From A to Arbitration

Latest Episodes:

Episode 191: My discussion with Mr. Mike Caref and the gang talking about the tentative agreement Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

This episode features Mike Caref and several other branch presidents discussing the recently released tentative NALC contract agreement. Caref begins by describing the events leading up to the announcement of the tentative agreement, including the canceled meeting of national business agents in Houston and the subsequent meeting in Washington D.C. He emphasizes the lack of transparency and member input in the negotiation process.

The group expresses their disappointment and anger with the tentative agreement, which they view as inadequate and disrespectful to letter carriers, particularly given the long duration of negotiations and the impact of inflation on their wages. They point out that the agreement offers little in terms of concrete gains for letter carriers and in some areas, even represents a step backward. They then highlight several key concerns: the insufficient pay increases (particularly for those in the middle of the pay scale), the continued existence of the CCA classification, the lack of meaningful improvements to the grievance process, and the absence of progress on issues like mandatory overtime and toxic work environments. The group discusses the implications of the agreement, such as the potential for a "no" vote and the need to go to arbitration if the tentative agreement is rejected. They specifically address the issue of management's attempts to impose an unrealistic one-hour office time limit and the utilization of GPS data to monitor and discipline carriers.

The discussion shifts to the planned October 14th contract rallies, emphasizing the importance of member mobilization and public awareness campaigns to pressure the USPS into negotiating a fair contract. The group members share their strategies for organizing the rallies in their respective regions and emphasize the need for coordinated action to maximize their impact. They note how the lack of transparency around the tentative agreement has already led to increased frustration among the members and are using that to generate momentum for the rallies.

The group members highlight the lack of leadership and accountability within the current NALC administration and express their support for the CLC's efforts to bring about change. They detail the ongoing efforts to mobilize support for the CLC's candidate, James Henry. They discuss the need for a more assertive and member-focused approach to bargaining, emphasizing the importance of utilizing all available tools and resources, including arbitration and public pressure, to achieve a fair contract. They close by urging members to remain engaged, informed, and prepared to vote against the tentative agreement if necessary and to participate in the upcoming rallies.

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Episode 190: My discussion with 'The Wolf' James Henry talking about the tentative agreement Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

This episode features James Henry, NALC vice president and CLC presidential candidate, delivering a prepared statement on the tentative agreement and responding to listener questions. Henry begins by acknowledging the widespread disappointment among letter carriers regarding the tentative agreement and expresses his own strong disapproval, stating he will vote "no" and urging others to do the same.

He emphasizes that the tentative agreement falls far short of what letter carriers deserve, failing to reflect their contributions and dedication, and he criticizes the lack of transparency and member input in the negotiation process. He highlights the fact that the agreement offers little improvement over the existing contract, and in some areas, represents a step backward, particularly when considering inflation. He uses the historical context of the 1970 strike to illustrate the inadequacy of the current agreement, demonstrating that adjusted for inflation, entry-level wages are lower now than they were then.

Henry addresses listener questions, explaining that the tentative agreement was presented to the executive council without prior discussion or a vote, further emphasizing the lack of transparency. He discusses accusations of falling asleep during meetings, attributing this to exhaustion from personal issues and heavy travel demands. He refutes allegations of misconduct from his early career, asserting his innocence and attributing any previous disciplinary actions to unjust targeting. He clarifies that his decision to run for president was not a result of any DEI initiative but rather a response to a moral obligation to fight for the rights and well-being of letter carriers.

He emphasizes the need for transparency in negotiations and stresses his commitment to keeping the membership informed about contract developments. He explains that his plan is to build a stronger, more member-focused NALC by actively involving the membership in the decision-making process, prioritizing their concerns and needs. He highlights the need for a more assertive and aggressive approach to bargaining with USPS and to address the noncompliance issues and the backlog of grievances that currently plague the union. He acknowledges the risk of going to arbitration, but asserts that the current situation warrants such a step. He emphasizes the importance of unity and encourages members to remain actively involved in the union, urging them not to leave the organization despite their frustrations. Henry closes by emphasizing the need to reclaim the union's historic commitment to fighting for its members and to ensure justice is served, even if it means taking a long-term perspective and potentially facing challenges in the coming years.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

https://concernedlettercarriers.com/

Episode 189: My thoughts on the tentative agreement Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

This 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 by citing the postal service's financial difficulties, emphasizing that the postal service's mismanagement is the root cause of its financial problems and that letter carriers should not bear the brunt of that mismanagement. He highlights specific areas of concern within the agreement: the retention of the CCA position, inadequate pay increases, and the lack of progress on issues like non-compliance, mandatory overtime, and toxic work environments.

