From A to Arbitration

This episode of From A to Arbitration features a lengthy discussion on the "one-hour office time" policy and how letter carriers can fight back, delivered primarily by guest JB. The episode also touches upon personal matters (a baseball season and regional training) and upcoming guests (David Noble). JB's segment covers the importance of letter carriers' reporting requirements (M41) and how to document situations where more than eight hours are needed for route completion (using PS Form 3996 and 1571). He emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records (e.g., carrier daily performance reports, PS Form 1838c, route information card, and Doist reports) to prove to arbitrators that management's one-hour policy is unrealistic and unsupported by the current contract and handbooks. JB argues that the policy, if implemented, represents a violation of the contract and is a form of intimidation and harassment. He provides specific examples of how letter carriers' time is being violated and the need to collect documentation, including interviews and questionnaires, to demonstrate the issues. He advises that carriers request a detailed response from management, including the basis for the denial and instructions on how to proceed if mail volumes exceed the one-hour time frame. Key points include the documentation needed (e.g., PS Form 3996, curtailment slip) and that the projected time is not a contractual commitment but an estimation. Corey then discusses a recent arbitration case in Billings, Montana (Arbitrator Zane Lumley, case number C-36429), showcasing a precedent for fighting this type of policy, where the arbitrator sided with the union and ordered management to cease the practice, highlighting violations of the agreement in the process. The episode concludes with Corey re-emphasizing the importance of documentation, preparation, and union solidarity in challenging management's unreasonable expectations. Corey also announces a planned future episode dedicated to Publication 552 and the IMIP process. 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 episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate critique of the current union leadership, specifically targeting the perceived inaction and lack of accountability of the union president and executive vice president. Corey expresses frustration with the union's handling of recent issues and the lack of support for letter carriers on the workroom floor. The episode opens with a quote from Lord Acton about the corrupting influence of power, directly referencing Corey's concerns about the union's leadership. Corey reviews the Weir Report, criticizing the lack of transparency surrounding the report's findings and the union's failure to inform members about these issues. He criticizes union leaders who knew about the report's content but did not act, arguing that they should be held accountable for dereliction of duty. He uses the example of shop steward Susie Miller, whose case highlighted the union's failure to support members. Corey further critiques the union's handling of issues regarding the implementation of the one-hour office time policy and the conflict this creates with carriers' contractual rights, their perceived lack of response to issues involving carrier harassment. Corey calls out the union's leadership for their perceived lack of resolve, cowardice, and inaction, stating that this environment empowers management to further exploit letter carriers. He decries the lack of support for letter carriers and the lack of protection against what he sees as management's harassment tactics. The episode continues with a discussion of the sorting and delivery centers (S&DCs) consolidation plans, where Corey supports a resolution from NALC Branch 3 to oppose the implementation. He advocates for a united front and calls for the mobilization of letter carriers to support the opposition. The episode further discusses a recent arbitration case win, highlighting the importance of thorough documentation in grievance cases, using Jason Crosby's work as an example of effective case preparation. He emphasizes the need for stewards to effectively investigate and document employee grievances. Corey also features a special guest, arbitrator Troy Swallow, who discusses the circumstances surrounding his removal from arbitration duties. The special guest is critical of the process and the actions of union leadership. Corey concludes with a call to action, reiterating his commitment to letter carriers and advocating for a unified, assertive stance against management's actions, emphasizing the need for a new leadership team that prioritizes the letter carriers' needs. He also previews future episodes on Publication 552 and the outcome of the recent arbitration case. A central theme is the importance of actively fighting against management's unreasonable practices through well-documented grievances and a unified front among the letter carriers. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration continues the discussion of the Weir Report, focusing on the "heroes" and "zeros" (or "studs" and "duds") within the union during the period covered by the report. Corey dissects the actions and reputations of various individuals, including former President Rolando, Paul Barner, Eddie Davidson, and others. Corey praises figures like Barner for stepping up during a period of crisis and criticizes others (like Rolando) for perceived failures to act or disseminate information properly, implicitly highlighting the lack of transparency within the union. Corey argues that those who knew of the president's issues but didn't inform members were in dereliction of their duties and should face accountability. He suggests that this lack of transparency and accountability significantly undermined the union's position. Corey links the discussion to Lord Acton's quote on the corrupting nature of power, asserting that the union's current leadership has become overly focused on maintaining their positions rather than representing the letter carriers' interests. He criticizes the union for hiding information from members, and implies this action may have influenced the outcome of the recent election. The episode concludes with a detailed discussion of specific charges within the Weir Report. This includes a significant segment examining a case of alleged misconduct against a union vice president (James Henry) where the union president allegedly did not meet with Henry to clear up rumors about him, despite Henry's attempts to schedule a meeting. Corey strongly condemns this behavior and argues that such failures to address allegations against union members damage the union's integrity. Corey previews a forthcoming episode on Publication 552 (the Postal Service's policy on workplace harassment) and a discussion of a past arbitration case loss. He also announces a Zoom meeting on building a "fighting NALC" and discusses the importance of unity among members to effectively address the ongoing issues within the union. The discussion ends by urging members to be ready for change and to mobilize in support of those representing the letter carriers effectively. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a highly critical assessment of the current union leadership, particularly the union president and executive vice president, and their handling of the DRT (Dispute Resolution Team) and other union matters. Corey begins by announcing upcoming episodes and a special guest. He emphasizes the importance of Publication 552 and the need to hold management accountable, citing examples of past and ongoing issues. A central theme is Corey's deep concern about the union's leadership, suggesting they may be either incompetent or actively working with management. He discusses several instances where union leadership appears to be failing to represent the letter carriers' interests, especially regarding the DRT. This includes a specific example of a letter from members expressing frustration over a new DRT policy that seems to favor management, potentially to the detriment of the union's ability to resolve grievances. Corey argues the union leadership is not upholding their duties, highlighting their inaction on critical issues like non-compliance with contractual agreements and the rampant use of memos (such as those establishing load time limits) to bully and harass letter carriers, especially those in smaller stations who are less aware of their rights. He presents examples and supporting documentation, including case file excerpts, to substantiate his claims. Corey criticizes the current leadership for what he perceives as inaction, citing their lack of response to member concerns and their failure to protect letter carriers from management's aggressive tactics and monitoring of their work. He condemns the lack of education and support for the letter carriers, and predicts trouble for the union's leadership in the upcoming election. The episode ends with Corey predicting a potential leadership shift in the union and urging members to remain active and informed. He emphasizes the need for members to unite and fight back, highlighting the importance of the upcoming Zoom meeting. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate call for members to adopt a more aggressive stance against management and within the union, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership. Corey begins by apologizing for technical difficulties and immediately shifts to discussing recent arbitration cases. Corey critiques the union's handling of these cases, noting missed opportunities to make compelling arguments against management. He emphasizes the need to be proactive and assertive rather than passive, urging a "lions doing lion type shit" approach in all future union dealings. He contrasts the current leadership's style with a more forceful approach that he advocates for. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a discussion of the importance of procedural due process, using examples from specific arbitration cases to illustrate how management may be violating those processes. Corey meticulously details specific examples of how the investigating, requesting, and concurring officials were all involved in previous stages of the grievance procedure, arguing that this lack of independent review is a procedural violation that should be used in future cases. Corey then analyzes the memos and policies established by management, arguing that these documents explicitly state a commitment to workers' rights but are not being followed in practice. He points out instances where management has not adhered to this commitment in multiple documented grievances, highlighting the disconnection between policy and practice. He challenges the current leadership on their role in enabling these violations. He also responds to listener concerns about his personal financial handling of donations from shirt sales, assuring listeners that all proceeds go to designated charities. The episode ends by reiterating the need for a unified and assertive approach to challenging management and advocating for a new leadership ticket. Corey also previews future episodes, focusing on Publication 552 and possible audio from union meetings. Zumas C-10679 Rentfro C-01030 Morris C-36185 Bahakel C-28072 http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode concludes the four-part "Memphis Mini-Series" on From A to Arbitration, focusing on the closing arguments and arbitrator's award in a complex arbitration case. Corey begins by summarizing the series' purpose, emphasizing the practical insights it provides into arbitration proceedings. He then previews upcoming episodes, detailing plans to dissect management's tactics and advocate aggressively against them. This theme of proactive and assertive action against management permeates the discussion. Walton highlights missed opportunities for powerful arguments in the recent arbitration cases, emphasizing procedural due process violations by management. He meticulously dissects the process, focusing on how the same individuals who initiated the discipline also participated in the grievance procedures, creating bias and jeopardizing the accused's rights. This includes specific instances where Corey criticized management's handling of information requests, lack of transparency in handling accusations, and their refusal to follow their own policies. The episode then focuses on the arbitrator's award, which partially upholds the union's position. He points out specific language in the award that he uses to demonstrate the union's success in highlighting management's failures and lack of compliance with their own procedures and policies. Corey critiques the overall handling of the case and calls out specific individuals in management for their inaction and lack of accountability. A significant portion is dedicated to explaining that the arbitrator's ruling was based on a recognition of ongoing systemic issues in the Memphis installation. The arbitrator's award included remedies like a conflict resolution committee to address the persistent problems. Corey strongly criticizes management's resistance to these measures and highlights the union's position that they've provided multiple avenues for resolution but were denied. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need for a unified and aggressive stance from the union against management's perceived abuses, as Corey vows to continue advocating for letter carriers, predicting a future of heightened conflict and demands for accountability, and previews future episodes dedicated to dissecting management's policies and tactics. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration continues the "Memphis Mini-Series," focusing on the formal step A meeting in an arbitration case. Corey begins by acknowledging a listener (Vorty) and discussing improvements to the podcast's production quality. He previews upcoming topics, including a special guest next week and a focus on aggressively challenging management, highlighting his belief that management is intentionally undermining the union and letter carriers. He emphasizes the importance of assertive advocacy in union dealings. The episode delves into the formal step A meeting's details, emphasizing the importance of careful preparation and thorough questioning of management's representatives. Walton criticizes the formal representative's handling of the case, highlighting instances where the representative's testimony contradicts evidence presented in the case file. He argues the representative was not adequately prepared for the meeting and thus acted in bad faith, and demonstrates the lack of independent investigation and corrective action by management. Walton stresses the importance of procedural due process, emphasizing the point that management's failures at earlier stages of the grievance process directly contributed to the ongoing issues and that a strong union advocate will seize upon these procedural flaws to discredit management's case. He demonstrates his mastery of the legal framework, citing specific articles and sections of the JCAM and relevant handbooks, and uses these to show how the current leadership is failing to fulfill its responsibilities. He argues that the current leadership is knowingly undermining the union, enabling a hostile work environment, and that this requires aggressive advocacy. The episode concludes with Corey highlighting a series of documented failures in management's handling of grievances and their reported lack of adherence to their own procedures and policies, illustrating how these failures affect union procedures and the union itself. He foreshadows further assertive action against management in future episodes, further reiterating his aggressive stance and highlighting the need for a unified front from the city letter carriers to counter management's actions. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration introduces the "Memphis Mini-Series," focusing on a significant arbitration case involving a tragic incident at the Memphis post office. Corey sets the stage for a multi-part series covering the arbitration's testimony. He acknowledges potential listener boredom with contract cases but emphasizes that this case offers valuable insights into the arbitration process. The episode focuses primarily on the testimony of the first witness for management in the arbitration: a postal inspector. Walton details his approach to questioning the inspector, highlighting specific areas of concern and anticipated challenges. He foreshadows his intention to dissect the inspector's report and testimony meticulously, seeking inconsistencies and questionable aspects of the investigation. He explicitly criticizes the postal inspectors, arguing that they tend to favor management, and expresses a deeply cynical view of their role in arbitration. He details specific issues he plans to address during his cross-examination of the witness, including alleged inconsistencies in the report and discrepancies between the inspector's testimony and supporting documentation. He points out how the inspector's report contains unsubstantiated claims about the grievant's mental state, which he will challenge. He anticipates potential objections from management's advocates and expresses his intent to aggressively pursue these discrepancies and procedural errors throughout the testimony. Walton also discusses several other ongoing issues within the union, including the ongoing falsification of HIPP training and management's continued aggressive monitoring of letter carriers. These larger issues are used to frame his motivation in tackling the current leadership and highlighting Corey's frustration with their leadership's perceived inaction. The episode concludes with previews of upcoming episodes, specifically mentioning a special guest, the formal step A meeting, and Corey's closing arguments. The larger themes are Corey's aggressive stance against management, his critiques of the current leadership, and his dedication to protecting the letter carriers. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is dedicated to providing detailed information and guidance on filing "Act of God" grievances. Corey emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation for these types of grievances, highlighting a series of cases where such grievances were successfully filed, particularly those spearheaded by guest JB. The episode begins by discussing Corey's approach to grievance advocacy. He reiterates his commitment to representing the letter carriers' interests, even when encountering criticism or resistance. He then delves into the specifics of "Act of God" grievances, outlining the criteria and requirements for successful claims. Corey provides a detailed breakdown of the relevant sections of the Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM), specifically focusing on Section 519. He emphasizes the importance of documentation and evidence, including community disaster declarations, road closures, official warnings, and evidence that the disaster prevented a significant number of employees from reporting to work. He emphasizes that an "Act of God" event must be general in scope, affecting many workers, rather than personal issues that prevented individuals from showing up for work. This point is critical in distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate claims. Further, Corey stresses the need to document the extent to which the event actually impacted work performance and delivery. Corey explains the union's burden of proof and discusses examples of previous arbitration decisions related to "Acts of God" and the steps required to support a case, detailing what types of evidence to gather and how to present it to management, arbitrators, and the union. Corey also dives into what constitutes "reasonable diligence" in an "Act of God" scenario and stresses the importance of a carrier documenting their efforts to get to work. The episode concludes by providing detailed guidance on how to structure Act of God grievances, including examples of what to request in a formal step A meeting and what to include in your case file. Corey also provides the basic language of management's position on these types of grievances and details for advocates on how to challenge this argument. He reiterates his dedication to educating members and supporting their grievances. He ends by highlighting the importance of building a strong union. The overall message is about the importance of being prepared and organized in advocating for letter carriers, especially concerning weather-related absences and seeking proper administrative leave. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 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/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 of From A to Arbitration serves as a year-end review, offering a summary of the past year's activities and a preview of the upcoming year's focus. Corey expresses gratitude to Discord members for audio improvements, while acknowledging a technical difficulty during the recording. The episode begins by highlighting the podcast's impressive download figures and reiterates Walton's commitment to factual accuracy. He stresses the importance of the podcast's role in educating and informing letter carriers. The discussion then turns to a review of the ongoing arbitration cases, with particular focus on the ongoing charges against the union president. Corey critiques the union leadership's handling of these situations, citing instances of questionable tactics, lack of transparency, and potentially questionable behavior by union officials. He emphasizes the importance of the city letter carriers being placed first and foremost in union priorities, arguing that the current leadership has not done so. He directly criticizes the union's leaders for enabling what he perceives as problematic management behaviors, contrasting this with his own advocacy. The episode examines several incidents, including a private Christmas party attended by the postmaster general and other union officials, which Corey criticizes as an instance of potential favoritism and lack of transparency. Corey advocates for a stronger union stance, outlining plans to combat management tactics, particularly regarding the hour office time, redline policies, and stationary event issues. He emphasizes the union's obligation to protect its members from harassment and abuse and his plans to aggressively pursue these issues through the grievance process. Corey previews a series of episodes dedicated to the Memphis case's full testimony, focusing on the detailed questioning and challenges involved, and expresses his intention to help fellow advocates prepare for similar cases. The episode closes with a strong call to action, urging listeners to maintain their engagement and support a new, more militant union leadership. The episode's overarching themes are advocacy, holding leadership accountable, and the need for a more aggressive and united stance by the union against management's perceived abuses. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate discussion on the state of the NALC, focusing on the need for change and accountability within its leadership. Corey begins by acknowledging listener feedback and announcing plans for future episodes, notably on Act of God and hour office time grievances. The episode's central theme is a critique of the current union leadership, particularly their perceived lack of support for rank-and-file members, and potentially a lack of transparency in negotiations. Corey uses the metaphor of being "quietly devoured" by a powerful adversary to describe the union's position, arguing that the current leadership is not adequately representing the city letter carriers' needs. He accuses union leaders of enabling, or at least failing to address, abusive management behaviors and argues that this stems from a lack of sufficient understanding of the realities faced by letter carriers on the front lines. The episode includes a reading of a letter from a member expressing deep disappointment in the lack of representation for women in the union, and specifically black women, in positions of authority and decision-making. Corey uses the letter to underscore a larger issue of inclusivity and fairness within the union, highlighting potential discrimination. The discussion also delves into Corey's frustrations with the union's perceived inaction on various issues, including a specific case concerning the falsification of employee records, highlighting the perceived lack of action against bad management practices and the union's potentially complicit role in enabling these behaviors. A call for a more militant and transparent approach is repeated throughout, emphasizing the need for a new leadership regime committed to the interests of the city letter carriers. The episode concludes with additional previews of future episodes, including Corey's closing argument in a previous arbitration case and a deeper dive into other grievances, showcasing Corey's resolute advocacy for the letter carriers. Corey's criticism of the union is rooted in his desire for a more militant and transparent union, one that truly represents the needs of the rank and file rather than the interests of its leaders or those of postal management. