From A to Arbitration

Corey L Walton
  • 4.9 (562)
  • EDUCATION
From A to Arbitration

A Union Representative's in-depth Guide to the Dispute Resolution Process

  1. 1D AGO

    Lion's den: episode 4 6-day count

    concernedlettercarriers.com

    50 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Episode 237: Sisters Jenna and Stephanie talk about the call for a special convention. I read two really good decisions.

    This episode begins with Corey's expression of gratitude to listeners and acknowledges the shift in his podcast format, now under the banner "The Lions' Den," a new name. Before moving on to his discussion of cases, Corey introduces two special guests: Jenna and Stephanie, who are actively involved in efforts to instigate a special convention within the NALC. He then gives a brief rundown on what it means to prepare and when, with a good overview of Robert's Rules of Order. During their interview, Jenna and Stephanie highlight the importance of the upcoming meetings for a special meeting, calling for all branches to send a letter requesting the meeting. The two women's main focus is ensuring that the voices of the membership are heard. Then, the episode proceeds to discuss two particularly valuable arbitration decisions and provides examples of when the union has gone and gotten the city letter carriers back pay. The First Case tackled a "new argument at Step B" situation, where management had introduced a new argument at Step B, and shows the importance of thorough preparation and a strong argument. The Second Case: The second decision focuses on the issue of "hour office time." Corey details the specific circumstances of the case, where management tried to implement a policy of a one-hour office time limit, leading to increased pressure and disciplinary actions against the carriers. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the union, emphasizing that the enforcement of such a policy without proper adherence to the contract violated the agreement and proper time practices. In addition, he discusses the remedy ordered and its impact. He then discussed a few key points from a grievance that could be helpful in any instance. He reviews article one as a base foundation, and violations of section 131 and 41 of the M-41, showing how to request to use the 3996 and how it can be violated. Memos and letters from management are all key for winning in this type of grievance. A main theme is that the union's goal should be a high level of integrity, as well as the importance of, especially in the case of new carriers, knowing what their rights are and not taking what management says at face value. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

    2h 49m

  3. MAY 8

    The Lion's Den Episode 3: 6-day Count

    This episode of The Lions' Den focuses on six-day route counts. Corey starts by discussing the importance of documenting any street-waiting time on the form 1838-C and emphasizes that management is likely to try and manipulate street time. He provides a detailed explanation of various aspects of the M-41 and M-39 handbooks related to package delivery, focusing on the correct procedures to ensure accurate time recording. He stresses the significance of using the 3996 when requesting additional time and highlights the importance of being familiar with the relevant regulations. Corey stresses how to prepare and document the 3996 for the day of a grievance. Corey reads from a decision from arbitration of what the law is and tells the letter carriers the 3996 is what you do for your hours. He says the carriers have to remember who is going to provide an audit trail for management of their DOIS system and what must be entered. The episode emphasizes again that management can not dictate what you do; you have the right to be a part of the process. The episode concludes with a reminder about the ongoing importance of accurate record-keeping in the context of six-day counts and that they should be documenting. www.concernedlettercarriers.com

    38 min
  4. The CCA Corner Volume 11: Checking In With James Henry

    MAY 6

    The CCA Corner Volume 11: Checking In With James Henry

    In this episode of "The CCA Corner," Mallory and Badmouth are joined by James Henry to discuss current issues and provide education for CCAs. The discussion begins with an update on recent events within the NALC, including the contentious tentative agreement (TA), and James Henry's perspective on leadership's handling of the membership's wishes. The focus then shifts to the rights of CCAs during disciplinary investigations (PDIs or IIs), emphasizing the crucial role of union representation. James Henry stresses the importance of CCAs understanding their rights, particularly their right to union representation throughout the entire process, and that management's questions can be seen as attempts to manipulate or trap carriers into incriminating statements. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and direct answers during such procedures. The episode covers the differences in disciplinary rights between CCAs and regular carriers. James Henry details the CLC's efforts to advocate for CCAs and the importance of member solidarity, highlighting recent additions to the team. The discussion touches on the political climate's influence on the Postal Service and the importance of collective action. A significant portion of the episode focuses on the vital role of union representation in defending CCAs, whether they're perceived as innocent or guilty. James Henry emphasizes the importance of upholding due process rights and citing the contract, and how management's attempts to pressure carriers into admitting guilt can be legally challenged. The episode concludes with a discussion of upcoming events and initiatives within the CLC, urging CCAs to be proactive in advocating for their rights. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

