Shows
From A to ArbitrationLion's Den Episode 14: More DOIS/PET. Want to be Good or Great? It's on youCorey opens "The Lion's Den" by reiterating his commitment to providing strictly educational content, aiming for episodes to be around thirty minutes. He begins with shout-outs to Branch 3028 in Texas, acknowledging the devastating floods they experienced and offering prayers. He also promotes fundraising events for CLC candidates Richie Ray (Region 15) and Bill Kribel (Region 12).
Corey then issues a challenge to EVP Paul Barner, referencing past instances where labor reportedly influenced arbitrators to amend decisions or remove them from panels. He highlights a specific regional arbitrator's statement of not abiding by a national arbitrator's decision and challenges Barner...
2025-07-3155 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 248: We will fightCorey begins by apologizing for removing a Saturday episode and explains his intention to keep "The Lion's Den" episodes focused. He starts with shout-outs, first to Mallory, and then to Badmouth Morris, a friend and advocate for city letter carriers who is currently facing hardship and has a GoFundMe. He also thanks Branch 3792 in Midland, Texas, and acknowledges David Bryant from Iowa for his advocacy.
Corey then expresses his strong disagreement with the notion that the NALC provides sufficient education to all its members, citing feedback from individuals who learned more from his podcast than union meetings...
2025-07-3048 minFrom A to ArbitrationLion's Den Episode 13: More PET/DOIS, Talking Arbitration CitesCorey begins "The Lion's Den" by informing listeners that he will be pre-recording the upcoming "From A to Arbitration" episode due to his attendance at the Texas State Convention. He then emphasizes his desire to keep "The Lion's Den" episodes focused and relatively short, though he anticipates today's will be longer due to reading arbitration sites. He references last week's episode where he played a teleconference recording, highlighting the "disdain" and "incompetence" of upper management towards city letter carriers, and reiterating his long-held belief that they need to be more aggressive in their approach. Corey stresses the importance of...
2025-07-241h 33From A to ArbitrationEpisode 247: The ScreenshotCorey begins by thanking listeners and giving a shout-out to branch 82 in Portland for their hospitality during a recent visit. He also expresses gratitude for the birthday wishes he received. Corey then discusses a troubling teleconference recording he heard, featuring two upper management individuals who demonstrated a severe lack of understanding regarding postal contracts and operational realities. He highlights their reliance on unrealistic metrics like PET and DOIS, and the detrimental impact this has on supervisors and managers, who are then pressured to enforce these impossible standards. Corey emphasizes how this creates a toxic work environment, particularly for injured...
2025-07-2142 minFrom A to ArbitrationThe Lion's Den Episode 12: The Battle over our Office. PET and DOISIn this episode of "The Lion's Den," Corey begins by apologizing for the delayed episode due to his travels and a lengthy search for a crucial audio recording. He describes the recording as a teleconference featuring a district manager and a station manager, highlighting it as a perfect example of the disconnect between upper management and frontline supervisors, and how upper management's directives create a hostile work environment. Corey expresses his intent to play snippets of this recording to illustrate how management discusses carrier performance, injuries, and the misuse of tools like PET (Performance Evaluation Tool) and DOIS (Delivery...
2025-07-181h 25From A to ArbitrationEpisode 246: A Tainch of Heat Training. My interview with Ms. Pam Donato the next Director of Retirees and OWCP. My interview with Mr. James Brennan who is running for President of the NRLCACorey returns after attending a "Next Generation Carrier's" Zoom event and traveling to Seattle. He expresses his enthusiasm for the city letter carrier movement and the growing solidarity among different podcast hosts and carriers. He previews upcoming interviews with Pam Donato, a candidate for Director of Retirees and OWCP on the CLC slate, and James Brennan, a candidate for President of the Rural Carrier craft.
Corey then delves into crucial safety matters, particularly regarding heat. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing various union documents and NALC resources when filing safety grievances. He meticulously breaks down...
2025-07-161h 35From A to ArbitrationThe Lion's Den Episode 11: Dealing with PET Part One of our Mini-SeriesIn this episode of "The Lion's Den," Corey returns after traveling to Seattle and immediately dives into the topic of route protection, specifically addressing the use of the Performance Evaluation Tool (PET) and its misuse by management. He begins by describing an audio recording he possesses of a district manager berating a station manager for not adhering to PET projections, even when the station manager cited mail volume and carrier restrictions. Corey highlights how upper management's insistence on PET, which he argues is flawed and doesn't account for real-world conditions like office time, parcel counts, or weather, creates a...
