From A to Arbitration

In this episode, we sit down with Alan Gegax, from Classes of Mail. The interview discusses the treatment of City Carrier Assistants (CCAs), and the perception of CCA treatment from the East Coast. Gegax argues that CCAs are often mistreated by management and that the union does not do enough to protect them. He also discusses the importance of education and empowerment for CCAs. This comprehensive discussion gives a unique perspective toward perception of the CCA position, the union itself, and handbook provisions that receive little attention. https://fromatoarbitration.com/cca-corner/ https://fromatoarbitration.com/postal-podcasts/

This episode of CCA Corner provides a comprehensive guide for new City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) navigating their first 90 days at the post office. It covers both office and street procedures, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and the importance of union membership, and includes a guest feature from Richie Ray, host of Hot House with Richie Ray. Office Procedures: We discuss the initial stress of the office environment, dealing with management, and the varying helpfulness of colleagues. It highlights the importance of On-the-Job Instructors (OJIs) as resources. Street Procedures: We cover details of the three main types of mail delivery: Park and Loops: Parking the truck and walking a street. Emphasizing proper parking procedures ("curb it, park it, break it, take it"), carrying the satchel correctly, and using dog spray. Dismounts: Short stops at individual addresses, with similar safety precautions. Mounted Boxes: Delivering mail from the vehicle, stressing the importance of placing the vehicle in neutral or park at each box. Some additional tidbits we cover include: Safety First: Checking the vehicle for safety issues and reporting them is paramount. Carriers have the right to refuse unsafe work. No Mistake Pace: Prioritize accuracy and safety over speed. Speed will develop with experience. Forming Good Habits: Establishing proper procedures from day one is crucial for long-term success. Union Importance: Joining the union is strongly recommended, for protection and advocacy. Stewards are available to answer questions and help with issues. Schedule Awareness: CCAs should check their schedule daily, as it can change. They are entitled to a minimum number of work hours if scheduled. https://fromatoarbitration.com/cca-corner/ https://fromatoarbitration.com/postal-podcasts/

This episode discusses the ongoing conflict between city letter carriers and postal service management, focusing on management's manipulation of clock rings to falsely reduce recorded office time. Corey criticizes Renfroe for his inaction and perceived complicity with management, endorsing James Henry as the next president. Corey details a specific arbitration case where management falsified over 480 hours of clock ring data, highlighting management's dishonesty and the union's struggle to hold them accountable. He emphasizes the need for stronger union leadership under the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) to combat management abuses, particularly concerning the joint statement on harassment and the falsification of time records, advocating for escalated monetary awards and holding upper management accountable. Corey also promotes upcoming CLC educational initiatives, including a new podcast and YouTube channel, and encourages listeners to support the CLC and MDA through merchandise sales. Finally, he recounts instances of management attempting to influence arbitration decisions, emphasizing their unethical tactics and reinforcing the need for a more assertive union. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/

This episode of From A to Arbitration is a "hodgepodge" of information: Corey provides updates on the upcoming release of his episode of Fed Up, and the increasingly popular CCA Corner. He then covers several topics: shout-outs to union leaders Ivan Butts (NAPS) and Chris Kelly (former NALC Branch 459); an email from management emphasizing safety and outlining disciplinary actions for distracted driving, which Corey criticizes as punitive rather than corrective, which violates contract language; a disciplinary action against a carrier for taking excessive breaks, which Corey argues is flawed due to reliance on GPS data alone and the inclusion of an official discussion, thus violating article 16.2; and finally, a closing argument from an arbitration case (C-35201) focusing on a violation of article 10.19 (sick leave) and article 15 (noncompliance). Corey highlights management's consistent failure to provide requested information, emphasizing the intentional nature of this noncompliance and its impact on grievance resolutions. http://www.fromatoarbitration.com/