This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate discussion on Corey’s frustration with management tactics and the union’s response. Corey begins by acknowledging a recent technical difficulty and previews upcoming episodes on emergency placement and time record falsification grievances.
The episode’s core focus is on Corey’s critique of the NALC leadership for perceived inaction and insufficient support for letter carriers. He argues that management is strategically using certain processes, like 1838Cs (efficiency counts), to intimidate carriers and unfairly exert control over their work schedules. He also criticizes management for not adequately preparing the union to handle these tactics.
He discusses the importance of carriers understanding their rights concerning 1838Cs and the need for union representatives to proactively educate and support their members against potential abuses of power.
Corey presents several examples from various arbitration cases. He cites instances where management may have violated the contract but that the union didn’t adequately respond, highlighting the importance of having clear and specific arguments in grievances and arbitrations. He emphasizes the need for the union to proactively challenge management’s actions by citing relevant contract language, precedents, and past arbitration awards as a means of bolstering the union’s position.
A central theme of the episode is Corey’s dissatisfaction with the union’s passive response to management’s aggressive tactics. He advocates for a more proactive, educated, and unified response from the union to hold management accountable. Corey stresses the importance of a stronger union stance and highlights the need for immediate action to counteract management’s perceived abuses. The episode ends with a preview of future episodes and a call to action, encouraging listeners to educate themselves and prepare for future challenges.