2025-07-111h 03From A to ArbitrationEpisode 245: A Feather in the Wind and More Safety TalkThe main focus of the episode is heat safety, with Corey expressing his frustration and anger over management's perceived double standards and negligence. He criticizes the USPS for falsifying HIPP training, citing instances where safety managers allegedly told carriers that HIPP training is no longer conducted, despite official USPS materials indicating its continuation. Corey contrasts this with the strict enforcement of safety rules for carriers, such as those related to seat belts and wheel curving, which can lead to emergency placements. He argues that managers who make unsafe statements, like limiting breaks only when temperatures reach 110 degrees, are not...
2025-07-0857 minFrom A to ArbitrationLion's Den Episode 10: Final reading of the 6-day countIn this episode of "The Lion's Den," Corey concludes his six-part series on the M39 Handbook's Section 2, focusing on route inspections and six-day counts. He expresses relief at finishing the lengthy reading, highlighting its importance for stewards to become specialists in route inspections, which can benefit their station, district, and area.
He then delves into the specifics of various route adjustment reports: the Existing Route Summary Report, the Adjusted Route Summary Report, the Allied Time Report, the Territory Transfer Summary Report, and the Route Summary Report. Corey meticulously explains the purpose and content of each report, guiding...
2025-07-0332 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 244: Integrity and touching on HIPPIn this episode, Corey discusses the crucial topic of the Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) training and related safety issues. He begins by addressing a recent report that a safety manager claimed HIPP training is no longer conducted, which he calls a grievance and vows to address if elected EVP. Corey then reads a communication from Manny Peralta, head of safety and health for the NALC, which details the 2025 HIPP requirements, including specific training materials and the importance of supervisors calling 911 in case of heat-related emergencies. He contrasts the postal service's stated priority of employee safety with instances of...
2025-07-011h 05From A to ArbitrationEpisode 243: A discussion with the Rural Carriers from United We Scan Podcast. United We Stand, Divided We CrawlIn this episode, Corey Walton joins Josh and Bill to discuss various issues affecting postal workers. Corey begins by mentioning his appearance on the "United We Scan" podcast, a rural carrier podcast where he discussed the city letter carriers' movement to change union leadership. Josh describes the oppressive heat and the challenges of working in an LLV without air conditioning, emphasizing the need for carriers to take breaks when necessary, regardless of management's directives. He also touches upon route adjustments and how they are working in his favor. Bill, a retiree, shares his experiences handling various office situations, particularly...
2025-06-301h 57From A to ArbitrationEpisode 235: It will be "The Hammer" Rob Kosier as the next Director of City Delivery.Corey focuses on the future of the NALC, particularly with the upcoming change in leadership. He welcomes Rob Kosier, the next director of city delivery for the Concerned Letter Carriers slate, to discuss his priorities and vision for the role. Corey shares his admiration for Kosier's passion, his ability to connect with other letter carriers, and his strong work ethic. Corey highlights what he believes is essential for a director of city delivery: a love for the city letter carrier, a strong backbone, and a no-nonsense attitude. Corey and Rob discuss the value of experience, specifically that experience on...
2025-05-0644 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 224: Salted Peanuts with some knick knack paddy wacksCorey begins by stating that he will use profanity in this episode but will not in the following one. He starts by thanking Mallory and encouraging listeners to donate to her through the podcast's website. He then promotes the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) campaign, emphasizing the need for fundraising to support the upcoming election and reclaim the union from what he describes as corrupt leadership. Corey discusses the success of the “Dogs of War” initiative, emphasizing its focus on addressing toxic work environments and providing unparalleled training to union members to become more effective in addressing management issues. He then...
2025-03-171h 55From A to ArbitrationEpisode 222: Light fucking BlueThis 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...
2025-03-031h 46From A to ArbitrationEpisode 218: Salted peanuts with an emphasis on the one-hour office timeThis episode focuses on the detrimental actions of current NALC leadership, specifically President Brian Renfroe and Executive Vice President Paul Barner, and contrasts their behavior with the proactive, carrier-focused approach of the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC).
Corey details the CLC's recent training efforts, emphasizing their commitment to educating members and preparing them for future leadership roles. He criticizes Renfroe and Barner for their opposition to grievances and arbitrations, which he views as essential tools for protecting carriers' rights and securing financial remedies. He alleges that Renfroe is collaborating with management to reduce fixed office time, undermining carriers...
2025-02-181h 43From A to ArbitrationEpisode 217: Let's do some more 6-day countThis episode delves into the intricacies of the six-day count process, focusing on management's review requirements after route adjustments and the importance of meticulous form review to prevent manipulation of carrier time. Corey emphasizes the necessity of filing grievances if management fails to review routes or make necessary adjustments after an initial adjustment. He advises waiting 60-75 days post-adjustment to file, allowing carriers time to acclimate to the route and gather strong evidence of overburdening. This strategy also counters management's argument that carriers are simply unfamiliar with the route.
