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 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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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.

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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 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 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 discussion of the NALC's leadership and management tactics, focusing on Corey's frustration with the union's handling of recent grievances, particularly those related to heat safety. Corey begins by thanking a guest and previews future episodes focused on specific grievances and tactics for challenging management.

The central theme is a powerful critique of the union's leadership. Corey argues that the union leadership has failed to adequately represent the interests of letter carriers, particularly in protecting them from potentially dangerous working conditions, such as the heat, and has not aggressively challenged management's actions. He emphasizes the importance of a proactive, militant approach to grievances. He also criticizes the union's leadership for not educating members about their rights and responsibilities regarding various grievances (like those concerning time-record manipulation or other forms of work).

Corey dissects several recent arbitration cases and grievance procedures, arguing that the union has allowed management to dictate terms in these situations and has not pursued stronger, more forceful remedies. He accuses the union of abandoning its members and being too focused on maintaining their positions instead of representing the city letter carriers.

A key point is Corey's analysis of how management's arguments frequently center on procedural issues (such as timeliness of grievances), thereby enabling management to avoid accountability and effectively silencing carrier concerns. Corey emphasizes the importance of challenging these procedural arguments and holding management accountable for their actions, regardless of whether a member has made a mistake, emphasizing that the union needs to be aggressive in defense of its members and their rights.

The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to prepare for future challenges by studying arbitration precedents and the contract, and to vote for a union leadership that is actively committed to defending the rights and safety of city letter carriers. He underscores the importance of member unity and education in opposing management's tactics and demands a more assertive role in representing the needs of carriers.

Rentfro C-01030

Dash Jr. C-00308

Roberts C-31908

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This episode is a lengthy discussion, primarily focused on Corey's frustration with the union's response to various issues, particularly the falsification of heat training records.

The core of the episode centers around the importance of a strategic approach to grievances, contrasting a "checkers" approach (reactive and fragmented) with a "chess" approach (proactive and unified). He contends that some union leaders are not properly educating or preparing their members for these issues, leading to management's ability to continue harmful practices, citing specific instances where management failed to adequately address union concerns.

Corey delves into several arbitration cases to highlight patterns of management misconduct, particularly in the falsification of documents like heat training and time records. He argues that management often uses misleading metrics to create a perception of good performance while, in reality, placing carriers at risk. He emphasizes that falsification is a serious issue, often leading to removal in prior arbitration cases, and that the current approach of the union (often advising members to "just do the training") is inadequate.

Corey advocates for a more unified and strategic approach to these grievances, urging shop stewards and other union representatives to be more aggressive in challenging management actions and demanding complete transparency. He critiques the lack of collective action and unified strategy by the union, stressing that a fragmented approach (playing checkers) will only result in continued disadvantage. He emphasizes that the union must play chess to defeat management's checkers tactics. He offers specific strategies, like demanding documentation and requesting interviews to thoroughly investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

Finally, the episode highlights a recent memorandum from management concerning certified mail handling within delivery point sequence (DPS) mail. Corey emphasizes this as a crucial point for future grievances, providing the contractual language and the rationale for filing grievances concerning the placement of certified mail into the DPS stream. The episode ends with a passionate call for more proactive leadership within the union to support carriers and with a call to action for listeners to be ready to fight for their rights, encouraging the use of arbitration decisions to build a strong defense.

arb. Goldstein C-17898

arb Talmadge C-28539 a-b

arb August C-34357

arb August C-32489

certified mail in dps starts at 1:45

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This episode of From A to Arbitration is a highly critical and passionate discussion about Corey's frustration with the NALC leadership, particularly its perceived lack of advocacy for letter carriers. Corey starts by acknowledging the episode's milestone (100th episode) and thanking listeners, then previews upcoming episodes.

The core theme is a critique of the NALC leadership for perceived inaction and a failure to effectively address issues impacting letter carriers. Corey discusses the need for union leaders to proactively address issues like heat-related safety concerns, arbitrary changes in working conditions, and the falsification of training records. He contrasts this with management's apparent success in disseminating information and strategizing, arguing that the union is falling behind.

The episode features Corey reading and analyzing several B-team decisions and arbitration awards that, in his opinion, illustrate management's successful manipulation of the grievance process. Corey emphasizes the importance of meticulously understanding contract provisions and past precedents.

He directly criticizes some business agents for not actively defending carriers, and the episode culminates in an impassioned call to action, emphasizing the importance of a more militant and unified union stance to confront management's alleged abuses. He stresses the need for shop stewards to take a proactive approach by gathering information, creating thorough case files, and challenging management's actions, urging listeners to adopt similar strategies.

The episode ends with a plea for a more forceful and educated union membership. Corey highlights the importance of education and unity in the face of perceived management tactics. He previews future episodes dedicated to specific grievances (including rollaway accidents) and encourages active listener participation, particularly regarding incidents they're experiencing, reiterating a commitment to defending letter carriers.

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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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