Corey begins by apologizing for removing a Saturday episode and explains his intention to keep “The Lion’s Den” episodes focused. He starts with shout-outs, first to Mallory, and then to Badmouth Morris, a friend and advocate for city letter carriers who is currently facing hardship and has a GoFundMe. He also thanks Branch 3792 in Midland, Texas, and acknowledges David Bryant from Iowa for his advocacy.
Corey then expresses his strong disagreement with the notion that the NALC provides sufficient education to all its members, citing feedback from individuals who learned more from his podcast than union meetings. He contrasts this with the extensive educational efforts of James Henry, the current CLC candidate for president, whose responsibilities have reportedly been stripped due to his candidacy. Corey passionately defends James Henry against what he describes as a smear campaign, highlighting Henry’s extensive resume and vision for change within the union. He criticizes the current leadership and those who oppose Henry, accusing them of clinging to the status quo and using divisive tactics.
Corey then explains the reason for deleting his Saturday episode: extreme anger stemming from a video of a young female carrier in Chicago who brought her children to work in her vehicle. While acknowledging the carrier’s actions were wrong, Corey empathizes with her situation, imagining her struggles with childcare and attendance, and her potential reliance on the promises made by the current president regarding pay increases. He sees this as a reflection of the broader issues faced by carriers, such as financial hardship, attendance-related discipline, and the union’s leadership failing to deliver on promises. This empathy and anger led to a highly charged episode he felt compelled to remove.
Corey reiterates that management is the “enemy” and describes their tactics as dishonest, disloyal, and harmful to carriers. He criticizes the misuse of tools like PET, DOIS, the 16.7, and scanners, as well as the weaponization of attendance policies and the hijacking of the grievance procedure, citing examples of management refusing to settle grievances or falsifying documentation. He contrasts this with James Henry’s vision for a more aggressive, educational, and transparent union, emphasizing the “Dogs of War” initiative to tackle toxic work environments and other issues by holding management, including district managers and AVPs, accountable. Corey expresses his excitement for the upcoming changes under the CLC, promising to educate all members, not just stewards and advocates, and to be transparent with live Zoom sessions. He encourages listeners to educate themselves and volunteer for the new teams being formed.