The episode then meticulously details sections 243.6 and 243.7 of...
2025-02-1059 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 200: Happy Thanksgiving!!This episode addresses the ongoing fallout from the tentative agreement, focusing on the need for a more militant union response and providing further education on 6-day counts. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and promotes several relevant podcasts, highlighting the growing number of resources available to letter carriers. He then clarifies an issue with his email inbox and announces a new monthly podcast segment dedicated to CCA concerns.
Corey expresses his strong dissatisfaction with the tentative agreement, characterizing it as a major concession to management and emphasizing that many members are considering leaving the union due...
2024-11-2646 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 198: Soup Line, or Steak? You decideThis episode addresses the reaction to the tentative agreement and provides further education on 6-day counts, focusing on strategies for challenging management's actions during route inspections. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and promotes several podcasts focused on union issues. He then clarifies that he has not blocked any emails sent to his fromatoarbitration.com address; the issue is a full inbox preventing notification of incoming messages. He announces a new monthly podcast segment dedicated to CCA issues, emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering CCAs.
Corey expresses his strong disapproval of the tentative agreement, characterizing it as...
2024-11-191h 06From A to ArbitrationEpisode 189: My thoughts on the tentative agreementThis episode expresses Corey's strong disapproval of the tentative NALC contract agreement, characterizing it as a concession to management that offers little to letter carriers. He begins by announcing upcoming podcast guests (Mike Caref, Tyler Vasseur, and James Henry) and a multi-part series on 6-day counts. He then addresses rumors about his encounter with postal inspectors, emphasizing that it was a voluntary meeting with no negative consequences.
Corey strongly criticizes the tentative agreement, arguing it represents a failure of leadership and a betrayal of the membership. He dismisses those who attempt to justify the agreement...
2024-10-2130 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 185: Continuing our 6-day counts. A few awardsThis episode continues the series on 6-day counts, providing detailed analysis of arbitration cases to help letter carriers prepare for upcoming inspections. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing the importance of supporting businesses that value letter carriers. He then recounts an incident where management attempted to impose a 5-minute PM office time limit during a 6-day count, highlighting the dishonesty of management and the need for strong, proactive union responses.
The core of the episode involves a thorough review of several arbitration awards related to route count inspections. Corey meticulously presents...
2024-09-241h 24From A to ArbitrationEpisode 183: The junkyard dogs. 6-day count continuedThis episode focuses on preparing letter carriers for upcoming 6-day counts, providing a detailed review of relevant handbook provisions and arbitration decisions. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing his support for businesses that show a commitment to letter carriers. He then corrects a previous shout-out and shares additional shout-outs from listeners.
The main portion of the episode involves a comprehensive review of excerpts from several arbitration decisions related to route count inspections and adjustments. Corey highlights key aspects of each case, emphasizing recurrent issues such as management's failure to follow established...
2024-09-161h 47From A to ArbitrationEpisode 181: Let's get into 6-day countsThis episode delves into the complexities of 6-day counts, providing a comprehensive analysis of several arbitration cases to equip listeners with the knowledge to effectively handle these situations. Corey begins with listener shout-outs, expressing gratitude for their support and highlighting the contributions of various members and branches. He then corrects a previous shout-out and discusses a listener's negative reaction to the GoFundMe campaign for Corey.
The core of the episode involves a detailed review of several arbitration cases concerning route adjustments and inspections. Corey meticulously reads excerpts from these decisions, emphasizing recurring themes and providing valuable insights...
2024-09-091h 46From A to ArbitrationEpisode 179: Getting ready for the 6-day count, volume oneThis episode focuses on preparing letter carriers for upcoming 6-day counts by providing in-depth analysis of several arbitration cases related to route adjustments and inspections. Corey begins by announcing plans for future episodes, including a multi-part series on 6-day counts and a new educational podcast series for the CLC. He expresses his gratitude to Mallory Sutton for updating the FromAtoArbitration.com website and encourages members to utilize the site's resources. He then clarifies a previous shout-out, correcting misinformation about Corey Grott's relationship with the podcast.
The main portion of the episode involves Corey reading excerpts from seven...
2024-08-272h 40From A to ArbitrationEpisode 177: Let's clear up some thingsThis emergency Monday episode addresses rumors circulating about Corey Walton's experience with postal inspectors at the NALC convention. Walton clarifies that he was questioned for approximately 25 minutes, was not arrested or charged, and was not removed from the convention floor. He explains that the GoFundMe campaign initiated by JB was intended as a thank you for his podcast work, not for legal fees or personal gain, and clarifies that he never intended to accept any donations.
Walton addresses criticism of the GoFundMe campaign on Reddit, refuting accusations of unethical behavior and emphasizing that listening to and donating...
