FedUp with Ron Speakman

Episode 39: Interview with NALC Activist & City Letter Carrier, Ernest Gonzales

In this episode, Ernest Gonzales, a passionate advocate, Chief Shop Steward, and BFN Coordinating Committee member from San Antonio, TX, joins us to discuss his work with the Build a Fighting NALC (BFN) Movement. We explore the struggles of toxic work environments, BFN’s agenda and key points (including an in-depth discussion about if USPS workers should have the right to strike), the recent tentative agreement, election fraud concerns, and how BFN and the CLC can collaborate for a stronger craft. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about unity, leadership, and empowerment within the NALC.

 

* To contact or learn more about BFN, please check out the following links:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567020456381&mibextid=LQQJ4d

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@buildafightingnalc

Website:  https://www.fightingnalc.com/

Episode 38: Interview with NALC Branch 3 President & NALC National Trustee Candidate, David Grosskopf Jr

This episode features an in-depth conversation with David Grosskopf Jr., who shares his journey through the USPS and the NALC, his unwavering dedication to union activism, and the many battles fought for the rights of his members. From stopping check-washing schemes and stopping the closure of a mail processing facility to strengthening branch finances and engaging in community actions, Dave’s story is one of relentless advocacy. We also discuss his top tips for organizing successful rallies, crucial HR bills affecting letter carriers, and insights on the state of the NALC today, including leadership challenges and his vision for the future, which ties into his campaign for NALC National Trustee. We even talk some about some other movements within the rank and file such as the Build A Fighting NALC (BFN), the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC), and APWU's We Wont Be Silenced Movement. Join us to hear Dave’s powerful perspective on what it means to fight for union solidarity, accountability, and change.

Episode 37: Interview with James Henry, NALC Vice President

In this episode, we sit down with James Henry, the National Vice President of the NALC, to discuss his incredible life journey of service and leadership, from his early days in Compton, CA, to his 26-year-career with the Marine Corps, and his 36 years as a union advocate. We also dive into his campaign for NALC President, where he outlines plans for key reforms—like creating a Main Table Bargaining Committee, reintroducing a Director of Education, and establishing a Hostile Work Environment Abatement Program. James also addresses toxic workplace culture, union leadership accountability, and his vision for building a stronger, more transparent NALC. Whether you're a union dues paying member or just curious about leadership and advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of the NALC, from a true leader committed to change.

Episode 36: Interview with Rural Carrier & NRLCA Vice Presidential Candidate, Kristin Wakeman

In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Wakeman, a dedicated advocate and candidate for Vice President of the NRLCA to discuss her campaign and plans for a more transparent and effective union. From updating the NRLCA Magazine to improving training for RCAs, Kristin is dedicated to ensuring that every member is equipped for success. Listen in to hear her strategy for building a union where trust and communication are key.

Episode 35: Interview with Rural Carrier & NRLCA Presidential Candidate, Bill Mea

In today's episode, we sit down with Bill Mea, a dedicated 26-year Rural Carrier with the USPS and a longstanding NRLCA union dues-paying member, who is now running for the position of President of the NRLCA. With over two decades as a local officer, Bill has dedicated his career to advocating for union members. In this candid campaign conversation, we dive into Bill's mission as a presidential candidate, where his goals include eliminating pay tables 2 & 4, fixing RRECS, and taking a stand against the hostile and toxic work environments fostered by management. Bill also shares his personal motivations for running, his vision for restoring trust and faith in the NRLCA, and why he believes he’s the right person to lead the union in a new direction. Additionally, hear Bill Mea like never before, as he opens up about his background, his plans for the future, and his commitment to educating and protecting the craft. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of Rural Carriers and the NRLCA.

