From A to Arbitration

Latest Episodes:

The Lion's Den Episode 12: The Battle over our Office. PET and DOIS Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In 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 Operations System).

Corey reiterates his focus on route protection and explains that PET and DOIS are central to this discussion. He elaborates on how these systems are used to set unrealistic expectations for carriers, particularly regarding office time and street performance, often disregarding fixed office duties, breaks, and individual circumstances. He shares his frustration with management's ignorance of established procedures and prior arbitration decisions, such as the lack of a street standard and the prohibition of using single-day counts for discipline.

Corey then provides extensive grievance advice, referencing key legal and contractual documents that carriers and stewards can use to combat management's misuse of PET and DOS. He cites National Level Settlements M-01769 and M-01664, which clearly state that projections from these tools are not the sole determinant of a carrier's workload and cannot be used as the basis for discipline. He also references M-00304 and M-01444, which address the lack of street standards and the prohibition of using PET or DOIS as the sole basis for discipline. Corey emphasizes the importance of documenting everything, including carrier statements, management's words, and the actual conditions of the route, and advises carriers to request copies of all relevant forms, like the 3996 and 1017b.

He critically analyzes the management's perspective heard in the audio, pointing out their focus on numbers over carrier well-being, their disregard for carrier injuries and requests for breaks, and their failure to follow proper procedures for performance evaluation and documentation. Corey stresses that management's actions, particularly the directives from upper management to use PET and DOS despite their flaws, directly contribute to a hostile work environment.

Corey concludes by expressing his dedication to fighting these issues, promising that when the CLC takes over, they will have specialized teams well-versed in OSHA, grievances, and confronting management's ignorance and abusive practices. He reiterates his deep love for the city letter carriers and his unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being, urging them to protect themselves and to rely on the union for support and education.

concernedlettercarriers.com

The CCA Corner Volume 14: BFN's CCA Summer Campaign Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Mallory and Badmouth host a roundtable discussion focused on the Building and Fighting NALC (BFN) initiative, CCA Summer, and organizing CCAs. They begin by acknowledging the loss of fellow carriers Jacob JT Taylor and Dan Workman, stressing the dangers of the job and the importance of looking out for one another.

The core of the episode centers on the BFN's "CCA Summer" program, aimed at providing support and education to CCAs, particularly on Amazon Sundays, where they often face demoralizing conditions, lack of information, and limited union presence. Chris Persampieri from Branch 34 Boston, along with Ryan Miller and Dennis Carson, details how they initiated their outreach by showing up at Amazon Sunday locations with coffee and donuts, educating CCAs about their rights, pay, and the importance of union involvement. They discovered a significant knowledge gap among new CCAs regarding basic union functions and contractual benefits.

Ernest Gonzales from Branch 421 San Antonio and Cesar Hernandez from the same branch discuss their efforts in Texas. Ernest highlights the BFN's national platform, fightingnalc.com, and the available resources like informational flyers and scripts for organizers. Cesar emphasizes the importance of reaching out to CCAs and RCAs, especially in underserved areas of Texas, and the need for a union presence that understands their specific struggles. He speaks about the necessity of having representatives who share similar backgrounds and languages, like himself, to effectively organize and advocate for members.

The roundtable highlights the challenges of organizing due to the demanding nature of the CCA job, the lack of consistent union support in some areas, and the deliberate tactics used by management to divide employees. They stress that even small gestures, like offering water or simply being present and available, can make a significant difference. The need for CCAs to know their rights regarding breaks and scheduling, and to utilize union representation for any issues, is reiterated.

The conversation also touches on the importance of state associations and congressional advocacy, with a call to action to support HR 1065, the Postal Police Reform Act, which aims to provide better protection for letter carriers. There's a discussion about the ongoing fight for better wages and working conditions for CCAs, with BFN advocating for an all-career workforce and a $30 per hour wage. The episode concludes with plugs for various podcasts, upcoming events, and resources for those interested in getting involved in organizing and union activism.

https://www.fightingnalc.com/cca-summer-materials

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Episode 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 NRLCA Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Corey 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 key articles from the National Agreement (Article 14 and Article 19), the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM 8-Safety, Health, and Environment), and handbooks like EL801 and EL814. These sections highlight management's responsibilities and commitments to providing a safe working environment, which Corey stresses are vital for grieving management's failures. He specifically points out language regarding management's commitment to preventing injuries, their responsibility for employee well-being, and the requirement for training.

