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.