2024-08-2026 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 176: A thank youThis episode is a heartfelt thank you to Corey Walton from JB, who expresses deep gratitude for Walton's dedication and work on the From A to Arbitration podcast. JB begins with updates on his personal life and recent baseball coaching experiences. He then transitions to expressing his appreciation for Walton's mentorship and support throughout his union career.
JB details Walton's tireless efforts in educating and empowering letter carriers, highlighting his consistent willingness to help others and his dedication to fighting for better working conditions. He describes witnessing Walton's interactions with members in Boston, emphasizing his compassion, dedication...
2024-08-191h 11From A to ArbitrationEpisode 175: With Boston behind us, what does the future hold? My promise to you!This post-convention episode of From A to Arbitration reflects on the NALC convention in Boston and looks ahead to future union activities. Corey begins by acknowledging the intensity of the convention and thanking several individuals for their support. He corrects a previous shout-out, noting that Corey Grott is not a listener or supporter of the podcast. He then shares numerous listener shout-outs, emphasizing the widespread support for the podcast and the ongoing fight for better working conditions.
Corey analyzes the convention's outcomes, emphasizing that while the appeals on the Renfroe charges were not fully successful, the fact...
2024-08-122h 09From A to ArbitrationEpisode 174: Boston Day 4.. The EstablishmentThis episode is a recap of the fourth day of the NALC convention in Boston, focusing on the continued appeals hearings and the ongoing fallout from the handling of the Renfroe charges. Corey begins by announcing the "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" will be Wednesday and clarifies information about the 50/50 raffle. He then shares several listener shout-outs, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support and highlighting the contributions of various members and branches.
Corey details the second day of the appeals hearings, noting that the votes on the charges against Renfroe followed a similar pattern to the...
2024-08-0950 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 173: Boston day 3. History Made and the AppealThis episode provides a recap of day three of the NALC convention in Boston, focusing on the appeals hearing for the Article 10 charges against President Renfroe. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and then discusses the CLC's activities, highlighting the large turnout at both the meet-and-greet and the roundtable discussion. He also mentions the real-time convention updates being provided on Discord.
Corey details Gary Lang's confrontation with Renfroe regarding the S&DC MOU, praising Lang's effective questioning and exposure of Renfroe's actions. He suggests Lang should file Article 10 charges against Renfroe for violating the MOU. Corey then discusses...
2024-08-0827 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 172: Boston day 2. Some shout outs and the Lions are running loose.This episode recaps the second day of the NALC convention in Boston, focusing on the CLC's activities and the overall atmosphere. Corey begins by highlighting the success of the CLC's meet and greet and roundtable events, both of which were extremely well-attended, demonstrating strong member support for the movement. He encourages listeners to follow the convention updates being provided on Discord. He then shares several shout-outs from listeners, thanking them for their support and highlighting their contributions to the union.
Corey discusses the vote on the resolution to overturn Renfroe's decision to prevent the hearing of the...
2024-08-0735 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 170: Get in. We're going motherfuckerinThis episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on the upcoming NALC convention in Boston and the ongoing fallout from the Renfroe charges. Corey begins by addressing the "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" scheduling conflict and providing updates on the MDA raffle and t-shirt sales. He then reveals Butch Lau as his source for information about the TRAP memos and criticizes the memos' design, arguing they intentionally opened the door for increased management surveillance of carriers.
Corey expresses anger over a letter from James Lloyd, which declares that heat illness prevention program (hip) training is not...
2024-08-021h 38From A to ArbitrationEpisode 168: On to BostonThis pre-convention episode of From A to Arbitration begins with condolences for the recent murder of a Chicago letter carrier and then focuses on preparing listeners for the upcoming NALC convention in Boston. Corey clarifies that "From A to Arbitration Shirt Day" will be Wednesday, not Thursday, due to scheduling conflicts with other events. He provides updates on the 50/50 raffle for MDA (now accepting Venmo payments in addition to Zelle), and the convention t-shirt sales, which are doing exceptionally well. He announces upcoming podcast guests, including Tyler Vasseur, John Poskin, Jason Leath, Charlie Miller, and a pre-convention episode from...
2024-07-293h 21From A to ArbitrationEpisode 162: My rant, my union and the cold hard truth of who we work for. Not for the faint of heartThis episode is a passionate rant about the NALC's failure to adequately address management's harassment and abuse of letter carriers. Corey expresses intense frustration with the current leadership, particularly President Renfroe, whom he accuses of cowardice and dishonesty. He criticizes Renfroe's dismissive attitude towards concerns about carrier surveillance via GPS data and stationary event monitoring, arguing that Renfroe's responses minimize the issue and fail to acknowledge the resulting bullying and intimidation.
