Episode 164: Some novelties and special guest John Poskin

This episode focuses on non-compliance with grievance settlements within the NALC. Corey begins by announcing upcoming podcast guests and reminding listeners about the 50/50 raffle and convention t-shirt sales. He then criticizes Renfroe's collective bargaining update, highlighting the continued lack of progress and the secrecy surrounding negotiations.

Corey discusses the importance of open bargaining and criticizes those who argue against it, highlighting the fact that contract negotiations have not always been conducted in secret. He then presents an analysis of various documents relevant to non-compliance grievances (M-01517, M-01492, M-01967), emphasizing the importance of timely compliance and the use of strong language in grievance settlements. He illustrates how these documents can be used to build strong cases, particularly those involving escalated monetary remedies for repeated violations. Several examples of pre-arbitration settlements and arbitration awards from Region 3 are reviewed to demonstrate effective strategies for achieving compliance and escalating remedies for non-compliance. The awards illustrate how arbitrators are willing to order significant financial penalties for management's repeated disregard of agreements.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing a training document from management outlining strategies for addressing "street inactivity" (stationary events), highlighting the tactics management uses to track and discipline carriers. Corey expresses outrage at management's approach and at the union's failure to adequately address these issues, placing blame on Renfroe's leadership and the inaction of business agents. He emphasizes the importance of fighting back against management's tactics and educating members on how to respond. Corey also critiques the way the union handles grievances, noting that some cases have been sent to arbitration while others, even those of similar nature, have been inexplicably dismissed.

The episode concludes with a call for stronger union action, emphasizing the need for effective training, assertive grievance filing, and a concerted effort to combat management's ongoing violations of the contract. A final interview with John Poskin, who discusses non-compliance from the perspective of a union steward, is included at the end.

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