From A to Arbitration
Episodes
Episode 56: The rooster and the hens. Defeating the charge of AWOL on a non-scheduled day.
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the issue of being charged with AWOL (Absent Without Leave) on a non-scheduled day. Corey explains that this is an impossible ...
Episode 55: How to deal with a toxic co-worker. Protecting your flock
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the challenging topic of dealing with toxic coworkers in the workplace. Corey emphasizes that while addressing such issues is ...
Episode 54: Ergonomics, my foot and protecting our brothers and sisters from long term injury
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses ergonomics in the workplace, focusing on a 2014 grievance filed by Corey against management. Corey highlights the union's effor...
Episode 53: Paying homage to my mentor Lew Drass & the wolf James Henry. Dealing with heat related grievances: everything you'll need to file a successful grievance against management.
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the importance of carrier safety, particularly in relation to heat-related illnesses. Corey starts by wishing a happy retireme...
Episode 52: Rated MA, my heart, JB the dog trainer dealing with Dois, Pet, 3996 and red line policy. See description below for subject matter start times
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode features JB, who expresses concern about management overreach and emphasizes the importance of union education. JB criticizes man...
Episode 51: Special guest NBA Mike Caref, the challenge, The expert dissecting Article 16.7
08 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of From A to Arbitration, hosted by Corey, features a special guest, Mike Caref, a National Business Agent from Region 3. The episode beg...
Episode 50: Defining mitigating factors. Grieving unsafe scanner messages.
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on mitigating factors in grievances and a specific grievance related to unsafe scanner messages. Corey discusses the importance o...
Episode 49: The saga of the Formal Step A. Being the King and Queen of your installation
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corey talks to shop stewards about the importance of the formal Step A meeting in the grievance process. They emphasize that this step is crucial be...
Episode 48: The inmate and The Informal Step A meeting. Be about that action
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corey talks about the importance of the informal Step A meeting in the grievance process. He emphasizes the need for new shop stewards to understand w...
Episode 47: The autobiography & the greatest Holiday Scheduling breakdown ever recorded. Narrated by Jason 'JB' Leath
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses how to approach grievances related to holiday scheduling. They emphasize the importance of building a strong case file with det...
Episode 46: Bad ass Bresee, the test, and discussing Article 5 & Past Practice grievances.
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corey talks about past practice grievances and how they are often successful in arbitration. He discusses the importance of understanding the concept ...
Episode 45: Jeremy McCall, The Patriot, the white pages and defeating the WOO and DOV
27 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses the concept of "dispatch of value, window of operation" and explains how management uses it to justify violating Article 8 of t...
Episode 44: The Dispatch Of Value (dov) the Window Of Operation (woo) and my Grandson. Beating the WOO & DOV
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corey discusses the concept of dispatch of value, window of operation and how management uses it to justify violating Article 8 of the national agreem...
Episode 43: General Hospital, AJ Breaux, Lake Charles and the escalated monetary award. Wrapping up the request for an escalated remedy
13 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on escalated monetary awards in arbitration cases related to the noncompliance with cease-and-desist orders by management. Corey ...
Episode 42: The cease and desist, the four ways stop and the night stick. Dealing with an escalated monetary award.
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on understanding and utilizing escalated monetary awards in grievance arbitrations. Corey emphasizes the importance of documentin...
Episode 41: The fruit basket, the sell, and Deems Desirable. Jason Leath goes in depth on Deems.
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
JB joins to discuss the complex issue of "Deems Desirable," a policy allowing supervisors to request medical documentation for absences of three days ...
Episode 40: Last Chance Agreements (LCA) & The Arbitration
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Corey discusses the complexities of "last chance agreements" (LCAs), legal documents that offer employees a final opportunity to maintain employment...
Episode 39: Final episode of the JSOV. Management's position. The Rant, The 300, The Snitch and The Coward
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode focuses on the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace, and the importance of knowing the right arguments and r...
Episode 38: The JSOV issue and remedy.
