Episode 131: Assorted goodies and getting back inside the arbitration room via an emergency placement.

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a closing argument and year-end review, covering both recent arbitration cases and broader union issues. Corey begins by thanking listeners and Discord members for their support, then previews upcoming topics (Act of God grievances and hour office time).

The core of the episode centers on Corey’s critical analysis of the union’s handling of recent cases and a broader critique of union leadership. Corey emphasizes the importance of a proactive and militant approach to dealing with management, arguing that the current leadership has been too passive and has allowed management to successfully circumvent union processes.

He presents detailed accounts of specific arbitration cases, including one where management tried to dismiss a grievance because it was not filed in accordance with a time frame, and another where a shop steward’s purse was stolen and the union didn’t adequately support her, emphasizing the need for better grievance procedures and protection of letter carriers. Crucially, he points out instances where management tried to manipulate the process and the union leadership either failed to act or acted in ways that didn’t protect the workers.

A significant portion is dedicated to criticizing the union’s current approach to non-compliance with grievance settlements. Corey stresses the union’s failure to enforce cease-and-desist orders as a major point of weakness.

He critiques the lack of transparency within the union’s leadership, particularly in negotiations. He notes the union’s financial strength while advocating for the prioritization of the letter carriers’ needs. He calls out the current leadership for perceived cowardice, poor handling of cases and a lack of support for their members. He links this critique to the notion of a “ground-roots uprising” as a means of driving change.

Corey concludes with a passionate and militant call for a strong union and a change in leadership. He previews future episodes on additional grievances and emphasizes his commitment to continuing the podcast’s focus on educating and empowering letter carriers to stand up to management.