This episode of From A to Arbitration covers a variety of topics, including fan mail, personal experiences, and a detailed analysis of a specific arbitration case. Corey initially apologizes for a technical issue that caused an earlier episode to be deleted.
The main theme of the episode is Corey’s frustration with the current union leadership and management’s actions, focusing on the aggressive tactics used to pressure and control letter carriers. Corey specifically discusses the lack of accountability within the union and the disregard for letter carriers’ rights. He highlights the need for education and advocacy to counter management’s initiatives.
He dedicates time to fan mail, including a response to a critical listener who accused him of making a homophobic remark. He uses the occasion to explain his personal experience with the difficulties of discussing his son’s sexual orientation. His message emphasizes unconditional love and understanding.
The episode then delves into the detailed analysis of an arbitration case where Corey highlights serious due process violations by management, including a concurring official who was heavily involved in the investigation and later acted as the formal step-a designee. Corey points out inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the manager’s statements and actions as significant flaws in the arbitration process. He argues that the arbitrator’s decision in this case is problematic due to these violations and the fact that the charges were not properly investigated or related to letter carrier duties.
Corey further criticizes the union leadership for not adequately addressing these issues and for allegedly hiding information from the membership. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of Publication 552 (the Postal Service’s policy on workplace harassment) in future arbitration efforts and previews the next episode dedicated to a detailed analysis of Publication 552.