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Chillin with the boys for another Whacky Wednesday. Joined by Rick, DB, Bill Kriebel. Part one is posted below. Episode 75: triple threat Thursday part 1 | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify

This episode centers on Rob Kosier, branch president in Milwaukee and a candidate on the CLC slate for Director of Safety and Health. Austin and Rob get personal fast, covering Rob’s path from carrier to steward to branch president, the family influence that shaped his work ethic, and why safety, toxic management, and mental health are all connected. What makes this conversation matter is that Rob is not talking about safety as a slogan. He lays out specific problems he has seen in the field and in grievance handling, especially around heat, weather, unsafe delivery conditions, and the long-term damage caused by management abuse and delayed accountability. Key topics In this episode, Rob shares how he got into the postal service after years in a union machine shop, then moved quickly from CCA to steward, formal A work, executive board service, and branch president in Milwaukee.Rob explains how his mother’s experience as a mail handler and his father’s career as a firefighter shaped his view of public service, work stress, and why he values showing up for family.The conversation digs into the toxic management culture he encountered on day one, including supervisors who ignored new hires, threatened discipline, and seemed to reward absenteeism over reliable work.Rob describes how being a branch leader with five children has forced him to be intentional about time at home, weekends, and making sure his kids do not repeat the same work-life gaps he saw growing up.Austin and Rob talk through generational differences in the workplace, especially how younger carriers respond to authority, training, phones in class, and the need for stronger mentorship.A major focus is Rob’s safety platform, which includes heat safety, cold weather preparedness, wildfire smoke awareness, and a broader push to treat weather as an operational issue rather than an afterthought.Rob argues that heat-related training should not be optional or treated as a box-checking exercise, and he is blunt that management often only acts when forced.The discussion expands into mental health, with Rob connecting suicide risk, trauma, toxic work environments, social media pressure, and the need for a real peer support structure with trained professionals.Rob shares a painful grievance/arbitration case involving a carrier who was removed after doing what management told him to do, and says that case became a turning point in his commitment to eliminating grievance backlogs.The episode closes with Rob talking about the support of his wife, his campaign, and several practical ideas he wants to pursue, including CPR training for carriers, AED access, weather response teams, and earlier release times for carriers working in unsafe conditions.Safety as a daily operational issue - Heat, cold, smoke, air quality, and building conditions all belong in the safety conversation.Mental health and toxic work environment are linked - Rob repeatedly argues that they cannot be separated if the union wants real solutions.Data should drive intervention - He wants better tracking of JSOVs, suicides, attendance problems, and regional patterns so responses are proactive instead of reactive.Peer support must be trained and professionalized - Rob does not want a casual call tree; he wants structure, training, and clinical backup.Carry extra heat and cold weather supplies instead of relying on management.Pay attention to unsafe air quality, mold, asbestos, and building maintenance issues.Take mental health concerns seriously and seek support early.Push for CPR training and AED access in postal workplaces.Track recurring safety and JSOV issues so patterns are not ignored.Support carrier-led pressure on management when conditions become dangerous.Proverbs 12 | TLV Bible - Bible App CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://crearesearch.com/ref/G3SF2DFQ ⁠Letter Carrier Political Fund | National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO

Austin uses this solo episode to catch listeners up on what he has been doing, including Missouri state convention, upcoming branch training, and a packed stretch of interviews. He then pivots into a sharp political and union discussion about the current election cycle, grievances, the tentative agreement, and why he believes leadership needs more accountability and more follow through.The episode also turns reflective as Austin reads from John C. Maxwell’s The 17 Laws of Teamwork, focusing on the law of the compass and tying it to vision, strategy, and leadership in the union. Key topics In this episode: Austin gives a personal update after a stretch of interviews with Cory, Henry Cordero, Larissa Pardee, and Camito Simpson Lewis, and says more conversations are lined up.He recaps attending Missouri state convention for the first time, including training on the J-Whip process, route adjustment issues, and grievance basics.Austin announces an upcoming retirement seminar his branch will host over Zoom and says he will share the registration details and materials needed for attendees.He celebrates crossing 50 followers and thanks returning listeners for showing up each week.He argues that too many union leaders and establishment supporters are comfortable with weak grievance enforcement, no cease and desist language, and no meaningful accountability.He says anyone not willing to do the work of stewarding and filing grievances should step down from union office.Austin takes aim at the handling of bonuses and financial transparency, questioning how leadership could claim not to know where funds came from if financial items are supposed to be itemized.He critiques the claim that information was withheld for political advantage, and contrasts that with the timeline he believes makes the story difficult to sustain.He reads from the NALC Constitution on ratification, ballot procedure, and what happens when members reject a proposed agreement, arguing that members were sidelined.He challenges the idea that the tentative agreement and ongoing grievance backlog were handled properly, especially given that mandatory overtime and other issues remain unresolved.Austin brings in the law of the compass from Maxwell’s book and uses it to argue that the union lacks clear direction, strategy, and a compelling vision.He breaks the compass concept into moral, intuitive, historical, directional, strategic, and visionary angles, tying each one back to leadership, discipline, and membership service.He says the union needs stronger enforcement, more education, and a return to militant grievance work instead of complacency.He gives a local grievance update, including overtime equitability work and a start time grievance that has been received at Step B.Austin urges listeners to check their ballots, request replacements if needed, and vote according to conscience rather than loyalty to stale leadership.He closes with a reading from Proverbs 5 on wisdom, discipline, and avoiding destructive temptation, then ends with a call to take care of each other and stay engaged.The Law of the Compass from The 17 Laws of TeamworkMoral compass - Integrity and motiveIntuitive compass - Internal drive and convictionHistorical compass - Respecting what came beforeDirectional compass - Clear goals and purposeStrategic compass - A plan to reach the goalVisionary compass - Long-term growth and leadership development Proverbs 5 | TLV Bible - Bible App CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://crearesearch.com/ref/G3SF2DFQ Letter Carrier Political Fund | National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO

This episode is a candid interview with Kimetra Simpson Lewis, the CLC’s “lioness,” about her life before politics, her path into the Postal Service, and the union experiences that shaped her leadership. She talks through family influence, grievance work, branch leadership, and the role faith has played through cancer and public service. We discuss how Oak Cliff shaped her, why the Postal Service and NALC became central to her life, and how she leads a branch through Zoom access, bylaws changes, and hard decisions. The episode also closes with a faith-centered reflection on perseverance, second chances, and encouraging others through hardship. Key topics Austin introduces Kimetra Simpson Lewis and explains that this episode is meant to show her outside of campaign politics and let listeners know her as a person.Kametra shares that she grew up in Oak Cliff, Dallas, where she learned early how to defend herself and adjust to a tougher neighborhood environment.She explains how Skyline High School gave her a computer science cluster, which exposed her to options beyond her home district and helped broaden her perspective.She talks about college at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she majored in business administration and initially wanted to become an entrepreneur.Her mother’s advice to “get your own money” led her to the Postal Service, where she applied after marriage and becoming a mother, and eventually built a long career.She describes co-parenting after divorce, including holiday child swaps and major help from her father, who watched and transported the children because of her postal work schedule.Faith and family shaped her union mindset, especially her stepfather and uncle, who were both union leaders and helped her understand the value of labor representation.She reflects on what changed in the Postal Service over time, saying pride in the job declined and that the creation of the CCA classification contributed to disrespect and exploitation.She entered deeper union work in 1994, later becoming a formal A, then an arbitration advocate, and eventually a DRT member.She explains her writing-driven approach to grievances, emphasizing line-by-line analysis, just cause principles, and careful documentation.Her leadership as branch president since 2016 was tested early, especially because she inherited a hostile environment and had little support from outgoing officers.Zoom became a major tool for branch participation, especially for members far from the hall or working during meeting hours, and the branch later updated bylaws to support hybrid access and voting.She speaks candidly about leading as a woman, noting that some men underestimated her at first, but she leads with calm authority and knows how to stand firm when needed.Faith is central to her life and leadership, and she shares her role as a lay leader at Village United Methodist Church and her belief that God guides both her personal life and her representation of carriers.She shares a powerful cancer testimony, describing her 2003 breast cancer diagnosis and how she trusted God through treatment and kept moving forward.Austin closes by sharing his own cancer journey, which creates a meaningful moment of mutual encouragement and hope.Kimetra ends by thanking her children, Brittany, Bryce, and Gary, for their sacrifices and support as she serves others. Proverbs 28 | TLV Bible - Bible App ⁠CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://crearesearch.com/ref/G3SF2DFQ nalclonestarbranch132 – We Deliver for You

