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.
Cites
ELM (Employee and Labor Relations Manual):
Section 8 (“Safety, Health, and Environment”): Mentioned as a source of language to incorporate into grievances.
Section 8-10 (“Occupational Safety and Health Program”): Detailed discussion on management’s responsibilities and commitments.
Section 8-11.1 (“Authority”): References the OSHA Act and employer responsibilities.
Section 8-11.21 (“Management’s Commitment”): Emphasized for its language on management’s commitment to safety.
Section 8-11.22 (“Vision Statement”): Quoted for its emphasis on the Postal Service becoming a leader in occupational safety.
Section 8-11.24 (“Safety Philosophy”): Referenced for its statements on preventing injuries and management’s primary responsibility.
EL801 (Supervisor Safety Handbook):
Section 1 (“Accident Prevention”): Specifically 1-1 (“Supervisors’ Responsibilities”) and 1-7 (“Keys to Good Safety Supervision”), including “Be enthusiastic about safety” and “Take effective corrective action.”
Postal Service Safety Philosophy within EL801: Quoted for its emphasis on preventing injuries and management’s primary responsibility.
EL802 (Executives and Managers Safety and Health Program Compliance Guide):
A section quoted for the Postal Service’s commitment to safety programs and accountability.
EL814 (Postal Service Policies): Cited for the Postal Service’s commitment to a safe and healthy environment.