This episode of From A to Arbitration is a passionate call for members to adopt a more aggressive stance against management and within the union, emphasizing the need for a change in leadership. Corey begins by apologizing for technical difficulties and immediately shifts to discussing recent arbitration cases.
Corey critiques the union’s handling of these cases, noting missed opportunities to make compelling arguments against management. He emphasizes the need to be proactive and assertive rather than passive, urging a “lions doing lion type shit” approach in all future union dealings. He contrasts the current leadership’s style with a more forceful approach that he advocates for.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a discussion of the importance of procedural due process, using examples from specific arbitration cases to illustrate how management may be violating those processes. Corey meticulously details specific examples of how the investigating, requesting, and concurring officials were all involved in previous stages of the grievance procedure, arguing that this lack of independent review is a procedural violation that should be used in future cases.
Corey then analyzes the memos and policies established by management, arguing that these documents explicitly state a commitment to workers’ rights but are not being followed in practice. He points out instances where management has not adhered to this commitment in multiple documented grievances, highlighting the disconnection between policy and practice. He challenges the current leadership on their role in enabling these violations.
He also responds to listener concerns about his personal financial handling of donations from shirt sales, assuring listeners that all proceeds go to designated charities. The episode ends by reiterating the need for a unified and assertive approach to challenging management and advocating for a new leadership ticket. Corey also previews future episodes, focusing on Publication 552 and possible audio from union meetings.