This episode concludes the four-part “Memphis Mini-Series” on From A to Arbitration, focusing on the closing arguments and arbitrator’s award in a complex arbitration case. Corey begins by summarizing the series’ purpose, emphasizing the practical insights it provides into arbitration proceedings.
He then previews upcoming episodes, detailing plans to dissect management’s tactics and advocate aggressively against them. This theme of proactive and assertive action against management permeates the discussion.
Walton highlights missed opportunities for powerful arguments in the recent arbitration cases, emphasizing procedural due process violations by management. He meticulously dissects the process, focusing on how the same individuals who initiated the discipline also participated in the grievance procedures, creating bias and jeopardizing the accused’s rights. This includes specific instances where Corey criticized management’s handling of information requests, lack of transparency in handling accusations, and their refusal to follow their own policies.
The episode then focuses on the arbitrator’s award, which partially upholds the union’s position. He points out specific language in the award that he uses to demonstrate the union’s success in highlighting management’s failures and lack of compliance with their own procedures and policies. Corey critiques the overall handling of the case and calls out specific individuals in management for their inaction and lack of accountability.
A significant portion is dedicated to explaining that the arbitrator’s ruling was based on a recognition of ongoing systemic issues in the Memphis installation. The arbitrator’s award included remedies like a conflict resolution committee to address the persistent problems. Corey strongly criticizes management’s resistance to these measures and highlights the union’s position that they’ve provided multiple avenues for resolution but were denied.
The episode concludes with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need for a unified and aggressive stance from the union against management’s perceived abuses, as Corey vows to continue advocating for letter carriers, predicting a future of heightened conflict and demands for accountability, and previews future episodes dedicated to dissecting management’s policies and tactics.