch the translated M-41 here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IkLBlvZ63viZYD7YpTkCe?si=120ca95e9f314032

Catch Omayra on Next Generation Carriers with Margo O’Niell: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FGZNr7YFVw95tQfQUQ9c0?si=gBb3hp0VTOCrCF-9C-zPdg

Support Michael Rivera here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-michael-rivera?attribution_id=sl:ac52f7d0-92ec-4e22-92d4-9b082a3acebb&lang=en_US&ts=1776307105&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tb-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Follow Carriers for a Better Union: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriersforabetterunion?_r=1&_t=ZP-964FK6Oy7As

Subscribe for weekly USPS updates, labor discussions, and real conversations about the people behind the movement.

NALC convention resolutions, amendments, and ranked choice voting could shape major decisions for members nationwide. In this episode, Mike breaks down how the process works, what deadlines matter, and what members should know before the next convention.

Mike covers constitutional resolutions and amendments, how branches submit proposals, and why member involvement matters before convention voting begins.

We also honor a moment of silence for our brother Michael Brian Romero.

Obituary:
https://www.northhavenfuneral.com/obituaries/Michael-Brian-Romero?obId=48147953

We talk about:

• Constitution, resolutions, and amendment process explained
• June 3rd submission deadline to the Secretary-Treasurer
• Nicole R. Rhine explaining branch voting before submission
• Tuesday of the convention, when proposals are read
• Ranked choice voting discussion and video reaction
• Historical Rademacher video from the 1970s convention
• Why convention participation matters for all members

Whether you’re active in your branch or just trying to understand how union governance works, this episode explains what happens behind the scenes and why it matters.

Subscribe for weekly USPS news, labor updates, convention coverage, and real conversations about the future of the union.

Renee and Sarah sit down with Michael Rivera, a suspended member of NALC Branch 70 in San Diego, California, to discuss his election appeals, the recourse taken against him, and the ongoing controversy surrounding internal union disputes.

In this episode, Michael Rivera shares his side of the story, what led to the suspension, the appeals process, and why transparency and accountability matter in union elections.

We cover:

• Michael Rivera’s suspension from NALC Branch 70
• Election appeals and internal union disputes
• What recourse was taken against him
• Why fair elections and transparency matter
• Lessons for union members nationwide
• The future of Branch 70 and member trust

Support Michael Rivera here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-michael-rivera

Whether you’re a letter carrier, union member, or someone interested in labor leadership and accountability, this episode gives direct insight into a developing situation inside Branch 70.

Subscribe for weekly USPS news, labor conversations, union interviews, and real stories from the people inside the movement.

In this episode of Mike Drop Monday, Mike sits down with Branch 825 President Melissa Rakestraw for a candid conversation about the current state of the NALC and USPS. They discuss the challenges facing letter carriers today, the changes impacting the workforce, and what it all means moving forward.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Melissa also take a step back to reflect on memorable experiences from their time in the union sharing stories, lessons, and moments that have left a lasting impact.

It’s an honest, thoughtful discussion that blends present-day realities with meaningful reflections from the past offering insight, perspective, and a deeper connection to the work and the people behind it.

This week on Mike Drop Monday, we’re turning the spotlight over to the voices making waves across the postal community—Cathy Bodnar and Kim Bess, the hosts of the Postal Rosies podcast.

In this featured episode, we dive into the growing presence of women in the letter carrier craft and explore how female leadership within the NALC is stronger now than ever before. Cathy and Kim bring their firsthand experiences, powerful perspectives, and the mission behind Postal Rosies, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in the postal service.

We also touch on the history of female leadership within the NALC, recognizing how far things have come and where the future is headed. From the workroom floor to union leadership, this conversation highlights the impact, challenges, and momentum of women shaping the postal workforce today.

Whether you’re a city letter carrier, union member, or someone interested in labor history and leadership, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

 Be sure to check out Postal Rosies and support their work:https://open.spotify.com/show/0vOlxBU6NfsuSS1ZxPByKC?si=da75a25ddb964470

 Have a question you want featured on the show?Email: [email protected]

 Learn more about the history of female leadership in the NALC:https://open.spotify.com/show/5uRsPS1KW2CMleHNyIj0eX?si=4a13a9256f524159