Episode 34: Another Update with NALC Activist & City Letter Carrier, Tyler Vasseur

In today's episode, hear Tyler give us an update on his “Build a Fighting NALC” movement, including how many branches and state associations have passed open bargaining resolutions. In addition, Tyler and I talk about the lack of leadership and representation within the NALC, his mission statement, the interim coordinating committee that is being formed, how a rank and file movement approach is essential for the members of the NALC, and his five point plan that is at the center of this movement currently. You will also hear us talk statistics and inflation, how pissed off the membership is, and about the Concerned Letter Carriers (CLC) and how that movement ties in with the Build a Fighting NALC (BFN) movement. You will even hear some disagreements in this episode; nonetheless, it’s the engaging and informative conversation that makes for a great show for anyone listening, especially right before the NALC Convention taking place in Boston this coming week. 

Episode 33: Interview with Rich Ray, Local Branch Vice President from Brooklyn, NY

In today's episode, we welcome Rich Ray to the show as we delve into a wide range of topics crucial to every city letter carrier. From the Concerned Letter Carriers and Build a Fighting NALC movements, to unity, division, and the passion and anger driving change, we cover it all. We discuss critical issues such as heat and safety, the value of employee witness statements, and why training, education, and information are essential for effective union representation. Rich and I also explore the PS Form 1564-A, the city letter carrier pay scale, and the importance of being actively involved in the union and making your voice heard. With a mix of serious discussion and entertaining banter, this episode promises to be both informative and engaging. Don't miss this lively conversation with Rich Ray, where there's never a dull moment and always something new to learn.

Episode 32: Interview with Rural Carrier & Director of Steward Operations Candidate, James Brennan

Today's guest, James Brennan, is an NRLCA dues-paying member and USPS Rural Carrier from the state of Michigan. Starting as a Rural Carrier Associate in April 2017, he became a regular Rural Carrier in November of 2020 and was elected as a steward in 2021. Since then, he has filed numerous grievances on contractual and disciplinary issues, successfully settling all but one with monetary compensation. Frustrated by the mistreatment from management and the union, as well as the misinformation spreading on social media, he joined the "United We Scan Podcast" to help and inform his brothers and sisters across the country, and is now running for the national position of Director of Steward Operations within the NRLCA. Join us for an in-depth conversation and campaign talk about his journey and efforts to bring positive change to the NRLCA for all members. 

Episode 31: OPM Federal Disability Retirement; Interview with IFW Law Group

In today’s episode, we have a conversation regarding OPM Federal Disability Retirement with Erik Blowers (owner and managing attorney) and Rachel Klink (associate attorney) of IFW Law Group, a national law firm committed to providing the highest quality legal services for injured federal employees across the United States. With offices in both Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, IFW Law Group is a solid, proven practice with the experience, talent, professionalism, and confidence needed to provide quality representation that us federal employees deserve. Whether it be an OWCP compensation issue or assistance with a schedule award, third party liability claims, or OPM federal disability retirement, this law firm has you covered. 

 

 

*  To learn more about IFW Law Group, please visit their website or give them a call at:  

 

Website:  https://ifwlawgroup.com/     Phone:  704-607-8870

Episode 30: Update with NALC Activist & City Letter Carrier, Tyler Vasseur

In today’s episode, City Letter Carrier and NALC activist, Tyler Vasseur, gives us an update regarding the “Build a Fighting NALC” movement (which revolves around open bargaining resolutions) including how much it has grown, and how many branches across the country are getting involved since our interview last month. We also have a thought-provoking conversation about a topic that is bound to make people fired up, but is one that needs to be talked about nonetheless. Hear this and more in this constructive discussion, tying in with the movement focusing around open communication and transparency, as well as better and safer working conditions and better wages. 

 

* To join the fight, obtain more info, or attend future Zoom meetings, please send an email to Tyler Vasseur at:

 

 tylervasseur@gmail.com

Episode 29: Interview with City Letter Carrier & NALC Activist, Tyler Vasseur

Our guest today is a City Letter Carrier and active member of the NALC who is starting a movement revolving around open bargaining resolutions, open communication, transparency, and accountability with regards to our leadership within the NALC. Their main objective is to organize the membership and build a much stronger NALC, and one that will fight for better working conditions, better wages, and better representation. Hear my guest and I talk about this and more, including their monthly Zoom meetings that address these open bargaining resolutions being presented, discussed, and passed from different local branches all over this country.

