This episode of From A to Arbitration continues the “Memphis Mini-Series,” focusing on the testimony of three witnesses in an arbitration case. Corey begins by thanking Cole for contributing to the podcast’s intro music and discussing improvements to the audio quality. He then previews the upcoming topics, including a special guest next week and the continuation of the aggressive stance against management.
The episode delves into the testimony of three witnesses in the Memphis arbitration case, highlighting Corey’s tactics and concerns. The first witness, a station manager, is characterized as largely irrelevant, with little useful information being gleaned.
The second witness, a supervisor allegedly targeted by the grievant, is presented as a problematic figure for Corey. Corey criticizes this witness, arguing that their testimony contradicts the case file evidence and, that their testimony lacks specifics and shows inconsistencies.
The third witness, a 204B, is criticized for allegedly providing perjured testimony, which Corey presents as an example of the tactics management uses to undermine the union and the grievances of letter carriers. Corey expresses frustration that this witness was not forthcoming with information crucial to the case, highlighting how this type of deceptive testimony can jeopardize the union’s position.
The episode concludes with Corey emphasizing the need for careful documentation, thorough preparation, and assertiveness in dealing with these types of cases, including the need for the union advocate to know the case documents better than the management witnesses to overcome potential management bias. He emphasizes that the union’s representatives should anticipate potential management tactics and have prepared responses to counter them. Corey foreshadows future episodes focused on the case’s closing arguments, predicting a difficult but necessary fight for the union to win. He ends the episode with passionate calls to action, urging listeners to prepare for a potential battle against management and a new leadership direction for the NALC.