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode focuses on the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace. Corey is explaining to shop stewards how to build a str...
Episode 37: Yellow Jackets, the Lion, and Documentation for the JSOV
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode focuses on the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace, a crucial document for stewards handling grievance case...
Episode 36: A prelude to the JSOV. A pep rally for the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace.
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode is a follow-up to a previous episode on opting, a process within a union contract that allows eligible employees to take on a vac...
Episode 35: Opting: the most advanced and thorough hold down training available; presented by Jason Leath.
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the topic of opting in a union contract, specifically on how to navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls. Corey and Jaso...
Episode 34: Wrapping up discipline and putting it all together. The devastator, the journey, and the squirrel
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the importance of the informal step A meeting in grievance cases. Corey argues that this initial meeting is crucial, as it's o...
Episode 33: Article 31 information. Short but oh so sweet
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on Article 31 of the National Agreement, which governs information requests during grievance cases. Corey explains that this arti...
Episode 32: Article 17 and our rights to requested information or as I like to call it the Mosquito, the deadliest killer of all.
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses the importance of information requests in grievance cases. Corey argues that failure to provide requested information constitut...
Episode 31: Corrective rather than punitive. Let's think outside the box
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the principle of "corrective rather than punitive" discipline. Corey argues that while arbitrators often interpret "correcti...
Episode 30: Defeating CCA discipline. putting the pieces of the puzzle together
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about defending City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) facing disciplinary action by the United States Postal Service. Corey emphasizes that...
Episode 29: M-01967, Kingsport TN and Arbitration C-34197. A HUGE WIN FOR THE NALC AND ESCALATED MONETARY AWARDS
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey enthusiastically details a federal court decision (M-01967) that upholds the right of the union to seek escalated monetary awards, also referred...
Episode 28: Just cause principle: Was the disciplinary action taken in a timely manner? Another head scratcher
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode focuses on the fifth of six "just cause" principles in labor arbitration: "Was the disciplinary action taken in a timely manner?"...
Episode 27: Just cause principle: Was the severity of the discipline reasonably related to the infraction itself and in line with that usually administered, as well as to the seriousness of the employees past record? A thinking Man/Woman's provision.
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode continues the discussion of "just cause" principles in labor arbitration. Corey is focusing on the third of six sub-questions related to ...
Episode 26: Just cause principle: Was a thorough investigation completed? a very detailed journey through this principle.
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the fourth of six "just cause" principles in labor arbitration, emphasizing that a complete investigation encompasses more tha...
Episode 25: Just cause principle; Is the rule consistently and equitably enforced? The obliterator of discipline
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about the third of six "just cause" principles in labor arbitration. Corey focuses on the principle of "Is the rule consistently and...
Episode 24: Just cause principle: Is The Rule A Reasonable Rule? The ugly duckling of just cause provisions
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The second of the “just cause” principles, Corey argues that this often-overlooked aspect is crucial when challenging management actions. ...
Episode 23: Just Cause Principle- Is There A Rule? breaking down this sub-question
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey emphasizes the importance of starting any grievance process with the "just cause" principles, especially focusing on whether a rule exists that ...
Episode 22: Article 16.1 getting ready for the just cause principles. Making sure it's the "supervisor" that is doing the work
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode is about Article 16.1 of the National Agreement which deals with the "just cause" principle for disciplinary actions. Corey expla...
Episode 21: Examples of Behavior. public defender or Clarence Darrow. Who are you?
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses the importance of effectively defending union members facing disciplinary actions. Corey emphasizes the need for shop stewards ...
Episode 20: Article 16.10 the Discipline Killer
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
C-32824 This episode focuses on Article 16.10 of the National Agreement, which deals with employee disciplinary records and how this article can nulli...
Episode 19: Article 16.8 Review of Discipline and the Swiss Army Knife. An in depth study on the concurrence of suspensions or discharge
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on Article 16.8, which deals with review of discipline. Corey explains the importance of this article and how it can be used to c...