Corey shares numerous examples of management's actions, such as imposing arbitrary office time limits, issuing threatening scanner messages, and using GPS data to question carriers' activities...
2024-07-021h 22From A to ArbitrationEpisode 157: It will be the Wolf, James Henry. I set the record straight. My conversation with Region 2 National Business Agent Nicholas VafiadesThis episode of From A to Arbitration begins with the announcement that James Henry will be the CLC's presidential candidate. Corey expresses his surprise and positive impression of David Noble's previous interview and proposes a debate between Noble and Renfroe. He also announces an upcoming interview with Mike Caref.
Corey then clarifies the events leading to James Henry's selection as the CLC's presidential candidate, refuting misinformation about the process and emphasizing that the CLC's choice was made after a unanimous recommendation. He uses the metaphor of "cancer" to describe the internal conflict that led to Mike Caref's...
2024-06-101h 58From A to ArbitrationEpisode 154: Salted PeanutsThis episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate call to action and a detailed discussion of ongoing issues within the union, focusing on the need for a new leadership ticket and financial support for the "Concerned Letter Carriers" (CLC) initiative.
The episode opens with announcements of upcoming guests (David Noble, Nicholas Vafiades, and others) and previews a series of episodes focused on crucial issues. Corey immediately praises a shop steward, Joshua, for successfully obtaining financial compensation for his branch.
He highlights several upcoming meetings (including a Zoom meeting on June 2nd with Tyler...
2024-05-131h 21From A to ArbitrationEpisode 153: We've got a challenger. Going on the offensive dealing with management and stationary eventsThis podcast episode discusses a challenge issued by Nicholas Vafiades, a business agent, to debate positions live and unedited. Corey accepts and calls for other challengers. Corey expresses strong disapproval of the current union president, citing incompetence and a failure to address critical workplace issues. Specific criticisms include the president's refusal to take responsibility, inability to tell the truth, lack of remorse, and penchant for blaming others. Corey uses the case of Susie Miller, a shop steward whose son was unfairly treated by management and whose union failed to assist, as an example of the president's failures.
2024-05-061h 53From A to ArbitrationEpisode 152: EverythingThis episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on the recent vote on charges against the union president and Corey's frustration with the union's leadership. Corey criticizes the current leadership for incompetence and a lack of transparency, arguing that they have not adequately represented the city letter carriers.
The episode delves into the specifics of the vote, highlighting Corey's belief that the executive council's actions protect the president and diminish the letter carriers' concerns. He contends that the vote was a clear demonstration of a dismissive attitude toward the city letter carriers' issues. Corey notes that only...
2024-04-291h 04From A to ArbitrationEpisode 151: Publication 552 and the IMIP processThis episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on Publication 552, the Postal Service's policy on workplace harassment, and the Initial Management Inquiry Process (IMIP). Corey argues that management frequently fails to follow this policy, highlighting numerous cases where complaints were made but no IMIP was initiated.
He emphasizes that Publication 552 outlines management's responsibility in responding to complaints of harassment and that failing to follow this policy is a violation. Corey explains how to use this policy to the letter carriers' advantage in arbitration by highlighting specific sections and phrases like "must" and "all," underscoring the breadth of...
2024-04-2358 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 150: Salted peanutsThis episode of From A to Arbitration covers a variety of topics, including fan mail, personal experiences, and a detailed analysis of a specific arbitration case. Corey initially apologizes for a technical issue that caused an earlier episode to be deleted.
The main theme of the episode is Corey's frustration with the current union leadership and management's actions, focusing on the aggressive tactics used to pressure and control letter carriers. Corey specifically discusses the lack of accountability within the union and the disregard for letter carriers' rights. He highlights the need for education and advocacy to counter...
2024-04-221h 10From A to ArbitrationEpisode 148: Building A Fighting NALCThis 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...
2024-04-1549 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 147: Salted peanuts and a special guest. One man's redemption against Otis and stay puft.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...
2024-04-081h 07From A to ArbitrationEpisode 146: The Weir Report part 2This 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...
2024-03-3052 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 145: The Weir Report part 1This 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...
2024-03-291h 06From A to ArbitrationEpisode 144: Dereliction of duty and the neutering of our DRT.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...
2024-03-2452 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 143: Lions doing Lion type shit.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...
2024-03-181h 32From A to ArbitrationEpisode 142: Memphis mini-series part 4 'The closing'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...
2024-03-111h 41From A to ArbitrationEpisode 141: Memphis mini-series part 3: The Formal Step AThis 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...
2024-03-022h 55From A to ArbitrationEpisode 140: Memphis mini-series part 2This 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...
2024-02-261h 49From A to ArbitrationEpisode 139: Memphis mini-series. The Postal InspectorThis 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...