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate and critical assessment of the current state of the NALC, focusing on Corey's frustration with union leadership and management tactics. Corey begins by thanking Ron Speakman for a recent podcast appearance and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement cases and the falsification of time records. The central theme of the episode is a strong critique of the union's leadership for perceived inaction and poor advocacy, particularly regarding management's implementation of policies. Corey argues that management is more effectively communicating and strategizing their positions, while the union leadership is not adequately preparing members to fight back. He specifically criticizes the union's handling of issues like hour office time, stationary events, load times, and the lack of a unified or aggressive stance on those grievances. Corey highlights several documented instances of management violating the contract and the union's seemingly passive response. He argues that management's actions are not only detrimental to the letter carriers but are also a calculated strategy to undermine the union's position, comparing the current situation to the "frog in the boiling water" analogy. He emphasizes how the union has allowed management to successfully manipulate and condition the workforce into accepting these practices by not fighting back early enough. The episode concludes with a call for more militant action from the union leadership. Corey implores members to support a new leadership team capable of effectively opposing management and advocating for the city letter carriers. He stresses the need for a proactive approach and for members to educate themselves on their rights and how to challenge management's actions. He highlights recent arbitration decisions that support the union's position and provides specifics on how to structure future grievances to effectively challenge management's tactics and policies, highlighting the importance of education and proactively seeking out ways to stand against management's abuses. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.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/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate and critical assessment of the current NALC leadership's approach to grievances, especially regarding management tactics and the perceived lack of member support. Corey begins by addressing technical difficulties and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement and clock-ring falsification cases. The episode's central theme revolves around Corey's criticism of the union's leadership for their perceived passivity and lack of proactive advocacy against management tactics. Corey argues that management is successfully manipulating the system, citing examples like the use of "hour office time" policies and their aggressive approach to route adjustments, often placing the burden of proof on carriers. He dissects several specific recent arbitration cases, and, critically, analyzes how these cases demonstrate the union's failures in responding to management's violations of the contract. Corey's analysis targets both management and union tactics, emphasizing how the union's perceived reluctance to challenge management aggressively through the formal grievance process has left carriers vulnerable to abuse. Corey critiques specific examples of management behavior, such as the use of "locally generated forms," and the seemingly intentional creation of undertime situations in order to bypass contractual obligations. He analyzes the lack of consistency in the application of discipline for carriers, contrasting it with the seemingly lenient treatment of managers who continually violate the contract, illustrating a critical double standard. Corey emphasizes the need for a more proactive and militant approach from union representatives, urging them to defend their members and hold management accountable. He calls on the audience to understand the strategic nature of management's tactics and to educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities to challenge these actions. The episode ends with Corey sharing recent examples of successful grievances and arbitration cases and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a unified and aggressive stance against management. He again stresses the need for new leadership within the union, suggesting that a stronger and more proactive union would address the issues more effectively, particularly related to the falsification of heat illness training records. The overall message is a call for change and a more militant approach by the union to protect letter carriers from perceived abuses. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 of From A to Arbitration centers on Corey's critique of management's use of data-driven tools to monitor and manage letter carriers, particularly concerning a new system called CDPOM (City Delivery Pivoting Opportunity Model). Corey begins by acknowledging recent listener feedback and previews future episodes on emergency placement cases. The episode's core focus is Corey's contention that management is using tools like CDPOM, which relies on historical data from DOIS (Delivery Operations Information System) and PET (Performance Enhancement Tool) to project and manage carrier workloads, in an overly aggressive manner that disregards carriers' rights. Corey emphasizes the perceived double standard: while carriers face discipline for deviations from projected times, management isn't held accountable for potential errors or inconsistencies in those projections. He argues that these practices create a hostile work environment. The episode provides a deep dive into several arbitration precedents. Corey meticulously dissects contractual provisions (specifically Article 41 and relevant sections of the JCAM and the M-39 handbook) to emphasize how these tools violate established