This episode of From A to Arbitration previews a forthcoming episode with guest JB, focusing on the “one-hour office time” policy. Corey discusses a recent Zoom meeting on “Building a Fighting NALC,” highlighting the importance of unity and collective action within the union.
Corey emphasizes the current precarious position of the NALC, critiquing the union leadership’s perceived lack of leadership and engagement with the issues facing letter carriers on the workroom floor. He contrasts this with the need for a strong, proactive leadership that actively represents and mobilizes members. He connects this to the theme of love and unity within the union, suggesting that members must support each other despite disagreements.
Corey discusses the importance of social media and existing podcasts like Fed Up as tools for members to engage in discussions about union issues. He critiques the current leadership, comparing them to a leader in a battlefield scene who refuses to fight. He suggests that the current leadership lacks the necessary understanding and experience with the practical day-to-day issues faced by letter carriers, resulting in management’s aggressive and unsupported implementation of the one-hour office time policy.
Corey also criticizes the union for not having a contract, and implies this weakness is contributing to the problems faced by letter carriers. He discusses the importance of proactive responses to management’s actions, citing the need to collect and use evidence (like documented work hours, interviews, and questionnaires) to demonstrate the unreasonableness of management’s one-hour policy. He encourages members to be vigilant and united in their approach. He also announces the upcoming episode’s focus on Publication 552 and the IMIP process, as well as a planned episode analyzing a recent arbitration case Corey lost. He concludes by reiterating his love for the letter carriers and his commitment to fighting for their rights, advocating for a more unified and aggressive stance by the union.