This episode is a personal conversation with Larrissa Parde about the experiences that shaped her both inside and outside the union. Austin and Larrissa talk through her upbringing, her path through the Postal Service, and the steady throughline of service that has guided her career. We discuss her family background, her work in OWCP, her move into regional leadership, and the values she carries into Leadership Academy and daily union work. Proverbs 23 | TLV Bible - Bible App⁠⁠ CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers ⁠Episode 45: Corruption in Dubuque — The Story They Tried to Bury - FedUp with Ron Speakman | Podcast on Spotify

This episode features Henry Cordero, a Beverly Hills letter carrier and NALC member running for director of the health benefit plan, in a long-form conversation about his background, why he stepped into union politics, and what he would change if elected. The discussion also covers health insurance costs, mental health access, nepotism concerns, and how union leadership can become more transparent and member-driven.Speakers Henry shares his personal story, his union experience, and his platform for reforming the health plan.Austin guides the conversation, asks the policy questions, and pushes Henry on accountability, transparency, and member service.C opens and closes the episode with a show update, explains the name change, and frames Henry’s appearance for the audience.Henry explains why he stayed off social media for years, describing himself as private and warning about cyberbullying and online drama.Henry shares his path from undercover security and loss prevention into the Postal Service, starting in 2000 and spending 26 years in Beverly Hills.The conversation covers what it is like delivering in Beverly Hills, including celebrities, rude encounters, holiday tipping, and the difference between famous people who are respectful and those who are not.Austin and Henry compare their neighborhoods and the impact of growing up around gangs, drugs, poverty, and violence.Austin explains his own shop steward work, including taking on start time grievances, requesting records, and building a case around management’s lack of negotiation.Henry lays out his plan for the health benefit role, including auditing spending, questioning premium increases, and pushing for more accountability around the plan’s finances.They discuss hiring letter carriers into the health plan office so the people answering calls and handling claims understand the job, injuries, and language carriers use.Henry argues for stronger mental health support, including more in-person help, more trained professionals, and a better response to carrier crises.The conversation touches on nepotism concerns, specifically Henry’s criticism of Stephanie’s husband working in the health plan structure and the appearance of favoritism.Austin and Henry discuss ranked choice voting, candidate slates, and whether the union should be more proactive instead of reactive when management makes changes.Watch for the ballots and vote if you support Henry’s platform.Review the health plan’s costs, staffing, and service hours with a more transparent lens.Push for stronger mental health support, especially in-person and carrier-informed care.Consider whether more carrier voices should be hired into health plan operations.Stay engaged with the union process and hold leadership accountable through grievances, meetings, and elections. Proverbs 21 | TLV Bible - Bible AppHenry's Contact TicTok: countoncorderoHome | [email protected] ⁠CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers⁠

