This episode of From A to Arbitration focuses on Publication 552, the Postal Service’s policy on workplace harassment, and the Initial Management Inquiry Process (IMIP). Corey argues that management frequently fails to follow this policy, highlighting numerous cases where complaints were made but no IMIP was initiated.
He emphasizes that Publication 552 outlines management’s responsibility in responding to complaints of harassment and that failing to follow this policy is a violation. Corey explains how to use this policy to the letter carriers’ advantage in arbitration by highlighting specific sections and phrases like “must” and “all,” underscoring the breadth of management’s responsibility.
The episode offers practical advice on how to utilize this policy in formal and informal grievance procedures, emphasizing the importance of documenting all interactions and complaints to demonstrate repeated violations. Corey stresses that management rarely self-polices and that the union must take the lead in addressing these issues, arguing that if an IMIP is conducted, the union should still scrutinize its outcome and ask for all related documentation.
The episode also touches on Corey’s personal experiences and responses to criticism, emphasizing his commitment to the letter carriers and his stance against retribution. He concludes by reiterating his commitment to fighting for the letter carriers and encouraging them to fight for their rights, advocating for a change in leadership within the union that prioritizes their interests.