Classes of Mail

Eric Ellis is back with an important message about pending legislation in Congress that will affect our retirement age and our pensions amounts. Eric describes the legislation, and offers concrete steps letter carriers can take to protect ourselves. (Donate to LCPF!) We also talk about those solicitors who claim to be "retirement consultants," or whatever, and are trying to get their hands on your...

Michael joins me to talk about the abuses of power we endure, at the local level all the way up to national. And we offer solutions for how to deal with those abuses.

We answer your questions.

We're joined by Jenna Morin and Stephanie Lagreca to talk about their push for a special meeting to address the NALC's bargaining positions heading into the next contract. This is an important movement that aims to put the power of the NALC back where it belongs: with the membership. Here is the link to their upcoming Zoom meeting for branch presidents. The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 23, 20...

There are steps that everyday, regular letter carriers can take in order to affect positive change. Virgilio and I talk about what the actual process is for proposing resolutions for the National Convention, and for proposing bylaw changes in your branch.

In this episode, I wrap up Module 1 from the Carrier Academy. We talk about the scanners, and about using the time clock properly.

It's more good news for the good guys. While I was out on a date with my wife, Michael held down the fort at the general membership meeting. At that meeting, the defamation charges put forth by our branch's election chair were withdrawn.

Michael is in studio to talk about our successful decision regarding our branch elections.

Michael joins me to talk about some of the core dysfunctions of our union, and how we think they can be fixed.

Michael and I go over some victories we've achieved lately, and talk about what our future holds.

In today's episode, I read the actual decision of Arbitrator Nolan. He goes over the arguments that were made on both sides, which is pretty enlightening, and then details his decision.

Arbitrator Nolan issued his decision today, and it's binding, so that means we have a new contract. I'll read the NALC's article on the agreement, and share my thoughts along the way.

We're getting back to education here, and continuing on with the Carrier Academy. In today's episode, we go over the basics of using your scanner as a time clock. We also cover some principles of safety, with an emphasis on safe lifting. Finally, we read the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace, and we discuss its principles.

This is the conclusion to Michaels and my efforts to bring our branch officers into compliance with our Bylaws, the Constitution, and the election rules. Did the rule of law prevail... Listen to find out. (Spoiler: it prevailed in the sense that the Branch voted, and we will respect the expressed will of the Branch.)

I am again joined by Carlton Pinto and Brian Gutierrez of Branch 36 in New York City. They talk about what it takes to run for office, and why it's so important to be guided by a deep passion to help your fellow carriers and reform your branch. We get into some of the issues that their branch has in common with mine, and we offer guidance for those who are ready to get involved. Note: There was so...

The NALC gives great deference to the will of the Branch, and ensures that its members have the final word at the Branch level. Further, any appeals to decisions made by the Branch must have a representative from the Branch to rebut such an appeal, and to represent in writing the will of the Branch. My Branch president decided that he was in the best position to be such a representative. "I'm the...

A contract is only as good as its enforcement mechanisms. Abiding by the contract needs to be easier than breaking the contract. Michael joins me to talk about our own contract, and why it is that management finds it so easy to violate its terms.

On this episode, Michael and I give our reaction to Renfroe's Zoom meeting with Next Generation Carriers. We highly recommend you download it. Here's the link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZJPDJrE9wLdlSPjiiwlIL?si=KnyewvNNQl-Bsi5BASwyXg We also talk a bit about the threat of privatization.

Michael stopped in for a chat. This episode was recorded BEFORE the big news about expedited arbitration.

Today's guests are Carlton Pinto (candidate for president), Brian Gutierrez (candidate for executive vice president), and Tayry Vega (candidate for financial secretary), from Branch 36 in New York City. They are challenging an incumbent president who has been a branch officer for 30 years. We talk about some of the changes they want to make to the way the branch runs, and the way the branch respon...

Today's guest is David Grosskopf, president of Branch 3 in Buffalo. He talks to us about what it means to be a leader.

Failure to be regular in attendance is the number one reason carriers get disciplined at the Post Office. Michael joins me to talk about how you can avoid getting fired for calling in sick.

My letter to Renfroe, pleading for his help in restoring order to our branch, has been answered. A team of investigators appointed by the National Business Agent has been appointed to step in and take over ALL of our outstanding Article 10 charges, including the already-adjudicated charges against Michael and me.

Just listen. Holy crap. Oh, and be warned, the music come in a bit hot at the end of the episode. I'm still figuring out that part of the podcast.

OK, we all voted no. Good job, us! So what happens next? Chris Pennock comes on the podcast to talk about what we can do with the momentum we have.5