June 10, 2024

Episode 157: It will be the Wolf, James Henry. I set the record straight. My conversation with Region 2 National Business Agent Nicholas Vafiades

1 hour 58 minutes

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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