This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate critique of the NALC’s leadership and management’s handling of heat-related safety issues, specifically focusing on the death of a letter carrier, Eugene Gates. Corey starts by acknowledging listener feedback and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement.
The core of the episode is an intense critique of the union’s leadership, particularly the president, for their perceived inaction and lack of advocacy on behalf of city letter carriers. Corey argues that the current leadership is not adequately representing the concerns of carriers regarding the dangerous working conditions, especially the heat-related risks. He accuses the president of being out of touch with the realities on the workroom floor and of failing to advocate for better working conditions, instead focusing on other issues. This criticism is specifically tied to the death of Mr. Gates, Corey asserting that management’s policies and the union’s failure to act contributed to his death.
The episode features Corey reading a newspaper article detailing the circumstances of Mr. Gates’ death and the employer’s subsequent, perceived lack of response. This article and the subsequent discussion are a central part of Corey’s critique, illustrating what he sees as the union’s failure to use these incidents to leverage change and educate their members. Corey calls for a more proactive and aggressive union stance on these types of safety concerns and critiques the lack of leadership.
The episode concludes with a call for action, urging listeners to take their concerns regarding working conditions to their local leadership. He advocates for a militant stance on grievances and emphasizes the need for unity and education within the membership to counter management’s tactics. The episode’s underlying message is a call for a shift in the union’s strategy to effectively represent the safety and well-being of letter carriers and to fight back against management’s abuses of power.