Episodes

This podcast episode is about Article 16.1 of the National Agreement which deals with the “just cause” principle for disciplinary actions. Corey explains that the “just cause” principle requires management to have a fair and provable justification for any disciplinary action. He highlights that Article 16.1 specifies that discipline should be corrective rather than punitive. […]

This episode discusses the importance of effectively defending union members facing disciplinary actions. Corey emphasizes the need for shop stewards to act as strong advocates, going beyond basic representation and utilizing all available resources, including specific contract provisions, to build a robust defense. He argues that union representatives should not be “public defenders,” content with

This episode focuses on Article 16.10 of the National Agreement, which deals with employee disciplinary records and how this article can nullify discipline. Corey explains that management cannot cite disciplinary actions that are older than 2 years against an employee. He argues that management often uses this tactic and shop stewards should be aware of

This episode focuses on Article 16.8, which deals with review of discipline. Corey explains the importance of this article and how it can be used to challenge management decisions. Discipline is meant to be addressed by the immediate supervisor. He points out that in a suspension or discharge, it must be reviewed and concurred by

This episode is  about labor arbitration and how to use the M39 handbook, which is the management handbook used by the US Postal Service. Corey explains that section 115 of the M-39 handbook deals with discipline and how management should administer it. He emphasizes that management should always make every effort to correct a situation

This episode covers how to challenge management when they use criminal statutes against a carrier in disciplinary actions. Corey advises listeners to research any criminal statutes cited by management, as those statutes may not apply to the specific situation. He explains that in a formal grievance procedure, a carrier’s lawyer should argue for a higher

Corey explains Article 16.6 of the National Agreement, which deals with indefinite suspensions in crime situations. He explains that management can’t automatically put someone on indefinite suspension without giving them some notice. He also emphasizes the importance of a “nexus” or connection between the employee’s job and the crime for which they were arrested. He

Corey talks about Article 16.7: Emergency Placement. He emphasizes the importance of challenging emergency placements by filing grievances, highlighting four key areas of contention: immediacy (the action must be taken without delay), notification (the employee must be explicitly informed of the emergency placement), a detailed written charge, and the length of the placement (which cannot

Jason Atchley returns to discuss unauthorized overtime and discipline arising from it. He discusses what a carrier should do when faced with a workload over 8 hours, and highlights the importance of filling out a 3996, as well as leaving decision-making in management’s hands. He mentions that management should be filling out PS Form 1017,

Corey welcomes Jason Atchley to this episode. They discuss unauthorized overtime and how to defend against discipline related to it. Jason explains that there are two competing theories on discipline: single-track (where any violation can lead to immediate discipline) and multi-track (where discipline is progressive). The podcast focuses on the multi-track theory, which is based