In this episode of the 763 Podcast, Austin, Nate, and Tayler sit down with Corey Walton for a wide-ranging conversation about union advocacy, leadership, and the reality of fighting for city letter carriers. Corey opens up about what pushed him to run for EVP, why he believes aggressive advocacy matters, and how his experience as a steward and advocate shaped his approach to representation. The conversation also explores Corey’s origin story as a podcaster, the purpose behind From A to Arbitration, and the impact of educating smaller branches that often lack access to training. Corey reflects on the lessons learned from difficult cases, the importance of standing up to management, and why the city letter carrier must always come first. The episode takes a more personal turn as Corey shares stories about his brother Mike, childhood mischief, family, faith, and what he hopes people will say about him when he retires. It closes with a heartfelt prayer and a reminder that the work is bigger than any one person. Key Topics Why Corey entered the EVP raceThe difference between aggression and passion in advocacyHow From A to Arbitration beganThe state of union education and trainingCorey’s most memorable victories and lossesPersonal stories about family, faith, and legacyWhat drives Corey outside of union politicsCorey explains why he decided to “get in the ring”A discussion about whether the union used to be more militantCorey’s origin story for starting the podcastA reflection on major grievance cases and lessons learnedStories about Corey’s brother Mike and the values he left behindCorey’s answer to what he hopes people say about him after retirementNotable Moments Takeaway This episode is a candid look at what it means to lead with conviction, educate others, and stay grounded in family and faith while fighting for change. Proverbs 14 | TLV Bible - Bible App From A to Arbitration | Podcast on Spotify ⁠CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers⁠⁠ https://crearesearch.com/ref/G3SF2DFQ The Comfort stop | Podcast on Spotify

Austin opens with a Labor Day episode that mixes union politics, local grievance strategy, and a history lesson on Labor Day itself. He also shares a candid look at how carriers can document and respond to start time changes, plus a read-through of the Rhine Peralta platform and what stands out in that slate’s agenda. This episode covers Austin’s perspective as a carrier, steward, and union member navigating an active election cycle, while also breaking down the roots of Labor Day and the practical realities of office behavior, route timing, and management justification. Key topics Austin explains the local issue driving the episode: start times are being changed later in his office, and nearby Branch 127 in Jeff City is facing the same move.He describes how he approaches active grievances carefully, keeping details limited until they’re out of his hands, while still trying to educate members on what’s happening.In the grievance discussion, he focuses on documentation, saying management’s explanations keep changing depending on who asks.He argues that carriers need to be aware of how they present themselves in the office and on the street, especially when management is looking for reasons to justify operational changes.Austin uses route work examples to explain how carriers can stay busy while clerks are still sorting packages, including loading, casing, pulling spurs, and cycling back to the hamper.He gives a broader labor comparison using the idea of the E4 Mafia to describe experienced workers who know how to look productive and keep things moving.The episode shifts into Labor Day history, reading from the Department of Labor’s explanation of the holiday’s origins, its late 19th century labor movement roots, and its federal recognition in 1894.Austin highlights the unresolved history around who first proposed Labor Day, referencing both Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire.He then transitions into union election coverage, discussing the Rhine Peralta platform and reading it in full, with AI narration for accessibility and emphasis.He reacts to parts of the platform that focus on grievance backlogs, Step B staffing, electronic voting, legislative strategy, and union transparency.The episode closes with a Labor Day themed reading of Proverbs chapter 7 and a signoff to listeners, branch members, and carriers on the route. ⁠CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers https://crearesearch.com/ref/G3SF2DFQ The Comfort stop | Podcast on Spotify Proverbs 7 | TLV Bible - Bible App Platform of the Rhine-Peralta Team History of Labor Day | U.S. Department of Labor

Austin opens with an unscripted update on a busy week, the heat, and the lead-up to Labor Day before shifting into two major threads: the upcoming union election and a serious reminder about self-care during Suicide Awareness Month. He also breaks down contract and bargaining updates, then closes with a short Proverbs reading and a reminder to stay safe in the heat. Key topics Austin sets the tone with a candid check-in on delayed recording, brutal weather, and a packed week.He explains the NALC election timeline, including ballot mailing, replacement ballot deadlines, and return deadlines.He clarifies that the episode is informal commentary and not official union communication.He talks directly to nonmembers and newer carriers about dues, representation, and what membership funds support.He updates listeners on contract status, including the end of mediation and the move toward arbitration.He explains how the current contract rules still apply until a new agreement is reached.He breaks down the Article 8 overtime language and how separate lists affect equitable overtime.He argues for stronger local language around overtime equitability and route adjustment protections.He discusses the difference between productive carriers and people trying to appease management.He shifts into Suicide Awareness Month and offers a direct, faith-informed message about depression, temporary pain, and permanent consequences.He reflects on how life events change people, and how community, empathy, and personal growth matter.He discusses political engagement, Corey’s comments on legislative support, and the Letter Carrier Political Fund.He closes with a Proverbs 2 reading and a practical reminder to hydrate, take breaks, and get home safe. Verify the election ballot and replacement deadlines as soon as ballots go out.If you are eligible, return your ballot early instead of waiting until the deadline.Consider joining or supporting the Letter Carrier Political Fund if you want to help fund legislative advocacy.Take heat seriously - hydrate, rest, and take breaks when needed.If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for support instead of isolating. CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers Letter Carrier Political Fund | National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO Tree of Life Version (TLV) - Version Information - BibleGateway.com