2024-02-181h 14From A to ArbitrationEpisode 138: Hey prez, step up for our B-Teams and other ramblings.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...
2024-02-131h 05From A to ArbitrationEpisode 137: everything you'll need for 'Act of God' grievances.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.
...
2024-02-051h 32From A to ArbitrationEpisode 136: For my friendThis 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...
2024-01-291h 25From A to ArbitrationEpisode 135: ACTIVISM!! My interview with Tyler Vasseur from Branch 9 in Minneapolis, a star in the making for the NALCThis 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...
2024-01-2252 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 134: Some salty salted peanuts. The grievance of the month-the 39-hour reportThis 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...
2024-01-151h 18From A to ArbitrationEpisode 133: Back inside the arbitration room. Closing arguments for management editing clock rings. Thanks to Cole Billups for his expertise.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...
2024-01-071h 44From A to ArbitrationEpisode 132: Our year-end review and what to expect for the new year.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...
2024-01-011h 10From A to ArbitrationEpisode 131: Assorted goodies and getting back inside the arbitration room via an emergency placement.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...
2023-12-181h 54From A to ArbitrationEpisode 130: Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured? Making sure we all have a seat at the NALC table!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...
2023-12-111h 12From A to ArbitrationEpisode 129: Let's TalkThis 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...
2023-12-0452 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 128: Salted PeanutsThis 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...
2023-11-201h 20From A to ArbitrationEpisode 127: Salted peanuts...kindaThis 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...
2023-11-131h 25From A to ArbitrationEpisode 126: Conditioning the frogThis 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...
2023-11-061h 07From A to ArbitrationEpisode 125: Salted PeanutsThis 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...
2023-10-301h 04From A to ArbitrationEpisode 124: Salted peanuts with an emphasis on Management instructing us to curtail mail forcing us into an undertime status.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...
2023-10-231h 35From A to ArbitrationEpisode 123: My opinion, The Observer, Management weaponizing the 1838cThis 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...
2023-10-161h 16From A to ArbitrationEpisode 122: Additional charges against our President and Executive Vice President. My pound of fleshThis 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...
2023-10-101h 24From A to ArbitrationEpisode 121: Salted PeanutsThis 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...
2023-10-021h 28From A to ArbitrationEpisode 120: Undertime and Management's new City Delivery Pivoting Opportunity Model (CDPOM) tool. Meeting management head on with their new "tool" and how to defeat it.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...
2023-09-2553 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 119: Grieving the Decision letter instead of the Notice of Proposed Removal. Beating management's timeliness argumentThis 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...
2023-09-1949 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 118: Effectively grieving tv screens on the workroom floor displaying our route data. Brought to you by members of Discord.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...
2023-09-1139 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 117: Let's get back into an Arbitration.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...
2023-09-041h 48From A to ArbitrationEpisode 115: The anatomy of a RemovalThis 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...
2023-08-212h 04From A to ArbitrationEpisode 114: Attacking Letter of Demands.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...
2023-08-141h 29From A to ArbitrationEpisode 112: Some tidbits. Article 18 No Strike. Shut that talk up.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...
2023-07-311h 46From A to ArbitrationEpisode 111: Some more muddled Bullsh*t and a refresher course on the past practice of doing union work, on the clock, at our union hall.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...
2023-07-242h 18From A to ArbitrationEpisode 110: Come at me broThis 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...
2023-07-181h 07From A to ArbitrationEpisode 109: It has officially hit the fanThis 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...
2023-07-101h 11From A to ArbitrationEpisode 108: The Charges. The warriors coming out to play.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...
2023-07-031h 21From A to ArbitrationEpisode 107: Everything you'll need to defeat roll-away run-away discipline.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...
2023-06-261h 51From A to ArbitrationEpisode 106: For our brother Eugene Gates Jr. Your passing will not be in vain.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...
2023-06-2345 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 105: I'm not the one, pony boy. Everything we need to beat stationary events discipline. Business agents quit selling us out.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...
2023-06-191h 23From A to ArbitrationEpisode 103: My ideology, Discussing the Arbitrators view on management requiring medical documentation for calling in sick 3 days or less.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...
2023-06-051h 32From A to ArbitrationEpisode 102: Fight for our safety and understand our rights.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...
2023-05-291h 20From A to ArbitrationEpisode 101: making sure we are playing chess and not checkers with our heat training grievance. salted peanuts and grieving certified mail in the dps.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...
2023-05-221h 58From A to ArbitrationEpisode 100: salted peanuts. Basics on the informal A meeting and the importance of 613 time not 513 time.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...
