From A to Arbitration – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This episode features Tyler Vasseur of Build a Fighting NALC (BFN) discussing the recently released tentative agreement and BFN's planned "Vote No" campaign. Vasseur begins by expressing his strong disapproval of the tentative agreement, characterizing it as a significant setback for letter carriers and emphasizing the need for a more assertive approach to contract negotiations. He outlines BFN's core demands: a $30/hour starting wage, raises for all steps, top pay comparable to UPS, a reduction in the time to reach top pay, full COLAs, and an end to mandatory overtime.

Vasseur then recounts BFN's growth and development over the past year, highlighting the increased support for open bargaining and the launch of BFN as a rank-and-file reform movement. He emphasizes BFN's commitment to building a more democratic and member-driven union, one that actively engages the membership in the decision-making process. He highlights BFN's position on the right to strike, emphasizing the importance of this as a tool for achieving better wages and working conditions and for holding union leadership accountable.

BFN's "Vote No" campaign is discussed, emphasizing the need for organized action rather than simply relying on momentum. Vasseur details the plans for an upcoming Zoom meeting to launch the campaign, highlighting the need for maximum unity among various reform groups to send a strong message to the NALC leadership. He outlines the campaign's strategies for mobilizing members, emphasizing the importance of direct communication, public rallies, and increased member participation. Vasseur discusses the creation of a new BFN website with resources for organizing rallies and other activities.

The conversation addresses concerns about the lack of transparency in the contract negotiations, the potential for members to feel pressured to vote "yes" on the tentative agreement despite their dissatisfaction and the need to counteract the potential influence of the existing leadership by empowering members to make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of their own needs and what they deserve. Vasseur emphasizes the need for a more assertive bargaining position, one that prioritizes the needs of the letter carriers, and he stresses the importance of utilizing all available resources, including arbitration, to secure a better contract. He underscores that the "Vote No" campaign is not simply about rejecting the tentative agreement; it's about building a stronger, more militant union that will actively fight for its members' rights in the years to come. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging members to join the "Vote No" campaign and to participate in the upcoming Zoom meeting.

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This episode features Mike Caref and several other branch presidents discussing the recently released tentative NALC contract agreement. Caref begins by describing the events leading up to the announcement of the tentative agreement, including the canceled meeting of national business agents in Houston and the subsequent meeting in Washington D.C. He emphasizes the lack of transparency and member input in the negotiation process.

The group expresses their disappointment and anger with the tentative agreement, which they view as inadequate and disrespectful to letter carriers, particularly given the long duration of negotiations and the impact of inflation on their wages. They point out that the agreement offers little in terms of concrete gains for letter carriers and in some areas, even represents a step backward. They then highlight several key concerns: the insufficient pay increases (particularly for those in the middle of the pay scale), the continued existence of the CCA classification, the lack of meaningful improvements to the grievance process, and the absence of progress on issues like mandatory overtime and toxic work environments. The group discusses the implications of the agreement, such as the potential for a "no" vote and the need to go to arbitration if the tentative agreement is rejected. They specifically address the issue of management's attempts to impose an unrealistic one-hour office time limit and the utilization of GPS data to monitor and discipline carriers.

The discussion shifts to the planned October 14th contract rallies, emphasizing the importance of member mobilization and public awareness campaigns to pressure the USPS into negotiating a fair contract. The group members share their strategies for organizing the rallies in their respective regions and emphasize the need for coordinated action to maximize their impact. They note how the lack of transparency around the tentative agreement has already led to increased frustration among the members and are using that to generate momentum for the rallies.

The group members highlight the lack of leadership and accountability within the current NALC administration and express their support for the CLC's efforts to bring about change. They detail the ongoing efforts to mobilize support for the CLC's candidate, James Henry. They discuss the need for a more assertive and member-focused approach to bargaining, emphasizing the importance of utilizing all available tools and resources, including arbitration and public pressure, to achieve a fair contract. They close by urging members to remain engaged, informed, and prepared to vote against the tentative agreement if necessary and to participate in the upcoming rallies.

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This episode features Rob and Calvin from Build a Fighting NALC (BFN), discussing their movement and plans for the upcoming contract negotiations. They begin by recounting the successful contract rally held in Pasadena, highlighting the strong member participation and the role of BFN in providing organizational support. They emphasize that such rallies are crucial for reviving collective action within the NALC.

Rob and Calvin then outline BFN's strategy moving forward, focusing on building chapters across the country to create a more structured and sustainable reform movement. They aim to provide resources and training to help members become active participants in union activities, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement rather than a solely reactive approach. The creation of a new BFN website with resources and contact information is announced.

