In this episode, Corey Walton joins Josh and Bill to discuss various issues affecting postal workers. Corey begins by mentioning his appearance on the “United We Scan” podcast, a rural carrier podcast where he discussed the city letter carriers’ movement to change union leadership. Josh describes the oppressive heat and the challenges of working in an LLV without air conditioning, emphasizing the need for carriers to take breaks when necessary, regardless of management’s directives. He also touches upon route adjustments and how they are working in his favor. Bill, a retiree, shares his experiences handling various office situations, particularly those related to heat. He expresses frustration with management’s response to the heat, the lack of air conditioning in LLVs, and the need for proactive measures to protect carriers. He also highlights public concern for postal workers’ safety and the perceived incompetence of postal management.
The podcast then delves into the core topic: the low voter turnout for a tentative agreement. Corey explains that social media and increased educational efforts, including podcasts and Zoom calls, were crucial in mobilizing city letter carriers to participate in union matters, unlike in the past. He contrasts this with the perceived apathy in the rural carrier craft, attributing it partly to the evaluated route system, which encourages individual focus rather than collective action. Corey stresses the importance of “love” and unity within the union, arguing that these qualities are essential for protecting members and driving change. He criticizes the current leadership for prioritizing financial gain over the well-being of the craft and calls for a new generation of leaders who are committed to fighting for the carriers.
The discussion continues with an examination of the NALC’s handling of the tentative agreement, with Corey detailing the promises made and ultimately not kept regarding wage increases and an all-career workforce. He expresses disappointment with President Renfroe’s leadership and the arbitration process. The conversation broadens to include the struggles of CCAs, the differences in delivering mail compared to past decades, and the lack of appreciation shown to postal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels to a previous incident where carriers received Lifesavers as a reward.
They then address the issue of comparable work and how arbitrators value postal work, suggesting that UPS and FedEx are more appropriate comparisons than previously thought, given the increasing parcel volume and the demands of the job. The conversation highlights the need for union solidarity across different crafts and the importance of active participation in union affairs, such as conventions and local meetings, to effect change. The episode concludes with final thoughts, emphasizing the critical importance of hydration, safety, and unity, and reiterating the message that carriers must stand up for themselves and their craft to ensure a better future.