This episode centers on Omy’s path from Puerto Rico to Austin, the personal loss that shaped her outlook, and the work she’s doing to make union information more accessible for Spanish-speaking carriers. Austin also talks about branch participation, dues, and why communication and accessibility matter if membership is going to stay engaged.It’s part personal story, part union organizing discussion, and part practical call to action for carriers who want stronger participation and better communication. Key topics Omy introduces herself as the host for Carris for a Better Union and explains that she’s been translating manuals and union materials for Spanish-speaking members. https://open.spotify.com/show/4IkLBlvZ63viZYD7YpTkCe?si=27e35db423c14927 From Puerto Rico to Austin in 2020 - Omy shares how she moved to Texas after plans changed during COVID and after the sudden death of her partner.Grief, mental health, and cultural silence - Omy talks openly about losing her partner at a young age, the lack of mental health support she experienced in her Hispanic community, and how long it took to adapt.Her USPS path - She explains starting in sales, then becoming a CCA for two years and a PTF for a few months before converting to regular.Austin station realities - Omy describes being sent to different stations constantly as a CCA, especially Northeast, and how hard it was to keep up with the volume and travel.Branch and union communication problems - She says many CCAs do not know their steward, and she argues the union needs to proactively introduce stewards and explain rights instead of assuming people will figure it out.Why meetings lose carriers - Omy says membership meetings often have weak turnout because tired carriers are expected to show up after work with little incentive, no food, and even paid drinks.More than an insurance policy - She criticizes the idea that the union only shows up when something goes wrong, arguing that real involvement has to happen before a problem hits.How Carriers for a Better Union started - Omy explains that the effort grew out of Texas organizers and support from Morris, with the goal of educating carriers and building stronger union culture in Texas.Spanish translation work in practice - She breaks down how she uses translation tools, then rewrites everything manually to make sure the language is accurate and usable for members.Why Spanish language access matters - Omy and Austin both connect the work to Spanish-speaking carriers, members’ families, and customers who rely on postal service but may not be comfortable with English.Charges, appeals, and education - Omy says the podcast is expanding beyond translations to include help with charges, appeals, and other carrier education topics. Stewards!!! Need help researching a grievance and not sure where to turn to? Wondering how Chat GPT could help you wright, but what about what to cite? Well look no further than the Crea App. Follow the link below to try it out. CREA | AI Grievance Research for Postal Workers