He then details Mike Caref's filing of Article 10 charges against President Renfroe, emphasizing the importance of holding union leadership accountable for its failures. He describes the meeting of national business agents from which Caref was excluded, highlighting this as a further example of the union's disarray and lack of transparency. He urges listeners to contact their business agents to demand accountability for this exclusion.

Corey strongly criticizes the business agents' attempts to influence the membership's vote on the Renfroe charges, emphasizing the unethical nature of these actions and calling for disciplinary measures against those involved. He then shifts to discussing the planned October 14th contract rallies, emphasizing the need for member mobilization and public awareness campaigns to pressure the USPS into negotiating a fair contract. He encourages members to participate actively and to prepare for potential pushback from management.

Corey provides examples of management's tactics to pressure and intimidate carriers, such as imposing arbitrary office time limits, using scanner data for disciplinary actions, and threatening to deduct pay for stationary events. He provides detailed instructions for responding to such actions through the grievance procedure, including the use of M-1458 to challenge the use of GPS data as the sole basis for discipline. He then discusses the importance of educating members about their rights and responsibilities and urges members not to be intimidated into accepting unfair treatment.

Corey expresses his frustration with the current union leadership, emphasizing the need for a complete overhaul of the organization and a return to a more militant and member-focused approach. He closes by reiterating his commitment to fighting for the city letter carriers and urging members to vote against the tentative agreement. He promotes future episodes focusing on 6-day counts and encourages continued member involvement and engagement in the ongoing efforts to reform the NALC.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 188: A bit of chit chat and getting back into 6-day count. Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

This episode focuses on the implications of Mike Caref filing charges against NALC President Renfroe and the need for a more militant union approach to combat management abuses. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing the importance of supporting businesses that value letter carriers. He then addresses rumors about his own interaction with postal inspectors, clarifying that he was questioned but not arrested or disciplined.

The core of the episode centers on Caref's announcement of charges against Renfroe, citing Renfroe's negligence in contract negotiations, lack of transparency, and failure to adhere to convention resolutions. Caref details the process for handling the charges and emphasizes the importance of member participation in holding union leaders accountable. He stresses that the charges are intended to prevent Renfroe from being the chief negotiator in the next round of bargaining. He highlights the extended timeframe of negotiations and the negative impact of the lack of transparency on member morale and the union's ability to bargain effectively. Corey emphasizes the importance of a unified front against management and calls for greater member engagement in the process.

Corey then pivots to discussing the planned contract rallies on October 14th, emphasizing the need for proactive member mobilization and public awareness campaigns. He discusses the importance of using this opportunity to pressure the USPS into negotiating a fair contract and highlights the need for a more unified and assertive approach from the union leadership. He notes that many members feel demoralized and are considering leaving the union due to the prolonged contract negotiations and management's unwillingness to comply with contracts and agreements. He then pivots to discussing the need for greater accountability among union leadership.

Corey criticizes the current leadership's response to various issues, such as the falsification of HIP training records and the use of GPS data for disciplinary actions. He emphasizes the need for a more aggressive and proactive approach to grievance filing and contract negotiations, advocating for a return to a more militant union culture that prioritizes member needs and holds both management and union leaders accountable for their actions. He highlights examples of management misconduct such as the imposition of arbitrary time limits, the use of intimidation tactics, and the practice of taking unauthorized photographs of carriers' cases. He emphasizes that management's actions are driven by a desire to cut costs at the expense of carrier well-being and that this needs to be met with an equally forceful response from the union. He provides specific examples of grievances and arbitration cases where significant monetary awards were obtained, emphasizing the importance of seeking escalated remedies for non-compliance and of using cease-and-desist language in settlements. He stresses the need for a unified, national strategy for handling grievances and for greater member education on these issues. He concludes with a call for a complete overhaul of the union's leadership to replace the current “cowards and ass-kissers” with truly militant leaders who will prioritize the needs of city letter carriers.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 187: Charges against President Renfroe brought forward by Brother Mike Caref Oct 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Corey interviews Mike Carref about the ongoing contract negotiations with the US Postal Service. Mike expresses frustration over the lack of transparency and progress in the negotiations, particularly the absence of a tentative agreement and the delayed arbitration dates. He criticizes President Renfroe's leadership, highlighting his lack of communication with the executive council and the membership regarding the negotiations.
Mike details the charges he has filed against President Renfroe, accusing him of negligence and mishandling the collective bargaining process. He discusses the rationale behind the charges, including the president's failure to adhere to convention resolutions regarding transparency and his disregard for the membership's interests.
The episode also delves into the history of collective bargaining for letter carriers, emphasizing the significance of arbitration and the potential consequences of the current delays. Mike encourages listeners to join the charge against President Renfroe by signing a petition.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezkbOtAahTYh3nf5AcqDrBqD6IAw-plusYLutWBuXSCPta0g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 186: Mr. Caref, we got your back. Teaching our NBAs how to fight. Getting back into 6-day counts Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