contract language regarding workload, leaving carriers with little recourse but to grieve such actions. He also discusses how management is using existing systems (like 1838C mail counts) as a means of intimidation and control, rather than for fair evaluation. This highlights Corey's concern that the union is allowing these practices to go unchecked. He further decries the union leadership's perceived lack of engagement and education regarding these issues, and Corey's dissatisfaction with the current leadership's response in proactively defending letter carriers. The discussion extends to the general issue of the NALC's handling of grievances and the broader need for stronger advocacy at every level of the union. Corey emphasizes the importance of proactive grievance filing and challenges members to be more vigilant about their rights and to demand a more assertive leadership position. He concludes by highlighting the need for a more assertive and aggressive stance within the union and previews upcoming episodes on this subject and others. Clarke C-28556 a&b http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate critique of the NALC's leadership and management tactics, focusing on Corey's frustration with the perceived lack of support for letter carriers. Corey begins by acknowledging technical difficulties and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement cases and time-record falsification. The episode is centered around Corey's criticism of current union leadership for perceived inaction and failure to adequately address grievances and protect letter carriers. He dissects specific recent arbitration cases and the union's responses, highlighting instances where management successfully circumvented the grievance process and the lack of proactive, aggressive support from union leadership. Corey analyzes the handling of disciplinary actions, arguing that the current procedures favor management by allowing them to issue proposed removals and then mitigate them without substantial repercussions. He presents examples where similar situations were successfully challenged, but the current leadership doesn't seem to support such action, emphasizing the lack of protection for letter carriers who are not adequately educated or supported in the grievance process. The episode also examines the issue of a lack of proactive education from the union regarding current management strategies, emphasizing the union's failures to inform or instruct members on how to counter management tactics. Corey concludes by urging listeners to maintain vigilance and seek education to overcome these challenges, predicting a future of ongoing struggles if the current leadership doesn't change. He also emphasizes the importance of a more militant union leadership. He reiterates his commitment to the city letter carrier, outlining his plans to continue advocating for their rights and to provide resources, like grievance templates and arbitration precedents, to support their efforts. The overall message is a call to action for the letter carriers to be informed and assertive and for the union leadership to actively support their members. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode details the "anatomy of a removal," focusing on a specific arbitration case where Corey and JB successfully defended a carrier against a wrongful termination. Corey begins by discussing a commitment to send funds raised from podcast merchandise sales to aid letter carriers affected by the recent devastation in Hawaii. He challenges the union to match these donations. The core of the episode centers on the arbitration case, detailing the procedural steps, arguments, and evidence presented by both sides. The carrier, Mr. Tyler Jones, was removed for alleged misconduct, primarily claiming false FMLA leave. Corey and JB successfully defended Jones, highlighting critical procedural flaws in management's case: Insufficient Investigation: Corey emphasized the importance of a thorough and objective investigative interview. He pointed out that management's questioning was leading and accusatory, and crucial information (like text messages) was not presented during the interview but added later, casting doubt on its objectivity. This is a key point about maintaining the proper procedures. Lack of Concurrence: Corey noted management's failure to obtain the required concurrence on the disciplinary action before issuing the removal. He highlights that management presented the same document without proper concurrence at the formal step A meeting as was presented at the informal step, arguing that this was a sign of dishonesty and procedural violation. False Charges: The removal document contained false charges, claiming Jones had requested FMLA protection under false pretenses when, in reality, he had not knowingly obtained those protections. This point stressed the necessity of carefully verifying and supporting all claims in the documents. Inadequate Evidence: Corey emphasized management's failure to provide sufficient evidence to support the charges against Jones, particularly regarding the FMLA request and the dates of his absence. Misuse of Criminal Statutes: Corey's closing argument was critical of management's attempts to incorporate criminal statutes into the disciplinary case. He argued that these statutes were not applicable and inappropriately broadened the scope of the charges against the carrier. The arbitrator's decision ultimately sided with the union, reducing the removal to a suspension without back pay but with no loss of seniority. Corey provides a detailed overview of the arbitrator's reasoning and the specific points the arbitrator addressed, providing listeners with valuable insights into how to approach similar cases. He concludes by reiterating his commitment to defending letter carriers, advocating for ethical and just practices within the union, and encouraging a stronger union to better represent its members. He concludes with calls to action urging listeners to purchase merchandise to support the Hawaii relief efforts, to become more engaged in union affairs, and to demand accountability from their union leadership. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration features a discussion on letters of demand, focusing on Corey's perspective on how to effectively challenge management actions and the importance of strong grievance procedures. Corey begins by acknowledging a technical difficulty with the recording and previews future episodes on emergency placement and time record falsification. The episode's central theme is a critique of management practices and the union's response. Corey dissects the structure and language of letters of demand, emphasizing the need for precision in grievance filing. He highlights several instances where management has not properly explained the reasons behind a letter of demand, and argues that this constitutes a violation of the contract and a lack of due process. The episode delves into specific arbitration case precedents, demonstrating that arbitrators have ruled against management's use of letters of demand when insufficient justification was provided. This highlights Corey's emphasis on the need for specific, actionable grievances and precise language in the union's arguments to challenge management. Corey stresses that these cases are examples of how to effectively challenge management's actions within the framework of the contract. Corey discusses the importance of thorough preparation, citing examples of case files from previous episodes and highlighting the critical role of well-prepared union representatives in winning cases. Corey emphasizes a crucial point – the union's responsibility to protect its members from abuses of power by management. He criticizes the union leadership and business agents for not proactively educating carriers on their rights and how to effectively challenge management's tactics. He concludes with a call for a more assertive union stance, advocating for a new regime focused on proactive education and protection of letter carriers. Corey provides specific advice on how to handle such cases in the future and a preview of topics for upcoming episodes, including additional grievances and the need for a stronger union leadership and representation. Barrett C-33427 Bahakel C- 34086 Snow C-00511 Eaton C-20126 http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode, while largely personal and emotional, focuses on the crucial need for union leadership to address the escalating issues concerning carrier working conditions, particularly in the context of heat-related illnesses and safety. Corey begins by acknowledging a recent criticism of his previous episode, which touched upon the topic of strikes and the union's no-strike clause. He clarifies his stance, stressing that while collective bargaining agreements prohibit strikes, he still believes that union leadership needs to take more active measures to address worsening conditions. He contends that the current leadership has been slow to address issues like inadequate heat protection for carriers, leading to potential health risks and fatalities. He contrasts this with the successful organizing tactics of other regions, particularly those who have begun organizing rallies to draw public attention to the issue. He urges a nationwide response, emphasizing that a collective, public display of concern is critical in pressuring management and influencing policy changes. Corey stresses the importance of actively defending carrier rights. He repeatedly criticizes the union's current leadership style, contrasting it with the aggressive, proactive approach he believes is necessary for gaining leverage and change. He urges listeners to contact their representatives, including Congress, about the specific problems with the falsification of training, the lack of resources, and safety concerns. He also directly addresses and rejects the perspective that the responsibility for carrier safety lies solely on the individual carriers themselves, arguing it is a contractual obligation of management. He underscores the idea that management and the union both have responsibilities for the working conditions and safety of carriers. Importantly, the episode highlights the fact that management appears to be retaliating against carriers for filing grievances related to these issues, further demonstrating Corey's contention that there is a need for more assertive action from the union. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to join in the effort to bring about change by demanding a response from union leadership on these issues. He advocates for a national rally and provides detailed instructions for checking HIPP training records, enabling carriers to identify instances of falsification. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode centers on Article 18, the no-strike clause of the postal contract. Corey strongly cautions against any social media or informal discussions about work stoppages or strikes. He emphasizes that such actions are a violation of the contract and can lead to termination. He supports this by citing four arbitration decisions from the same post office, where carriers were terminated for engaging in a concerted work stoppage. Corey details the legal ramifications of a no-strike clause, stressing that engaging in such discussions, even on social media, is evidence that can be used against employees. He argues that it's not necessary to engage in a strike since the grievance procedure already exists, and that collective bargaining, not unilateral actions, should be the path for addressing concerns. Furthermore, the episode returns to the recurring theme of management's behavior and actions. Corey discusses the importance of thorough investigation from the union's perspective in responding to grievances, noting the critical role of thorough information gathering, and challenging management's attempts to dismiss these concerns or argue that such action isn't efficient. He stresses that demanding documentation and evidence, particularly related to past practices, is crucial in defending against management's arguments and grievances. A significant portion of the episode focuses on a current case where a carrier was removed for falsifying medical documentation. Corey's approach in this situation involves meticulous information gathering, particularly related to the carrier's heat-related leave request and any potential management falsification of training records. He stresses the need for procedural fairness and emphasizes that management's alleged misconduct in one case warrants investigation into possible similar violations in other cases. He suggests that any union's failure to aggressively confront falsification could set a dangerous precedent for future cases. Corey repeats his commitment to supporting carriers, regardless of potential criticism. He emphasizes the importance of education, detailed grievance procedures, thoroughness in preparation, and the importance of demanding full transparency and accountability from both management and the union. He repeats a call to arms encouraging union members to become more involved and assertive, particularly regarding issues concerning carrier safety and fair treatment, while strongly condemning the use of social media to organize or plan for actions outside the contract. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode discusses several hot topics, including Corey's recent experience with online criticism and the passionate defense he received from listeners. Corey emphasizes that he's committed to educating and advocating for letter carriers, regardless of listener reaction. He notes that some listeners criticized the podcast's tone, shifting from informative to overly emotional, although he argues the podcast is ultimately about protecting letter carriers. The episode pivots to the central issue of the falsification of heat-related training (HIPP) records, which Corey considers a serious and widespread violation of the contract. He applauds the efforts of two business agents, Mike Caref and Eddie Davidson, who have been actively fighting these issues. He underscores the critical role of education and union advocacy in combating these issues. Corey argues the falsification directly relates to management's pressure to reduce office time, noting that the training, a twenty-minute video, is intentionally not completed, so carriers are not given the time or are being dishonest to make it look like they've done their training, instead of giving them adequate breaks, which are protected under the contract. Corey delves into two arbitration case studies from previous episodes, focusing on past practice violations. In these cases, management attempted to unilaterally change established practices regarding union hall use. The cases demonstrate the importance of establishing a valid past practice to protect the union's right to utilize the union hall for work on the clock. A core point is that management argues that such practices are inefficient or unsafe, but fails to provide evidence to back up these claims and fails to engage in good-faith negotiations. Corey repeatedly emphasizes the importance of demanding evidence and documentation from management to support their claims, highlighting the potential for these arguments to be used in any past practice case. Corey provides clear instructions to determine if a carrier's HIPP training was falsified. This includes navigating the carrier's liteblue online portal to view training records and details. He stresses the importance of documenting any issues and using this information in grievance filings. He concludes with a call for unity and action among carriers and union members to address the issues presented, as well as a declaration of his continued commitment to fighting for their rights and safety. 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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode is a passionate and lengthy discussion centered on the escalating issue of heat-related safety concerns for postal workers, and the union's response (or lack thereof) to management's apparent disregard for those concerns. Corey expresses deep frustration with the perceived inaction and complacency of some union leaders. He argues that the current leadership is failing to adequately protect letter carriers, highlighting the significance of the falsification of heat training records and the resulting lack of protections for carriers. Corey focuses on the importance of proactive union action, emphasizing that current leadership's lack of public engagement and direct challenge to management's policies is harmful. He cites the need for a "library of arbitration decisions" to provide a strong foundation for future grievances, specifically noting that management often lies and fails to provide sufficient documentation when facing scrutiny. This point highlights his strong belief that the union's inaction is directly endangering workers. He details a recent B-team decision that, rather than confronting the potential falsification of heat training, essentially instructed management to "just do the training." Corey criticizes this approach, arguing it gives management a loophole and essentially allows them to continue their detrimental practices. Corey also argues that management's recent actions—specifically, their responses to OSHA complaints and their refusal to provide requested information about heat training—are further evidence of a pattern of deceptive practices. He points out how management's rhetoric of concern for employee safety contrasts sharply with their concrete actions that put carriers at risk. He suggests that the union's inaction is likely a deliberate choice by union leadership to avoid confrontation, which he strongly criticizes. He calls for a nationwide rally to address the working conditions and advocate for carriers, reiterating that a collective voice is critical for bringing about meaningful change. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for management's arguments (e.g., claims of inefficiency or concerns about safety). The discussion concludes with a call for increased union engagement, stronger leadership, and the immediate need for a public effort to influence policymakers and advocate for carriers' safety and working conditions. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 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/

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 http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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 http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

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. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/