He addresses common questions and issues raised by carriers concerning heat, such as broken air conditioning in offices, managers denying breaks, and the misuse of stationary time. Corey provides practical advice for carriers, including how to use PS Form 1767 to report hazards, the importance of documenting all interactions with management, and how to handle situations when denied breaks or assistance. He criticizes management's disregard for carrier safety, particularly when it conflicts with production numbers, and vows that the CLC, if elected, will create specialized teams to address these issues and hold management accountable.

Corey then transitions to his interview with Pam Donato, who shares her extensive background in the union, starting as a steward in 1989 and progressing to branch president and a special assistant at NALC headquarters. She discusses her work in community outreach and her decision to join James Henry's CLC slate for the upcoming election, driven by a shared vision for a stronger, more responsive union. Pam expresses her belief in the power of the city letter carrier movement and her commitment to rebuilding the NALC.

Following Pam's segment, Corey interviews James Brennan, a candidate for President of the Rural Carrier union. James echoes Corey's sentiments about the need for a fighting spirit, addressing toxic work environments, and holding management accountable. He criticizes the current leadership for their detachment from the craft and their handling of contract negotiations, highlighting specific instances of perceived failures. James emphasizes the importance of solidarity between city and rural carriers and calls for a unified effort to improve working conditions, fair pay, and management accountability. He stresses the need for updated union information systems to better support stewards and carriers. Both Corey and James express their shared goal of creating a union that actively fights for its members and makes a positive impact on the workroom floor.

fromatoarbitration.com

The Lion's Den Episode 11: Dealing with PET Part One of our Mini-Series Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In 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 toxic work environment. He plans to play a snippet of this audio in future episodes, provided it doesn't compromise the source.

Corey then thoroughly explains PET, its purpose, and its limitations, emphasizing that it consistently assigns the same street time regardless of mail volume and fails to account for essential office tasks. He details how PET projections are used to create an unfavorable "office time" metric, automatically putting carriers at a disadvantage. He also explains how management uses PET and other tools like DOS (Delivery Operations System) to justify disciplinary actions, despite national-level settlements like M-1769 and M-1664 that state these projections are not the sole determinant of a carrier's workload or return time.

Corey provides extensive grievance advice for situations involving PET, including proper issue statements, facts to document, and relevant contractual provisions and settlements. He stresses the importance of carriers verbally informing management if they cannot complete their routes in eight hours, requesting a PS Form 3996 (Carrier Auxiliary Control), filling it out completely with detailed reasons, and keeping a copy. He advises carriers not to argue with management but to politely ask for instructions and to call back to the office for clarification if needed, always documenting these interactions. He also touches upon the misuse of PS Form 1571 (Undelivered Mail Report) when management instructs carriers to curtail mail, and the denial of 3996 requests based on PET projections, particularly in the context of "auto-pivot" plans.

He criticizes the union's current leadership for not adequately addressing these issues and for the perceived inadequacy of DRT (Dispute Resolution Team) decisions, which often seem to favor management. Corey expresses his deep frustration with the "establishment" within the union, accusing some of prioritizing their positions over the well-being of city letter carriers. He vows that if elected EVP, he will lead a militant union that actively confronts management and addresses these issues, prioritizing the carriers and creating a safe and harmonious work environment. He draws an analogy to the movie "300," emphasizing the need for the union to take the fight to postal management rather than waiting for problems to arise.

Corey reiterates his commitment to the city letter carrier and his determination to bring about change, encouraging carriers to prepare for upcoming route inspections and to stand up for their rights. He ends by expressing his love for the city letter carriers and assuring them that better days are coming when the CLC ticket, with James Henry as president, takes over. He also announces his upcoming appearances on other podcasts and his continued dedication to addressing heat safety and route protection issues.

concernedlettercarriers.com

The CCA Corner Volume 13: Heat Safety Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this emergency episode of "The CCA Corner," Mallory and Badmouth address the critical issue of heat safety, prompted by the recent passing of two union brothers, Jacob JT Taylor and Dan Workman, due to heat-related causes. They emphasize the increased danger of the job, especially during heat waves affecting various regions. The episode features extensive information sourced from OSHA, CDC, EPA, and carrier experiences, with a disclaimer that they are not medical professionals.

