fromatoarbitration.com

fromatoarbitration.com

fromatoarbitration.com

This episode is a fiery and lengthy discussion, focused on Corey's intense frustration with the union's leadership and management's ongoing violations of the contract. Corey begins by thanking a previous guest and highlighting Mallory's crucial role in maintaining the website and her community engagement. He encourages listeners to support her efforts by utilizing a provided "tip jar" on the website.

The episode then delves into Corey's personal experiences with union leadership, particularly a recent instance where his request to conduct training was blocked by a union official. He expresses skepticism about the union's overall strategy and commitment to carrier rights, characterizing their approach as inadequate and reactive.

Central to the discussion is Corey's critique of management's practices, particularly the implementation of new metrics and policies that he views as detrimental to carrier safety and well-being, including issues with mandatory overtime, restrictive working conditions, and the alleged falsification of training records (e.g., heat training). He argues that management often circumvents the contract, particularly by using scanner data to enforce non-existent standards. He advocates for challenging these practices through a strategic approach based on past arbitration precedents, demanding clear documentation and evidence to counter management claims.

Corey highlights several arbitration cases where management's actions were deemed problematic or dishonest. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how arbitrators interpret issues, particularly regarding the falsification of documents and the concept of "willful misconduct" which can lead to a dismissal or serious punishment.

Crucially, Corey emphasizes the need for carriers to be prepared to fight these issues directly, demanding to see documentation and evidence of any alleged violations of the contract. He presents examples of how to phrase such requests to management, even when confronted with attempts to intimidate them, advocating for a robust and detailed strategy for grievances.

Corey promotes the "Dogs of War" initiative, a group of individuals who will aggressively challenge management's actions and create a hostile work environment for management on the workroom floor, while also creating a supportive environment for carriers to support each other. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity and proactive engagement from all members of the union to combat these issues. The episode ends with a renewed call for collective action and solidarity, urging listeners to be prepared for ongoing battles and to defend their rights.

fromatoarbitration.com

This episode focuses on the concept of "opting" for hold-down assignments for CCA's. Badmouth and Mallory begin by explaining the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM) and its role in interpreting the national agreement. The central topic is the rights and procedures associated with opting, including eligibility requirements (full-time reserves, full-time flexibles, unassigned regulars, and predominantly CCAs). They clarify that opting is for the duration of the assignment, with certain exceptions and stipulations. The discussion includes the limitations on who can opt and specific circumstances when management may interfere with a hold-down assignment. Badmouth and Mallory also emphasize the importance of the correct use of the grievance procedure in these cases.

The episode stresses the value of "holding down" a route for CCAs in terms of gaining valuable experience, building a clearer understanding of the route and procedures, and establishing a more predictable schedule. This is presented as a tool to reduce the unpredictable on-call status often faced by CCAs.

The conversation includes the distinction between "clean bumps" (contractually permissible) and "dirty bumps" (grievable). Badmouth and Mallory provide examples of each type of bump, emphasizing that CCAs should be aware of their rights and should quickly engage their union steward to file grievances in the event of an unfair bump. They strongly advocate for the use of "malicious compliance" in a strategic, petty way to challenge management actions in these situations while still maintaining proper procedure within the contractual framework.

Badmouth and Mallory advocate for active union involvement and encourage listeners to join orgs and movements working for improved working conditions, including open bargaining, fair compensation, and a safer work environment for all carriers. They provide links to relevant organizations. Finally, the episode stresses solidarity and support within the carrier community, encouraging listeners to reach out and support each other during challenging times. The episode ends on a note of hope and solidarity, reminding listeners that the union will fight to protect their rights.

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This episode is an extended discussion, featuring multiple guests, on the upcoming arbitration proceedings and the broader context of the potential threat to the USPS. James Henry emphasizes unity and solidarity among NALC members, regardless of branch or political affiliation, in response to perceived threats to the postal service, particularly the potential for privatization and the removal of the Postal Board of Governors. He stresses the need for collective action and cautions against internal division, urging listeners to support upcoming rallies and the planned "lunchtime call-in" day of action to pressure congressional representatives. Richie Ray addresses concerns about the expedited arbitration process, leadership, and the toxic work environment, advocating for a proactive, rather than reactive, approach. He emphasizes the need for education and transparency within the union. He also outlines his vision for Region 15 as business agent, focused on the grievance procedure, and the importance of empowering the rank and file. Corey concludes the episode with his perspective, calling for unity and collective action among all postal employees to defend the USPS, offering advice on addressing the concerns raised and strategies to be used, along with plans to mobilize teams to combat hostile working environments. The overarching theme is the need for solidarity and collective action amongst all members of the postal service in the face of perceived threats to the postal service, including potential privatization.

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This episode features a discussion about expedited arbitration, focusing on concerns raised by members regarding the process. Charlie Miller, a seasoned union representative, addresses these concerns, explaining the expedited arbitration process and emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential risks and benefits. He highlights the lack of transparency in expedited proceedings, contrasting them with traditional arbitration. Charlie also discusses the larger context of the USPS's potential dismantling, linking it to ideological issues and arguing it is a significant threat to the union's members' livelihoods and the broader economy. Charlie and Corey critique the NALC president's handling of negotiations and the union's current leadership, pointing out missed opportunities and the lack of empathy displayed towards rank-and-file members. He strongly advocates for a proactive approach, urging listeners to participate in a mass phone call campaign to directly influence their congressional representatives. The episode stresses the need for solidarity and collective action to preserve the postal service. The discussion underscores the importance of understanding the political context of the dispute and the need for continued, widespread member involvement.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode discusses the upcoming arbitration proceedings between the NALC and the USPS. Corey expresses deep dissatisfaction with the NALC president's handling of negotiations, criticizing the low offer (1.3%) received after over six hundred days of talks. Corey believes Renfroe failed to negotiate effectively and believes the offer was intentionally timed to force arbitration. He recounts the history of the dispute, emphasizing past arbitration failures, and the union's decision to proceed to interest arbitration. He also highlights a recent case where an arbitrator ruled against management and the subsequent efforts to amend that ruling. Corey argues that the union has a strong position to win concessions in arbitration due to the evidence gathered and the need for the members' voices to be heard. This episode also includes a detailed summary of the interest arbitration process, referencing previous cases and emphasizing that this is a complex and time-consuming procedure. Corey's overall message conveys a strong sense of frustration with the union's current leadership and a determination to fight for fair compensation in the upcoming arbitration. He concludes by expressing confidence in the carrier's determination to achieve a positive outcome.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/