2023-05-151h 47From A to ArbitrationEpisode 98: Spicy salted peanuts with an emphasis on HERO training falsification.This episode focuses on grievances related to alleged management misconduct and the lack of support from the union. Corey begins by acknowledging JB Leath's absence due to baseball commitments and promises to cover the one-day count grievance in a future episode. He then dives into multiple listener emails and messages, detailing issues like management's alleged falsification of heat training records and attempts to enforce arbitrary time limits (e.g., one hour office time, 22 minutes loading time). Corey highlights a concerning pattern of management imposing new standards and policies without clear contractual basis, and without adequate union response. He critiques...
2023-05-012h 07From A to ArbitrationEpisode 97: Me & from A to ArbitrationCorey recounts a personal experience where he faced intimidation from postal inspectors and the subsequent decision to join the union. He now passionately advocates for letter carriers, citing numerous complaints about inadequate union support and management's attempts to reduce work time/load times through falsified training records.
Corey emphasizes that the union isn't always representing carriers effectively, leading to his confrontational tone and focus on filing grievances. He plans a future episode with JB focusing on grievances regarding improperly recorded training. He mentions a listener's concern about the negativity of the podcast and acknowledges that...
2023-04-2438 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 96: The possum or the Lion, which is it? Salted peanutsThis episode focuses on the perceived weakness of the NALC in addressing carrier concerns, likening the union to a possum, not a lion. Corey critiques the union's response to various issues, including management's increased monitoring (through memos and videos showing how to meet office time/load time standards), inadequate training documentation (including falsified records for heat illness prevention training), and the use of locally-generated forms that are inconsistent with the contract.
Corey emphasizes the need for the NALC to take a more assertive stance in defending letter carriers. He criticizes the lack of action from union leadership...
2023-04-181h 13From A to ArbitrationEpisode 84: Vincent Sombrotto - Captain my Captain!Corey expresses his frustration with the lack of strong leadership within his postal worker's union. He argues that the union lacks a powerful figure like Vince Sombrotto, a former leader whom Corey believes would not tolerate the current status quo of noncompliance from management regarding worker rights and contractual agreements. Corey highlights the financial burden incurred by management due to these violations, using examples of arbitration awards that cost the postal service hundreds of thousands of dollars. He suggests that greater public awareness of these issues, perhaps driven by a charismatic leader like Sombrotto, could force the postal service...
2023-01-3150 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 82: Eight is enough: Basics of Article 8. Authored by Chris Strickland & Jason Atchley. Narrated by Corey Walton
This episode focuses on Article 8 of a labor union contract. Article 8, which defines work hours, overtime, and pay guarantees, is very important but also very confusing for both employees and managers. Corey emphasizes the importance of understanding the literal meaning of the contract language: "Article 8 says what it says. It does not say what it does not say." To illustrate how the rules should be applied, Corey details specific scenarios about overtime assignments, schedule changes, and the rights of different employee classifications, like CCAs and PTFs. Corey ends by urging all shop stewards, the intended audience of...
2023-01-1652 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 74: My Dad, a removal, is your business agent a shepherd or a sheepherder? Dealing with relevancy letters.Corey discusses relevancy letters, removals, and formal step A meetings. He emphasizes the importance of the formal step A process as a critical juncture for building a strong case. Corey recounts a recent conversation with a carrier facing a removal, highlighting the importance of thoroughly understanding the controlling documents and asking clarifying questions to ensure a strong position. He emphasizes the importance of the carrier being aware of their rights and knowing they are correct, regardless of management's rhetoric. He also cautions against answering questions directly from management without union representation present. Corey details a specific removal case, where...
2022-10-311h 40From A to ArbitrationEpisode 62: The good, the bad, the ugly. M-01983This episode delves into a lengthy discussion of the M-01983 memo, which outlines the Technology Integrated Alternate Route Evaluation and Adjustment Process (TIEREAP). Corey begins by addressing listener feedback on his previous episode, emphasizing his dedication to the NALC and his desire for fair representation of letter carriers. He then transitions to the memo, detailing its extensive contents, including the process of appointing joint NALC-USPS teams for route evaluations and adjustments, data analysis procedures, and carrier consultations. Crucially, Corey highlights the importance of carriers being aware of potential management attempts to establish standards for timeframes in street work. The...
2022-08-012h 27From A to ArbitrationEpisode 61: I know what you did. Discussing the new memos. M-1982 M-1984This episode delves into Corey's response to new USPS memos (M-01982 and M-01984) concerning route adjustments, connecting it to a past grievance experience. Corey recounts a previous grievance where he possessed damning evidence of management using covert surveillance techniques, but the case was inexplicably dropped by the union, which he believes was due to internal collusion. This experience fuels his current anger towards the new memos, which he views as legitimizing the same surveillance tactics he fought against previously. He believes these memos, enabling management to scrutinize carrier data, are a direct result of his lost grievance. Corey plans...