The hosts detail the symptoms and first aid for heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke, stressing the importance of recognizing signs like confusion, dizziness, and elevated body temperature, and calling 911 immediately. They also introduce less commonly discussed heat illnesses like Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo), heat syncope, and heat cramps. The discussion covers medications and pre-existing conditions that increase susceptibility to heat illness. They stress the importance of consulting doctors about these risks. Practical advice is provided on what management can supply (ice, water, electrolyte powders, cooling towels, sunscreen, fans) and what carriers can purchase themselves, such as coolers, water jugs, lightweight clothing, cooling vests, extra socks, and personal fans. They advocate for framing these items as safety gear to management and utilizing the union for procurement if management is unresponsive. Tips for staying cool include drinking plenty of water and electrolytes, preferably cold, and consuming hydrating foods like fruits and lightly salted snacks. They advise against chugging water and recommend avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine. They also cover using cooling towels on pulse points, feet in ice water, and exploring accessible air-conditioned spaces.

Mallory shares her personal experiences with heat illness, crying from heat stress being her trigger to seek cooler temperatures, and finding relief through various cooling methods. Morris emphasizes the importance of hydrating the night before, drinking fluids consistently throughout the day, and using electrolyte supplements. He also shares tips on keeping coolers cold and utilizing wet wipes or makeup remover wipes for hygiene.

The episode stresses the importance of documenting heat exposure and conditions on 3999s, taking breaks diligently, and never refusing water offered by customers. They highlight the value of building a community through group chats to check on fellow carriers and sharing resources like accessible restrooms or cooling spots. They also mention the NALC's Heat Illness Prevention Program and the new Employee Retention Program, which allows consultation with other carriers about route conditions.

Finally, they conclude with a solidarity soapbox, encouraging CCAs and all carriers to look out for each other, offer water and support, and to push for necessary breaks.

Episode Summary

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Episode 245: A Feather in the Wind and More Safety Talk Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

The 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 held accountable.

Corey then reads two documents provided by Manny Peralta, NALC's Director of Safety and Health. These documents detail the USPS's Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) for 2025, outlining training requirements, responsibilities for management, and emergency procedures. The materials emphasize the importance of calling 911 for heat-related illnesses and the need for carriers to look out for one another. Corey highlights the stark contrast between these official safety guidelines and the actions of some managers. He also shares a list of letter carriers who have tragically died due to heat-related illnesses in recent years, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

Corey reiterates his commitment, if elected EVP, to address these safety concerns and management's misconduct. He vows to target negligent managers and supervisors, using grievances and OSHA complaints to make examples of them and change the culture within the Postal Service. He expresses his unwavering stance against the establishment and his dedication to prioritizing the city letter carrier, stating that he will not change his principles, even if it means not being elected.

Corey concludes by expressing his deep love and concern for the city letter carriers, emphasizing that their safety and well-being are paramount. He encourages carriers to continue supporting each other, as their union leadership has largely failed them. He promises to handle the "establishment bullshit" and assures listeners that the CLC ticket, with James Henry as president, will bring integrity and a focus on the carriers back to the union.

fromatoarbitration.com

Lion's Den Episode 10: Final reading of the 6-day count Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

In 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 listeners on how to interpret the data, compare existing and adjusted route values, and identify potential discrepancies or validations needed. He stresses the importance of comparing totals between reports and documenting any time changes or territory transfers, referencing the Form 1840 Reverse. He also points out the critical detail that allied time does not automatically transfer and must be manually moved by management.

Corey provides detailed explanations of each section within the Route Summary Report, including possible deliveries, allied time, street time, office time, priority time, and total route time. He also breaks down the allied time details, explaining loading, travel to, travel from, travel within, deadhead, and relay times, noting that relays often have zero time associated with them, which may indicate an issue. He highlights the Territory Transfer Summary Report's utility in arguing against scheme changes that management may not have minimized as required.

Looking ahead, Corey announces that the following Wednesday's episode will focus on "route protection," a crucial topic for new stewards preparing for September 1st, when new processes may be implemented. He also mentions his continued commitment to heat safety during the summer months, sharing his personal experience with a walking route and the significant difference in heat exposure compared to riding routes. He advises listeners to stay safe, hydrate, and take breaks as needed, emphasizing that their health and safety are paramount.

Corey announces upcoming podcast guests: John Murphy from Next Generation Carriers for a discussion on heat safety on Sunday the 13th, and Pam Donato from the CLC ticket, whom he describes as a strong advocate for city letter carriers. He concludes by thanking his listeners, encouraging them to prioritize their safety and hydrate, and jokingly congratulating them on becoming "official union nerds" for listening to all the episodes.