    1h 29m

  5. MAY 6

    Episode 236: Spineless

    This episode features a passionate and critical discussion of the state of the NALC, with a primary focus on a recent executive council meeting. Corey begins by emphasizing that he is now speaking as the CLC's Director of Education, a deliberate shift to focus exclusively on educational topics, and then dives into the core subject of the episode which is a candid discussion about what he perceives as a constitutional crisis within the union. He criticizes Renfroe for his arrogance, which is damaging and divisive. He highlights an audio recording from a business agent, discussing why they dismissed charges against Renfroe and Barner. Corey then reads the text of the actual charges filed against President Renfroe and Executive Vice President Barner, which included allegations of failing to report official acts, neglecting convention resolutions, failing to initiate arbitration timely, bypassing required membership ratification, and failing to provide a complete report of acts. Corey argues that this was a violation of the constitution, and he has strong criticism for the Executive Council, accusing them of putting themselves before the best interests of the members. Corey ends by reiterating his call for the city letter carriers and the union to make changes and support those advocating for reforms. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

    59 min

  6. MAY 6

    Episode 235: It will be "The Hammer" Rob Kosier as the next Director of City Delivery.

    Corey focuses on the future of the NALC, particularly with the upcoming change in leadership. He welcomes Rob Kosier, the next director of city delivery for the Concerned Letter Carriers slate, to discuss his priorities and vision for the role. Corey shares his admiration for Kosier's passion, his ability to connect with other letter carriers, and his strong work ethic. Corey highlights what he believes is essential for a director of city delivery: a love for the city letter carrier, a strong backbone, and a no-nonsense attitude. Corey and Rob discuss the value of experience, specifically that experience on the workroom floor, and how, as a director of city delivery, he will use that experience to combat the issues impacting carriers, such as the implementation of autopivot tools and ensuring the accuracy of work time. Corey also addresses the challenges of maintaining and defending the current provisions within the union. Corey also discussed issues of respect and what is needed to address the issues of the postal service. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

    45 min

  7. MAY 1

    The Lion's Den Episode 2: 6-Day Count Training

    In this "Lion's Den" episode, Corey delves into the specifics of six-day mail count inspections, focusing on how to combat potential management manipulation of route adjustments. He details how management might strategically remove routes before a six-day count to reduce their labor costs, and encourages carriers to document every step of this process. Corey emphasizes the importance of meticulous record-keeping, citing specific sections of the USPS handbooks (M39 and M41) as well as past arbitration decisions. He urges listeners to gather evidence showing that management has not conducted the required annual route and unit reviews, as outlined in the handbooks, to demonstrate the potential for unfair adjustments and reduced carrier workload. He lays out the precise steps carriers should take to document instances of alleged mismanagement and overreach during route count inspections, including the careful examination of forms like 1838C, 3999, and 1840 to challenge potentially improper time deductions. Corey's central theme in this episode is the need for detailed documentation and the aggressive pursuit of grievances against management, particularly in cases of improper or incomplete route evaluations, which are critical to the process of a six-day count. He emphasizes the importance of building a collective defense by gathering evidence, and the need for meticulous attention to detail in every step of the six-day count process to ensure management adherence to contract provisions. Corey also discusses the case from Sherry Rose Talmage and its relevance to red line policies. He emphasizes again that letter carriers must be diligent and proactive during route inspections and challenges. http://www.concernedlettercarriers.com/

    46 min

  8. APR 28

    Episode 234: The pig, Tojo Yamamoto and defeating managements 'auto pivot' tool

    In this episode, Corey dives deep into the "autopivot" program, a new management tool impacting six-day counts. He details how this program, based on existing USPS systems (DOIS, 3996), potentially violates several articles of the collective bargaining agreement, specifically Article 1, procedural fairness, by pre-populating forms that should be requested by the carrier and filled out on the spot. He argues that management is using this tool to circumvent existing procedures and potentially manipulate carrier workload data. He provides a detailed breakdown of the program's mechanics, highlighting the sections of the M39 and M41 handbooks that he believes are being violated. He emphasizes that the tool, in its present form, allows management to make unilateral decisions concerning workloads and assignments, thus potentially undermining the carrier's rights. The episode further highlights the pervasive pattern of alleged management dishonesty and the union's need to counter these tactics through careful documentation, detailed grievances, and assertive advocacy. Finally, the episode features several shout-outs and announcements about upcoming events and the ongoing campaign by the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) slate, reiterating a call for membership unity and active engagement in the 2026 election, emphasizing that the city letter carriers are not going to be subjugated to management tyranny. fromatoarbitration.com

    1h 26m
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4.9
out of 5
562 Ratings

About

A Union Representative's in-depth Guide to the Dispute Resolution Process

Information

  • Creator
    Corey L Walton
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    255
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 by Corey L Walton
  • Show Website
    From A to Arbitration

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