This episode delves deeper into the complexities of 6-day counts, providing detailed information and analysis to help letter carriers prepare for upcoming route inspections. Corey begins with listener shout-outs and an advertisement for Brookfield Uniforms, emphasizing the importance of supporting businesses that are supportive of letter carriers. He then discusses a recent arbitration where he successfully defended a carrier against disciplinary action based on inaccurate GPS data, highlighting the need to challenge management's reliance on technology for performance evaluations.

The core of the episode involves a comprehensive review of several arbitration awards and a detailed explanation of the procedures and regulations outlined in the 2018 NALC Route Inspection Pocket Handbook. He stresses the importance of meticulous documentation, thorough preparation, and assertive advocacy in challenging management's actions during 6-day counts, and he provides a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in the route inspection process, emphasizing the importance of carrier participation in consultations and the need to challenge improper time deductions and the use of averages in evaluating routes. Corey emphasizes the need to challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary standards, especially when those standards are derived from expired memos, such as the TRAP memos.

Corey discusses instances of management's attempts to manipulate 6-day counts, such as imposing arbitrary office time limits, altering established work practices, and using intimidation tactics to pressure carriers into accepting under-time. He provides specific guidance on how to handle these situations, emphasizing the importance of filing grievances and challenging management's attempts to circumvent established procedures and contractual obligations. He provides specific examples of grievances that can be filed, emphasizing the importance of challenging management's use of scanner data for disciplinary actions and their attempts to impose arbitrary time limits on tasks and their use of local policies that contradict the national agreement. He highlights the critical role of shop stewards in educating carriers and ensuring their rights are protected and encourages members to actively challenge management's actions during 6-day counts. He provides detailed information on how to complete PS Forms 1838c, 1840, and 3999, emphasizing the importance of recording all relevant information accurately, highlighting the need to challenge management's attempts to use these forms for inappropriate disciplinary action.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the need for stronger union leadership and a more aggressive approach to combating management abuses. Corey criticizes the current leadership's inaction on key issues and emphasizes the importance of member education and mobilization in achieving meaningful change within the NALC. He promotes several resources for handling 6-day counts and encourages listeners to utilize these resources to effectively prepare for upcoming inspections. The episode ends with a call to action for members to stand up against management's abuses and to fight for their rights.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 185: Continuing our 6-day counts. A few awards Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

This 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 key excerpts, emphasizing recurring themes and providing valuable insights for stewards and advocates. He highlights management's frequent disregard for established procedures, the significance of carrier input in route adjustments, and the use of post-implementation workload data to demonstrate overburdened routes. Corey stresses the importance of strong language in grievance settlements, the need for thorough documentation, and the utilization of work hour workload reports to support claims of overburdened routes. He analyzes several cases, emphasizing how arbitrators addressed issues such as carrier input, management's misuse of signatures on forms, and the inclusion of CCAs in remedy calculations. Corey draws attention to how arbitrators ruled on management's attempts to deduct time for seemingly minor activities, such as picking up dropped mail or pausing to speak to a customer, emphasizing that these seemingly minor deductions add up significantly over time.

Corey then addresses several examples of management misconduct, including the imposition of unrealistic office and street time limits and the practice of taking unauthorized photographs of carriers' cases. He provides detailed grievance templates and sample contentions for addressing these issues. He stresses the importance of challenging management's use of technology for surveillance and disciplinary actions and urges members to document all instances of such actions and to use such documentation in grievances. Corey emphasizes the importance of carrier consultations and the need to actively participate and challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose arbitrary time standards. He stresses the importance of noting when management fails to provide necessary documentation and to challenge management's attempts to use signatures on forms as evidence of agreement. He further highlights how management often tries to justify time deductions based on perceived inefficiencies, emphasizing that this should be challenged based on the lack of a street standard.

Corey concludes by promoting resources for handling 6-day counts and encouraging members to proactively seek training and education. He reiterates the importance of using 6-day counts as an opportunity to challenge management's actions and secure significant monetary remedies for carriers. He ends by emphasizing the need for a more aggressive and unified union approach to combat management's ongoing abuses.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 184: Question and answer period with The Mr. Mike Caref. Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

This episode features a question-and-answer session with Mike Caref, focusing on his plans for the NALC presidency and addressing various concerns facing letter carriers. Caref begins by acknowledging the recent convention and expressing gratitude for the support he received. He then clarifies his position regarding the CLC, stating that while he is no longer formally involved, he maintains positive relationships with many members and remains open to future collaboration.

