From A to Arbitration

This episode discusses the importance of using tenure as an argument against discipline. He encourages listeners to use the "bank of goodwill," which refers to years of good service, in their arguments. Arbitrators often hesitate to discipline long-term carriers due to their tenure. He suggests including seniority dates on the PS Form 8190 to inform the advocate of the carrier's tenure. He urges l...

**PAGE 16-3 pg 254 JCAM examples of behavior** Corey continues his discussion on how to defend carriers against discipline after an accident, this time focusing on the concept of "corrective rather than punitive" discipline, as outlined in Article 16 of the JCAM. He again advises stewards if the branch president was not notified, it's a violation of due process. He also encourages shop stewards to...

Corey continues to discuss how to defend carriers against discipline related to accidents. He emphasizes the importance of Article 41.3P of the JCAM, which requires management to promptly notify the branch president after a vehicle accident. Failure to do so violates due process and provides a strong argument for the carrier. He highlights two boxes on PS Form 1769, “Serious Accident”...

This episode is the first in a series of episodes focusing on accidents and how to defend carriers against management actions after an accident. Corey highlights the importance of union representation at the scene of an accident, noting that management often tries to gather information and build a case against the carrier without giving them the opportunity to be present or to have representation....

Corey continues discussing attendance-related discipline, specifically focusing on the concept of "deemed desirable and restricted sick leave." He explains that management uses this to discipline carriers, but it's often a weak argument. He points out that the ELM provision 513.361 states that a carrier is only required to provide documentation for their absences if they are on restricted sick lea...

Corey discusses a specific type of attendance-related discipline, "deems desirable and restricted sick leave." He points out that management often tries to circumvent the process by simply stating that the carrier was given a discussion about their absences, even if this isn't accurate. He highlights the importance of challenging these claims by the shop steward, suggesting the use of the ELM (Emp...

Corey talks about the importance of attendance-related discipline in the grievance process. He points out the low success rate of the union as well as the difficulty of these cases, suggesting they are often won or modified in arbitration. He encourages shop stewards to challenge the validity of any "official discussion" claimed by management, as a formal discussion is required for minor offenses,...

This episode focuses on the charge and discipline process in labor grievances. Corey emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the charge itself, ensuring it is accurate and supported by the documentation provided by management. He advises shop stewards to examine the charge thoroughly, ensuring that every detail is correct and that the investigative interview covered all aspects of the charge, an...

Corey explains the importance of understanding the "official discussion" requirement in Article 16.2 of the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM). He explains that management is required to have a formal, private discussion with an employee before issuing discipline for a minor offense. He highlights how management often misrepresents these discussions, claiming they occurred when they actua...

Corey explains what to do when a carrier receives discipline from management. The most important initial step is to have the carrier sign the disciplinary notice, as management has been known to use a carrier's refusal to sign as a reason for discipline. He then dives into the importance of requesting information during the informal Step A stage, stressing that the shop steward should request ever...

Corey discusses the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Postal Inspectors, highlighting their tendency towards dishonesty. He shares his experience with their investigations and argues that they often act on behalf of management with the aim of finding carriers guilty. He emphasizes that even though postal inspectors may seem intimidating, they are still bound by the contract and should be held...

Corey discusses the importance of the investigative interview in the grievance process, and how a poorly conducted interview can jeopardize the entire case. He stresses the importance of the carrier's right to a pre-interview consultation with a shop steward prior to the investigative interview. Corey describes the procedure for what the steward is to expect and how to conduct their business durin...

All about the shop steward and advice from Corey to stewards, including certification via Article 17, the workroom floor environment, work ethic and integrity, an individuals reputation as a credible and reliable source, understanding our handbooks and manuals (M-41 and M-39), and time sensitivity behind a grievance case. Corey discusses the importance of being a good shop steward. He emphasizes t...

Corey Walton, a 27+ year city letter carrier and shop steward since 2006, introduces his podcast "From A to Arbitration" aimed at helping people navigate the grievance process in labor organizations. He discusses the various handbooks and manuals used in the grievance process, including the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM), and the M-39 and M-41 handbooks related to city letter carriers...