Austin uses this episode to react to the online conflict surrounding postal podcasters, AI memes, and election season tensions in the labor space. He keeps the focus on how social media outrage, hypocrisy, and algorithm incentives can distort what is really at stake, while also tying in broader themes of free speech, mental health, and union solidarity.In this episode: Austin explains that he is speaking only for himself and not for his job, union, or any other group.He breaks down the online beef between Rick Rock and Bad Mouth, saying it is not his fight but is worth discussing because it is shaping the conversation in the postal podcasting world.He says Rick’s memes and posts have been labeled homophobic, misogynistic, and sexist, but he also argues that grown adults should be able to post what they want and deal with the consequences.He connects the controversy to broader union politics, including the Next Gen crew, the CLC, the establishment slate, and the AFL CIO vote at Nashville.He argues that outrage over offensive posts often appears selective, pointing to times when people stayed silent during addiction struggles, men’s mental health issues, and anti male rhetoric.He says social media conflict is amplified by algorithms that reward emotional reactions, comments, shares, and outrage.He questions claims that the CLC is a cult and reads a general definition of a cult to compare warning signs with what he sees in the union fight.He discusses Bad Mouth’s homelessness, his campaign efforts, and Austin’s concern that the behavior may reflect mental health strain or a manic episode.He also addresses Rocky’s comments about Rivera and says the timing and consequences may affect the slate, though he does not think the whole ticket should be written off.He closes by urging members to stay involved, vote, update their status if needed, and avoid feeding drama that only divides the membership.Freedom of speech versus social consequencesAlgorithm driven outrageRelational equityHypocrisy test for union criticismCult warning signs checklist Links; What Is a Cult? 10 Warning Signshttps://youtube.com/shorts/ORrepRouHLM?si=Shqvi7LnF6xSXJvO

This episode breaks down the LA convention from the perspective of multiple delegates, with a focus on how the national session actually worked, what it felt like to be there, and why so many votes became close calls. Austin leads the recap, then Taylor, Nate, Dave, and Kevin each add their own take on the convention, the workshops, the teller votes, and what they learned. We discuss the balance between procedural chaos and democratic participation, the effect of executive council disapprovals, and how newer delegates experienced their first national convention. Key topics In this episode, Austin explains why the trip to LA was mentally demanding, why he missed some planned content, and how the convention workload carried over into the week after returning home.Austin breaks down the scale of the convention business, including about 41 constitutional amendments, 79 national agreement resolutions, 8 legislative resolutions, and 37 general resolutions.The group spends a lot of time on constitutional amendments tied to Article 9, Section 1E, including proposals about who controls collective bargaining duties and how those duties would be documented and transferred if the president could not perform them.Ranked choice voting comes up as a major topic, with Austin noting that it was ultimately voted down because it felt too new to implement immediately, while still recognizing that members needed better education on how it would work.Several speakers highlight how the executive council often disapproved proposals but still offered compromise language, which changed many amendments from a straight rejection into an amended pass.Teller votes become a recurring theme, with multiple delegates saying they were necessary when the room was close, but also slow and overused near the end of convention business.Taylor and Nate describe the convention as a major learning experience, especially as first-time delegates, and both emphasize the value of seeing true democracy in action.Dave and Kevin, both with more convention experience, compare LA to Chicago and Boston, saying this convention felt more active, more contentious, and more representative of real debate.Workshop time is discussed as something valuable but sacrificed to finish business, especially for classes like city delivery, filing grievances, safety and health, veterans’ rights, and steward resources.Austin and others emphasize that many workshop materials will be posted on the members-only portal, which they see as a useful way to spread education to members who cannot attend in person.The episode closes with a broader call for younger members and newer carriers to stay active, ask questions, and take part in branch and national work. Registration for Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ka036x7HQ-KeOIA_y13hWw

Recapping Day 1 of the LA Convention. Renfro is NOT running for prez.

recapping the meet and greet and addressing the toxic bs

A Delegate Round Table dive into a candid discussion among postal union delegates covering proposed constitutional amendments, election reforms like ranked choice voting, and insightful previews of upcoming conference workshops. This episode offers firsthand insights into union governance, member representation, and the behind-the-scenes efforts shaping postal labor policies. Key Topics: Overview of proposed amendments to the NALC constitution, emphasizing ranked choice voting and election proceduresDebates around salary caps for union officers, including the president and vice presidentsProcedures for officer removal, investigation, and accountability measuresHow the union plans to improve transparency and member communication during negotiationsInsights into convention workshops on grievance procedures, city delivery, safety, and legislative updatesMember engagement strategies through social media and educational podcastsThe importance of checks and balances to prevent unilateral decisions by union leadershipThe role of regional and national representatives, accountability, and meritocracy in appointmentsStrategies for upcoming convention participation and networking opportunities