Episode 247: The Screenshot

Corey begins by thanking listeners and giving a shout-out to branch 82 in Portland for their hospitality during a recent visit. He also expresses gratitude for the birthday wishes he received. Corey then discusses a troubling teleconference recording he heard, featuring two upper management individuals who demonstrated a severe lack of understanding regarding postal contracts and operational realities. He highlights their reliance on unrealistic metrics like PET and DOIS, and the detrimental impact this has on supervisors and managers, who are then pressured to enforce these impossible standards. Corey emphasizes how this creates a toxic work environment, particularly for injured employees, as illustrated by the unprofessional and disdainful attitude displayed by one of the managers in the recording. Corey then shifts to analyzing a screenshot of management directives for city letter carriers. He criticizes several of these directives, including those concerning "no lunch" requests, mandatory personal phone contact for unscheduled leave, and the expectation for carriers to gather by scanner bays before their shift begins. Corey explains that these directives are often local policies that conflict with established handbooks and manuals, and that grieving them under Article 5 (past practice) and Article 41, Section 3k (prohibiting work off the clock) is appropriate. He also addresses the rising cost of uniforms and the potential for carriers to be sent home due to a lack of approved footwear, stating this also warrants a grievance. Furthermore, Corey discusses the disallowance of 3996s based on "delivery program estimates," which he connects back to the problematic metrics discussed earlier, and expresses concern about directives regarding route parcel verification and PM office time. He also mentions that management is increasingly refusing to meet and resolve grievances, instead sending them up the chain, and suggests including Article 19 and the USPS/NALC Joint Statement of Expectations in grievances related to this issue. Corey reiterates his commitment to addressing these issues and improving the workroom environment through the "Dogs of War" initiative, noting the overwhelming positive response he received for it. He concludes by urging listeners to be safe, especially in the heat, and expresses optimism for positive changes ahead. fromatoarbitration.com