Episode 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 behind a letter of demand, and argues that this constitutes a violation of the contract and a lack of due process.

The episode delves into specific arbitration case precedents, demonstrating that arbitrators have ruled against management’s use of letters of demand when insufficient justification was provided. This highlights Corey’s emphasis on the need for specific, actionable grievances and precise language in the union’s arguments to challenge management. Corey stresses that these cases are examples of how to effectively challenge management’s actions within the framework of the contract.

Corey discusses the importance of thorough preparation, citing examples of case files from previous episodes and highlighting the critical role of well-prepared union representatives in winning cases.

Corey emphasizes a crucial point – the union’s responsibility to protect its members from abuses of power by management. He criticizes the union leadership and business agents for not proactively educating carriers on their rights and how to effectively challenge management’s tactics. He concludes with a call for a more assertive union stance, advocating for a new regime focused on proactive education and protection of letter carriers. Corey provides specific advice on how to handle such cases in the future and a preview of topics for upcoming episodes, including additional grievances and the need for a stronger union leadership and representation.