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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

In this special episode of Mike Drop Monday, Mike takes the mic at a live town hall, ask anything hosted by the Next Generation Carriers Podcast. This open forum event brings together voices from across the postal community for an unfiltered, honest conversation.

No scripts. No fluff. Just real questions from the audience and real answers.

From navigating challenges in today’s postal landscape to sharing hard earned insights and lessons learned, Mike dives into the topics that matter most to letter carriers and the next generation stepping into the role. Whether it is workplace experiences, career growth, or the future of the craft, nothing is off the table.

If you have ever wanted to ask Mike a question directly, this is the next best thing.

Tune in for a raw, engaging, and thought provoking discussion that captures the power of community, conversation, and showing up ready to learn.

In Episode 41 of Mike Drop Monday, we dive into some of the most pressing issues facing the Postal Service today.

Yesterday, Region 2 members sit down with an NBA candidate for a candid interview asking the tough questions that matter most to carriers.

We also break down the recent congressional testimony featuring PMG Steiner, highlighting serious concerns about the financial stability of the United States Postal Service. With projections suggesting USPS could run out of money within 12 months, we discuss:

Declining mail volume and its long-term impact

Unfair pension obligations weighing down the system

Rising workers’ compensation claims

An USPS Office of Inspector General report citing over $800 million spent on grievances

The ongoing failure to properly comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

We also tackle critical workforce and operational issues, including:

Continued reliance on CCAs instead of hiring directly to career (PTF) positions

Plans to expand the non-career workforce

The need for a national-level grievance due to Step B backup teams not being activated

Why comparing USPS to foreign postal systems doesn’t tell the full story

The impact of reducing delivery days—fewer routes, fewer jobs, and declining service quality

On top of that, we address growing concerns from carriers about workplace culture:

Excessive management and micromanagement

Hostile work environments

Ignoring the M-41 handbook that already outlines how carriers should perform their duties

This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of the Postal Service and the rights of its workforce.

Whether you're an engaged member, a voter, or just looking to stay informed, this episode offers valuable insight into the candidate behind the campaign. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Nick Vafiades and learn more about his plans for Region 2. All questions featured in this interview are submitted and asked exclusively by Region 2 members, making this a truly member-driven conversation.

Greetings, NALC family and fellow letter carriers. This week, we recognize the 56th anniversary of the historic 1970 strike, eight powerful days from March 17th to March 25th that forever changed our profession. That moment in history led to the Postal Reorganization Act, transforming the Post Office and securing the right to wages and benefits comparable to the private sector.

In this mini episode clip, you will hear reflections and interviews from those who lived it, including voices like Brother Kamara, painting a vivid picture of the fight that reshaped our future.

But here is the question we are asking today. Have we come full circle? While progress has been made, especially at the top of the pay scale, what about those still climbing? For the many carriers working through the lower steps, does it feel like history is repeating itself?

This midweek drop is about reflection, perspective, and your story. Where do you stand?

We are looking for your story. Send us an email with your name, your branch, and any details you would like to share. We will follow up, set it up, and your voice may be featured in a future episode.

This campaign is about taking back our union for all members and building a union that fights for a true standard of living, dignity, and respect.

In this episode, we talk about Mike’s 1.3-mile walk in Washington, DC, where he recorded five quick videos while on the move. We also discuss the Supervisor/Postmaster Academy happening in our area, including some of the topics being covered like FMLA provisions.

We also touch on how demanding the job of a letter carrier can be, and Mike shares a preview of some upcoming locations where he’ll be “kicking the tires.”

This week on Mike Drop Monday, we’re having the conversation a lot of carriers are thinking about but, not everyone is saying it out loud.

We break down the real differences between PTFs and CCAs; the pay, the benefits, the schedules, and the way each position is treated on the workroom floor. Why do so many CCAs feel like they’re carrying the weight of the operation while being paid the least and offered the fewest protections?

From unpredictable hours and limited benefits to the long road to career status, we dig into why CCAs often feel severely undervalued  and why that conversation matters now more than ever.

John Murphy (a Full-Time Regular carrier), set the tone immediately in his introduction:

“I’m currently at Step D… as in dog sh*t.”

That raw honesty opened the door to a deeper discussion about the pay scale, morale, and how even career employees can feel stuck or underappreciated.

We also had a powerful moment with a non-union member who shared her frustrations openly  where the union fell short for her, why she stepped away, and what made her skeptical. Instead of shutting it down, we leaned in. Through real conversation and accountability, she ultimately agreed to give the union another shot.

This episode isn’t about complaining, it’s about transparency. It’s about respect. And it’s about recognizing the value of the carriers who keep everything moving.

There is also discussion about continuing rallies and  30 for 30 movement

$30 an hour starting pay. 30 carriers to 1 manager.

Fair pay. Fair staffing. Real respect for the work carriers do every single day.

As contract negotiations continue, carriers across the country are organizing rallies to raise awareness and bring real visibility to these priorities. This isn’t just a slogan, it's a call for sustainable staffing, equitable compensation, and a stronger future for the workforce.

Now is the time to show up, stand together, and make sure our voices are heard at the bargaining table. If you’re a CCA feeling overlooked, a PTF navigating the middle ground, or a regular wondering why morale feels low, this one’s for you.