Classes of Mail

Latest Episodes:

Getting Some Stuff off Our Chests Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

I have a medical update about my kidney issue. Spoiler alert: it's cancer. But it's not that bad, as far as cancer goes. Michael and I also talk about some stuff going on in our branch, and at the national level. Finally, we give a hearty endorsement of the new Table Two Ticket podcast.

EL-921 Continued. Setting Precedent Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

Michael and I read more from the EL-921, management's guide to handling grievances. This section covers precedent, and a few other items of interest.

The EL-921, Management's Guide to Handling Grievances Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

I've been looking forward to reading this one. It's management's playbook for how they're SUPPOSED TO handle grievances. It provides valuable insights into how the grievance process works, and how management is supposed to cooperate with stewards. This is part one of what will probably be three parts.

Michael and I Share Our Own Discipline Letters Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Both Michael and I have received discipline letters that are active now, for attendance. We read the discipline, and discuss at length how we would pick apart management's claims. We'll go over the relevant sections of the ELM, and we pull from a few additional sources.

Veteran's Benefits with Air Force Veteran Michael Brasaemle Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael joins me to talk about all the extra benefits that veterans have earned through their service. We also talk a bit about Michael's time in the Air Force.

Rich Discusses My Appeal at National, and the Branch Reply Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, my lifelong friend and listener favorite Rich joins me to talk about the appeal I have right now at the National Committee on Appeals. I read the entirety of my appeal, the entirety of the branch reply, and we comment on both. Not surprisingly, we find my arguments to be more compelling. Even so, we present the other side as written, and try to give their positions fair treatment.

Details and Plans for Our Upcoming Contract Rallies Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

I'm joined by Chris Persampieri (Next Generation Carriers), Graig Samoluk (President, Branch 334), and Derek Liemohn (BFN alternate steward, and newly minted full-time regular), to discuss plans for nationwide contract rallies in February of 2026. Now is the time to get the ball rolling if we want to have a better outcome in our next contract negotiations.

The Rest of the EL814 Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

There are important safety tips in this section including clarification of some controversial topics like curbing your wheels and wearing your shoulder belt.

EL-814 Section 1 through Section 6 Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

I've decided to do a reading of the EL-814, the Employee's Guide to Safety. It's full of interesting and useful information.

Michael Talks about Route Counts and Inspections (3999 and 1838-c) Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Michael talks about the proper use of the route count, the one-day count, and office observations.