Make yourself discipline proof! This podcast is dedicated to educating City Letter Carriers on all the things you forgot from Carrier Academy. We'll go over basic procedures and regulations, and dive deeper into how the mail system actually works. I do not speak for the USPS or NALC (or anybody else, for that matter!), this is not an official USPS or NALC podcast, and all opinions and advice are my own or my guests'. Submit feedback, questions, or topic suggestions to classesofmail@gmail.com .
Two of the smartest and most insightful union members I know, have finally gotten together to talk shop. Don't miss this one! Also, we recorded a second episode, which will be released by Delivering Solidarity.
Michael and I have received a certified letter from the National Committee on Appeals, and once again, they have ruled in our favor. If you're keeping score at home, that's ANOTHER sweet victory for our branch's reform movement, and another loss for the good ol' boys who have been running our branch into the ground.
I am stoked to have Rob Kosier on the podcast. As candidate for Director of City Delivery, Rob's focus is on education. Not just for stewards, for ALL carriers! Rob and I talk about some of the reforms we'd like to see within our union's education system, improvements to the Carrier Academy, and changes to our current culture of "good ol' boys" and gatekeeping.
Michael and I answer some questions that were submitted to classesofmail@gmail.com
Things get a lot more lively in this episode. Eric and I share some of our experiences, which helps to enrich the class. At the end of the episode (around the 45:00 mark), Eric gives some legislative updates.
Following up on a topic from last episode, Michael is in studio to talk about the process of writing contentions. We discuss what "contentions" actually are, how to create them, and why they're vitally important to your grievance.
Michael joins us in studio to talk about the goings-on at our last branch meeting. Of greatest importance, our branch passed the motion for the special meeting... OVER THE OBJECTION of our branch officers! Once again, our branch officers have stood against the will of the folks who put the mail in the box. And once again, we carriers won the day.
We're joined by Fred Woodley, host of Delivering Solidarity and president of Branch 385 in Youngstown, Ohio. Fred and I did back-to-back interviews on each other's podcasts, so you should head over to Delivering Solidarity and download that one, too.
This is the module that was the impetus for the very existence of this podcast. We'll learn about the different classes of mail. They fall broadly into two categories: preferential and non-preferential. Today we learn the difference between the two, and what that means to us as carriers.
Michael is back in studio to set the record straight on the timeliness of the request for information. He's fired up!
Michael Rivera joins us from San Diego to talk about the charges he filed against Renfroe and Barner, the dismissal of those charges, and his follow-up charges against the entire Executive Council. We go over the constitutional process, the duties and obligations of our national officers, and the express will of the members of the NALC.
Credit where credit is due: the branch officers are making more of an effort to abide by our bylaws. It's highly satisfying. This episode also includes a few corrections, and an important announcement right at the beginning.
My branch has proposed some bylaw changes. Turns out they're a lot more interesting than I initially thought. TO BE CLEAR, I am fine with the proposed changes. But the way it was presented... Well... Give it a listen.
Michael talks to us about the process of filing a grievance at the Informal A level. I ask lots of questions. (Let's assume I'm asking the questions as a courtesy to our listeners, rather than because of my boundless ignorance.)
The Goodest Oldest Boy wrote an article about us in the state newsletter! We're famous! Michael and I read the article, and respond to it.
Eric Ellis is back with an important message about pending legislation in Congress that will affect our retirement age and our pensions amounts. Eric describes the legislation, and offers concrete steps letter carriers can take to protect ourselves. (Donate to LCPF!) We also talk about those solicitors who claim to be "retirement consultants," or whatever, and are trying to get their hands on your TSP.
Michael joins me to talk about the abuses of power we endure, at the local level all the way up to national. And we offer solutions for how to deal with those abuses.
We answer your questions.
We're joined by Jenna Morin and Stephanie Lagreca to talk about their push for a special meeting to address the NALC's bargaining positions heading into the next contract. This is an important movement that aims to put the power of the NALC back where it belongs: with the membership. Here is the link to their upcoming Zoom meeting for branch presidents. The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, at 8 PM Eastern. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83269687443?pwd=qbJm7fYeqFo8Ff8mVopuG3QzUESF2q.1...
There are steps that everyday, regular letter carriers can take in order to affect positive change. Virgilio and I talk about what the actual process is for proposing resolutions for the National Convention, and for proposing bylaw changes in your branch.
In this episode, I wrap up Module 1 from the Carrier Academy. We talk about the scanners, and about using the time clock properly.
It's more good news for the good guys. While I was out on a date with my wife, Michael held down the fort at the general membership meeting. At that meeting, the defamation charges put forth by our branch's election chair were withdrawn.
Michael is in studio to talk about our successful decision regarding our branch elections.
Michael joins me to talk about some of the core dysfunctions of our union, and how we think they can be fixed.
Michael and I go over some victories we've achieved lately, and talk about what our future holds.
In today's episode, I read the actual decision of Arbitrator Nolan. He goes over the arguments that were made on both sides, which is pretty enlightening, and then details his decision.
Arbitrator Nolan issued his decision today, and it's binding, so that means we have a new contract. I'll read the NALC's article on the agreement, and share my thoughts along the way.
We're getting back to education here, and continuing on with the Carrier Academy. In today's episode, we go over the basics of using your scanner as a time clock. We also cover some principles of safety, with an emphasis on safe lifting. Finally, we read the Joint Statement on Violence and Behavior in the Workplace, and we discuss its principles.
This is the conclusion to Michaels and my efforts to bring our branch officers into compliance with our Bylaws, the Constitution, and the election rules. Did the rule of law prevail... Listen to find out. (Spoiler: it prevailed in the sense that the Branch voted, and we will respect the expressed will of the Branch.)
I am again joined by Carlton Pinto and Brian Gutierrez of Branch 36 in New York City. They talk about what it takes to run for office, and why it's so important to be guided by a deep passion to help your fellow carriers and reform your branch. We get into some of the issues that their branch has in common with mine, and we offer guidance for those who are ready to get involved. Note: There was some confusion over the way election appeals work with the Department of Labor. Bottom line: seek your...