The Q&A covers a wide range of topics: Caref discusses his significant accomplishments and failures as a union representative, highlighting his success in securing settlements in the grievance process while acknowledging the shortcomings of the national executive council. He explains his vision for leadership, emphasizing the need for a more aggressive and member-focused approach. He states his priorities are to ensure that the union's actions are always transparent and clearly benefit the membership; to ensure that grievance procedures are efficient and effective; and to implement a strong and unified training program for all union members.

He discusses the importance of member participation in the upcoming election, outlining strategies for mobilizing the membership, especially among table 2 carriers. He addresses concerns about a potential split vote and the possibility of Renfroe's re-election, emphasizing that his priority is Renfroe's defeat, even if it means not securing the presidency himself. He outlines his plans for improving the grievance process, particularly addressing the backlog of cases at Step B, advocating for a more assertive approach to contract enforcement and for increased utilization of arbitration. He addresses concerns about the lack of transparency in contract negotiations and emphasizes the need for regular updates to the membership, advocating for open bargaining and a strong public campaign to build support for the union's demands. He also discusses issues such as start times, Sunday work, and the need to eliminate the CCA classification and ensure fair pay for all letter carriers. He emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term view to build a stronger union, and he closes by urging members to participate in the upcoming Columbus Day rallies and to join the BFN movement.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 183: The junkyard dogs. 6-day count continued Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

This 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 procedures, the importance of carrier input, and the methods for demonstrating overburdened routes. He particularly emphasizes the use of work hour workload reports to illustrate the impact of improper route adjustments. He stresses the need to use strong language in grievance settlements and highlights how arbitrators often consider carrier input in route adjustments and the inclusion of CCAs in remedy calculations.

Corey discusses several examples of management misconduct, including the practice of imposing unrealistic case time limits and taking unauthorized photographs of carriers' cases. He provides detailed grievance templates, information requests, and contentions for addressing these issues. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation, thorough investigation, and assertive advocacy to challenge management's actions. The episode includes detailed explanations of how to complete PS Forms 1838c, 1840, and 3999, emphasizing the importance of recording all relevant information accurately and of utilizing line item entries effectively. He provides specific guidance on how to challenge management's time deductions, emphasizing the need to document all activities and to maintain consistency in daily work practices during the inspection week. Corey repeatedly stresses the need to challenge management's attempts to manipulate data and impose unrealistic time standards.

Corey promotes resources for handling 6-day counts, including podcasts and YouTube videos, and encourages members to actively seek training and education to become well-versed in the relevant procedures and regulations. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of using 6-day counts as an opportunity to punish management for their incompetence and secure significant monetary remedies for carriers. He encourages listeners to remain vigilant, to prepare for the challenges ahead, and to stand united in their fight for fair treatment.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

Episode 182: My conversation with Rob and Calvin from Build a Fighting NALC (BFN) Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

This episode features Rob and Calvin from Build a Fighting NALC (BFN), discussing their movement and plans for the upcoming contract negotiations. They begin by recounting the successful contract rally held in Pasadena, highlighting the strong member participation and the role of BFN in providing organizational support. They emphasize that such rallies are crucial for reviving collective action within the NALC.

Rob and Calvin then outline BFN's strategy moving forward, focusing on building chapters across the country to create a more structured and sustainable reform movement. They aim to provide resources and training to help members become active participants in union activities, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement rather than a solely reactive approach. The creation of a new BFN website with resources and contact information is announced.

The conversation shifts to the importance of reclaiming the NALC's militant history, drawing parallels to the 1970 wildcat strike and emphasizing the power of rank-and-file mobilization. They highlight the need to counter the current leadership's passive approach, which they argue has led to member disengagement and ineffective contract negotiations. They emphasize the need for a more aggressive and transparent bargaining strategy, which includes open bargaining and a willingness to use the threat of a strike.

They discuss the need for a unified approach to addressing issues like low wages, poor working conditions, and management's non-compliance with contracts. They highlight the importance of educating members about their rights, empowering them to fight for better treatment, and building a stronger, more democratic union. They emphasize that this involves not just fighting against management but also challenging the existing union structure and leadership that has failed to adequately represent the rank and file. The conversation ends with a call to action for members to participate in the upcoming Columbus Day rally and to join the BFN movement.

http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

https://www.fightingnalc.com/

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