Concernedlettercarriers.com

Episode 244: Integrity and touching on HIPP Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In 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 management's alleged negligence, such as a carrier being placed on emergency placement for calling 911 during a medical emergency. Corey also highlights a positive example of an MPOO (installation head) who instructed supervisors to deliver electrolytes and allow carriers to cool down in staff cars, contrasting this with a manager who reportedly stated that additional breaks are only permissible when the temperature reaches 110 degrees.

Corey shares advice from a thirty-one-year carrier, emphasizing the importance of documenting all communications with management, requesting CA-1 forms when feeling ill, and taking necessary breaks. He relays the senior carrier's analogy of being the captain of one's own ship, encouraging carriers to prioritize their safety. He reiterates his commitment, if elected EVP, to target managers who issue dangerous directives and create toxic work environments, promising to bring the full force of the NALC to bear on such individuals.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Corey addressing allegations made on Mike Caref's podcast. Corey refutes claims about his integrity, particularly regarding a 50/50 raffle at the Illinois State Convention. He clarifies the situation, explaining that he bought tickets and instructed the organizer to give any winnings to James Henry, and that the organizer thanked him for his support. Corey expresses disappointment that his attempt to do something nice was politicized and distorted, and he criticizes Mike Caref for allowing lies about him and James Henry on his podcast. Corey asserts his unwavering commitment to the city letter carrier craft and his anti-establishment stance, emphasizing that he will not compromise his principles, even if it affects his electoral prospects.

The episode concludes with Corey re-emphasizing the critical nature of heat safety, urging carriers to hydrate, take breaks, and prioritize their well-being. He expresses his love for the city letter carriers and his determination to protect them, promising to address political matters and hold those accountable who spread lies.

fromatoarbitration.com

Episode 243: A discussion with the Rural Carriers from United We Scan Podcast. United We Stand, Divided We Crawl Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In 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 those related to heat. He expresses frustration with management's response to the heat, the lack of air conditioning in LLVs, and the need for proactive measures to protect carriers. He also highlights public concern for postal workers' safety and the perceived incompetence of postal management.

The podcast then delves into the core topic: the low voter turnout for a tentative agreement. Corey explains that social media and increased educational efforts, including podcasts and Zoom calls, were crucial in mobilizing city letter carriers to participate in union matters, unlike in the past. He contrasts this with the perceived apathy in the rural carrier craft, attributing it partly to the evaluated route system, which encourages individual focus rather than collective action. Corey stresses the importance of "love" and unity within the union, arguing that these qualities are essential for protecting members and driving change. He criticizes the current leadership for prioritizing financial gain over the well-being of the craft and calls for a new generation of leaders who are committed to fighting for the carriers.

The discussion continues with an examination of the NALC's handling of the tentative agreement, with Corey detailing the promises made and ultimately not kept regarding wage increases and an all-career workforce. He expresses disappointment with President Renfroe's leadership and the arbitration process. The conversation broadens to include the struggles of CCAs, the differences in delivering mail compared to past decades, and the lack of appreciation shown to postal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels to a previous incident where carriers received Lifesavers as a reward.

They then address the issue of comparable work and how arbitrators value postal work, suggesting that UPS and FedEx are more appropriate comparisons than previously thought, given the increasing parcel volume and the demands of the job. The conversation highlights the need for union solidarity across different crafts and the importance of active participation in union affairs, such as conventions and local meetings, to effect change. The episode concludes with final thoughts, emphasizing the critical importance of hydration, safety, and unity, and reiterating the message that carriers must stand up for themselves and their craft to ensure a better future.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/6657441934270929/

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The Lion's Den Episode 9: More 6-day count Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "The Lions' Den," Corey continues his in-depth discussion on six-day route counts, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and utilizing various postal handbooks and forms like the M-39 and M-41. He highlights specific sections within these handbooks that empower carriers and shop stewards to challenge management's actions, particularly regarding office time, street time, and the proper handling of parcels. Corey stresses the need for meticulous documentation and paying close attention to details on forms like the 1838-C and 1840-B, as these are crucial for building grievances and protecting carriers' rights. He points out how management might attempt to manipulate these procedures, and provides guidance on how to identify and counter these tactics. Corey also touches upon the significance of heat safety, referencing past grievances and union strategies to protect carriers during hot weather. He reiterates that the city letter carrier's health and safety are paramount and encourages members to be informed and proactive in protecting themselves and their colleagues. The episode also mentions the importance of utilizing resources like Discord and Reddit for information sharing and support within the union. Corey highlights the upcoming CLC initiatives and expresses his commitment to educating and empowering members.

concernedlettercarriers.com

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