Episode 18: Discipline and Management's Obligation Under Section 115 of the M-39 Handbook
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about labor arbitration and how to use the M39 handbook, which is the management handbook used by the US Postal Service. Corey explai...
Episode 17: Combating Criminal Statutes Cited in the Letter of Charges.
07 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode covers how to challenge management when they use criminal statutes against a carrier in disciplinary actions. Corey advises listeners to ...
Episode 16: Article 16.6 Indefinite Suspension-Crime Situation. Unconfusing The Confusing. The Power of Nexus
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey explains Article 16.6 of the National Agreement, which deals with indefinite suspensions in crime situations. He explains that management can't ...
Episode 15: Article 16.7 Emergency Procedure Much More Than Just "Immediate "
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey talks about Article 16.7: Emergency Placement. He emphasizes the importance of challenging emergency placements by filing grievances, highlighti...
Episode 14: Defenses Against Unauthorized Overtime
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Atchley returns to discuss unauthorized overtime and discipline arising from it. He discusses what a carrier should do when faced with a workloa...
Episode 13: Discussing Single Track vs Multi Track Discipline
25 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey welcomes Jason Atchley to this episode. They discuss unauthorized overtime and how to defend against discipline related to it. Jason explains th...
Episode 12: Article 35 and Defending Against Charges Due to Alcohol and Drug Addiction
24 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
***GET C-01928*** Corey discusses how to defend carriers in charges related to the disease of alcohol and/or drug addiction. He emphasizes that the un...
Episode 11: Defeating Stationary Events as well as Backing Based off of GPS tracking. Also deals with management spying and using covert techniques
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey discusses backing, stationary events, and street observations, focusing on how to use specific provisions in the M-39 handbook to challenge mana...
Episode 10: Tenure and The Bank of Good Will
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode discusses the importance of using tenure as an argument against discipline. He encourages listeners to use the "bank of goodwill," which ...
Episode 9 Part 3: Accidents and Examples of Behavior as well as Article 29
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
**PAGE 16-3 pg 254 JCAM examples of behavior** Corey continues his discussion on how to defend carriers against discipline after an accident, this tim...
Episode 9 Part 2: PS Form 1769/301 Accident Report
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey continues to discuss how to defend carriers against discipline related to accidents. He emphasizes the importance of Article 41.3P of the JCAM, ...
Episode 9 Part 1: Defenses Against Vehicle Accidents. Article 41.3.p
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
episode 8 Part 3: Vera d. Bugg and Attendance Related Discipline
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey continues discussing attendance-related discipline, specifically focusing on the concept of "deemed desirable and restricted sick leave." He exp...
Episode 8 Part 2: Deems Desirable and Restricted Sick Leave
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey discusses a specific type of attendance-related discipline, "deems desirable and restricted sick leave." He points out that management often tri...
Episode 8 Part 1: Attendance Related Discipline
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 7: The Charge
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the charge and discipline process in labor grievances. Corey emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the charge itself, ensu...
Episode 6: Article 16.2 Discussion and Using It To Our Benefit
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey explains the importance of understanding the "official discussion" requirement in Article 16.2 of the Joint Contract Administration Manual (JCAM...
Episode 5: Discipline and the Request for Information
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey explains what to do when a carrier receives discipline from management. The most important initial step is to have the carrier sign the discipli...
Episode 4: Office of Inspector General and Postal inspectors Investigation
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey discusses the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Postal Inspectors, highlighting their tendency towards dishonesty. He shares his experience ...
Episode 3: The Investigative Interview
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey discusses the importance of the investigative interview in the grievance process, and how a poorly conducted interview can jeopardize the entire...
Episode 2: The Steward
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
All about the shop steward and advice from Corey to stewards, including certification via Article 17, the workroom floor environment, work ethic and i...
Episode 1: Introduction
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Corey Walton, a 27+ year city letter carrier and shop steward since 2006, introduces his podcast "From A to Arbitration" aimed at helping people navig...