2022-07-241h 27From A to ArbitrationEpisode 54: Ergonomics, my foot and protecting our brothers and sisters from long term injuryThis episode discusses ergonomics in the workplace, focusing on a 2014 grievance filed by Corey against management. Corey highlights the union's efforts to implement ergonomic policies, contrasting them with management's perceived disregard for worker safety, prioritizing cost-cutting over safety measures. The episode details numerous instances where management, despite agreements, failed to prioritize worker safety, leading to unsafe conditions. Corey details specific examples, like the removal of mail tubs and the use of wire cages, and Corey contends that these changes increased the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The episode emphasizes Corey's focus on protecting their colleagues and the union's role in...
2022-05-311h 25From A to ArbitrationEpisode 51: Special guest NBA Mike Caref, the challenge, The expert dissecting Article 16.7This episode of From A to Arbitration, hosted by Corey, features a special guest, Mike Caref, a National Business Agent from Region 3. The episode begins with Corey talking about the upcoming episode, which will feature JB, a National Business Agent from Region 3, who will be discussing the DOIS, 3996, and the PET. Corey then goes on to talk about a couple of grievances that he has received about votes, shop stewards, and the process of voting on shop stewards. He discusses how he would recommend that the shop steward is present during the vote count, as a way to ensure...
2022-05-081h 15From A to ArbitrationEpisode 50: Defining mitigating factors. Grieving unsafe scanner messages.This episode focuses on mitigating factors in grievances and a specific grievance related to unsafe scanner messages. Corey discusses the importance of worker safety, emphasizing that management's concern for safety is often only apparent during arbitration proceedings. He highlights a new shop steward's dedication and initiative, praising her approach to representing colleagues. Corey delves into the definition of mitigating factors, using personal anecdotes and examples from past grievances to illustrate factors such as a miscarriage, loss of a loved one, or an apology as potential mitigating circumstances. He emphasizes the importance of documenting these factors and utilizing them to...
2022-05-0247 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 38: The JSOV issue and remedy.This podcast episode focuses on the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace. Corey is explaining to shop stewards how to build a strong case file for grievances related to this statement, specifically in instances where management exhibits bullying or harassing behavior.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Joint Statement and utilizing relevant arbitration decisions to support arguments. Corey highlights a case from Arbitrator Bjork, which establishes that the Joint Statement is a legally binding agreement, and that management's failure to comply constitutes a violation.
Corey encourages stewards to take an assertive...
2022-01-3148 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 33: Article 31 information. Short but oh so sweetThis episode focuses on Article 31 of the National Agreement, which governs information requests during grievance cases. Corey explains that this article is closely linked to Article 17, which deals with the right of stewards to access information for grievance processing.
Corey emphasizes that when a shop steward encounters a situation where management fails to provide requested information, they should always include a violation of Article 31 and Article 17 in their issue statement.
Corey further explains that management is obligated to provide "all relevant information" necessary for the union to process grievances. This includes information outside of the...
2021-11-2924 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 32: Article 17 and our rights to requested information or as I like to call it the Mosquito, the deadliest killer of all.This episode discusses the importance of information requests in grievance cases. Corey argues that failure to provide requested information constitutes a serious violation of the collective bargaining agreement, potentially leading to the dismissal of the grievance.
Corey emphasizes that stewards have a right to investigate, adjust, and process grievances, including reviewing relevant documents, files, and records, as well as interviewing employees, supervisors, and witnesses. They also have the right to request time on the clock to conduct these activities. Corey encourages listeners to be assertive and request all necessary information, even if it requires going to higher...
2021-11-221h 06From A to ArbitrationEpisode 12: Article 35 and Defending Against Charges Due to Alcohol and Drug Addiction***GET C-01928***
Corey discusses how to defend carriers in charges related to the disease of alcohol and/or drug addiction. He emphasizes that the union should advocate for a corrective, rather than a punitive, approach when dealing with carriers facing discipline due to alcohol or drug abuse, as outlined in Article 35 of the collective bargaining agreement. He advises shop stewards to encourage the carrier to seek help through the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) first and foremost.
Corey also stresses the importance of challenging management when they use covert surveillance of carriers on the street (M-39 134.2...
2021-07-2433 minFrom A to ArbitrationEpisode 1: IntroductionCorey Walton, a 27+ year city letter carrier and shop steward since 2006, introduces his podcast "From A to Arbitration" aimed at helping people navigate the grievance process in labor organizations. He discusses the various handbooks and manuals used in the grievance process, including the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM), and the M-39 and M-41 handbooks related to city letter carriers.
Corey outlines the topics he will cover, including the informal and formal steps of the grievance process, the role of the B-Team (the second level of the grievance process), and arbitration. He shares his personal experience as a...
2021-07-0713 min