The conversation shifts to the importance of reclaiming the NALC's militant history, drawing parallels to the 1970 wildcat strike and emphasizing the power of rank-and-file mobilization. They highlight the need to counter the current leadership's passive approach, which they argue has led to member disengagement and ineffective contract negotiations. They emphasize the need for a more aggressive and transparent bargaining strategy, which includes open bargaining and a willingness to use the threat of a strike.

They discuss the need for a unified approach to addressing issues like low wages, poor working conditions, and management's non-compliance with contracts. They highlight the importance of educating members about their rights, empowering them to fight for better treatment, and building a stronger, more democratic union. They emphasize that this involves not just fighting against management but also challenging the existing union structure and leadership that has failed to adequately represent the rank and file. The conversation ends with a call to action for members to participate in the upcoming Columbus Day rally and to join the BFN movement.

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Corey apologizes for a technical issue and expresses his dedication to educating and supporting union members. He emphasizes the importance of filing grievances as a powerful tool for union members to assert their rights and hold management accountable. He delves into Article 17 of the national agreement, providing a detailed explanation of steward rights regarding grievance investigation time and urging stewards to challenge management's unreasonable denial of this time. Through various anecdotes and case studies, he highlights the significance of meticulous documentation, thorough investigation, and knowledge of contractual provisions to effectively challenge disciplinary actions and protect workers' rights.

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Corey criticizes the lack of support and representation from union leadership, arguing that the root cause of this failure is a "lack of love." He emphasizes that love, in this context, means fiercely protecting and advocating for the rights of union members. He advocates for a ground-roots uprising, urging listeners to vote out ineffective union leaders and stand up for their rights. He concludes with an emotional appeal, expressing his love for the members and his frustration with the current state of the union!

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The episode centers around educating letter carriers about their rights, particularly regarding grievances against management. JB emphasizes the importance of meticulous documentation, using examples like clock rings and tax reports to support grievance claims. He also encourages letter carriers to be aware of their rights as outlined in the M-41 handbook, especially regarding PM office duties and the processing of undeliverable mail. Ultimately, JB advocates for a unified workforce, urging letter carriers to support each other and utilize the grievance process to ensure fair treatment and adherence to contractual obligations.

20:00 Identifying falsified clock rings

43:00 defeating management's 5-minute pm office duties

1:00:00 defining the Part-Time Flexible (ptf)

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Corey details an account of a significant arbitration case in Memphis. He emphasizes the case's importance due to the "toxic working environment" in the Memphis installation, a situation the union repeatedly attempted to address. A key aspect of their success was the meticulous preparation and presentation of their case, particularly by Jason Atchley, whose expertise is applauded. The arbitrator's decision, a testament to the union's efforts, mandates the Memphis installation to cease its hostile work environment, provides EAP services for all employees, and establishes a conflict resolution committee. Corey celebrates this victory for the Memphis postal workers while acknowledging the unfortunate tragedy that precipitated it.

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National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Business Agent, Mike Caref joins the show. Caref emphasizes the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations with the United States Postal Service, arguing that letter carriers deserve a contract that addresses their fundamental needs. He outlines significant issues including low starting pay, mandatory overtime, and disregard for contractual obligations by USPS management. Caref believes that the current contract fails to adequately address these issues and urges NALC members to demand a contract that improves their quality of life, threatening to vote against any agreement that falls short. He expresses optimism about President Renfroe's leadership while calling on members to hold their union representatives accountable for securing a fair and equitable contract.

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Corey provides a passionate analysis of Article 8 of the National Agreement, detailing its complexities and emphasizing the importance of "muscle memory," or a deep familiarity with the contract, for effective advocacy. He criticizes union leadership for inadequate communication and support, particularly regarding issues like mandatory overtime and stationary events, arguing that this lack of guidance forces carriers to seek information from unreliable sources. He encourages listeners to utilize all available resources, including past grievance settlements and compliance letters, to challenge management violations and protect their rights.

26:00 Article 8

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Corey dedicates a significant portion of the episode to informing listeners about their rights as postal workers, particularly focusing on strategies for navigating workplace disputes and challenging unfair management practices. Corey emphasizes the importance of understanding contractual obligations, using specific examples like Article 41 (concerning temporary supervisor positions) and the procedures outlined in Publication 552 (related to workplace harassment). The episode underscores his commitment to advocating for workers' rights and providing them with the tools to protect themselves against potential exploitation.

12:00 stationary events

31:30 management forcing carriers to buy personal clothing

C-11163 Talmadge

C-08170 Rentfro

C-13221 Erbs

49:00 204b's circumventing Article 41 120days/4-months

C-05230 Jacobowski

C-13823 Scearce

1:13:00 Postal Service Policy on Workplace Harassment, Publication 552/IMIP process dealing with unruly Management

C-30829 Bowers

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