 

* To join the fight, obtain more info, or attend future Zoom meetings, please send an email to Tyler Vasseur at:

 

 tylervasseur@gmail.com

Episode 28: Interview with Dr. Robert Kustin, CEO of Fed-Hurt

My guest today, Dr. Robert Kustin, is the CEO of Fed-Hurt, which treats the injuries of all Federal Employees, and whose sole mission is to create the largest provider network to help and treat all federal employees, from hurt to help. In this important and informational episode, Dr. Kustin discusses his journey to helping injured federal employees, why he created Fed-Hurt, and what makes his company different from others out there, including how their strict compliance measures and training ensure that all offices are receiving the same up-to-date and accurate information. He shares how his offices work with the federal employee and help guide them through the claims process as well as how to vet other OWCP providers and the importance of doing so. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with a doctor who truly cares about getting us the help we need and deserve!

 

*  To learn more about Fed-Hurt, please visit their website or give them a call at:  

 

Website:  https://4fedhurt.com/     (Toll Free) Phone:  (833) 433-3487     (Direct) Phone:  (954) 430-8000

 

Episode 27: Our Responsibility to Ourselves

In this short, but necessary episode, I talk about what I consider to be an obstacle for all of us, that being the federal employee (ourselves), and I give a simple three-step process we can use to overcome that obstacle. We are all in this fight together, and we need to continue to not only support one another, but also light a fire under each other’s asses from time to time. So consider this your obstacle course to prepare you for future engagement with the opposition. And I want to be clear that I mean no disrespect with this episode, and I feel for those out there who may be scared to speak up. But tough love with active listening and discipline creates accountability and a more unified front line. Knowledge is power, so let’s start educating ourselves more today to better prepare for future encounters with anyone who is mistreating us in the toxic and hostile environments we all face.

Episode 26: OSHA - Its the Law

In this informational episode, we talk about our rights under OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) from code of federal regulations and the OSHA 300 log, to the OSHA fact sheet regarding whistleblower complaints under section 11(c) and even some of the ELM, (Employee & Labor Relations Manual), which applies to all postal employees, and how all this can be used to fight back against management when they retaliate against us for reporting our on the job work injuries and/or any safety issues or hazards. Remember, knowledge is power. And this episode will definitely give you the knowledge to stand up and advocate for yourself, and more importantly, give you an opportunity to gain accountability for management's willful misconduct and unethical, and even at times, illegal behavior.

Episode 25: Interview with a City Letter Carrier from Nebraska

Our guest today is a 19-year-veteran City Letter Carrier and an NALC union dues paying member, and has held many positions within the NALC, from both a local branch and state level, and is currently an arbitration advocate. Hear our guest and I talk about the collusion and cronyism that takes place within our local branches, including the lack of transparency and communication, what to do when there is alleged election issues, how to deal with burnout in whatever positions one holds within the union, what effective branch leadership should detail, including my twelve key elements that all leadership should have, how important OWCP Arbitration is, and the importance of advocating for yourself. We also discuss a few arbitration cases that set precedent for all city letter carriers regarding management and 2499's (limited duty) when you get injured on the job.

 

 

Episode 24: Interview with a City Letter Carrier from Utah

This City Letter Carrier has always been advocating and fighting for their brothers and sisters, and because management was intimidated by how strong and knowledgeable of a steward they were, management messed with their pay, tried to put them on emergency placement, and even tried to casually assist during an election for stewards by having a stand up talk to try and urge others to run for the position. We will also delve into how they were told by their local union president that they filed too many grievances, discuss their work injuries (which includes a rare diagnosis), address OWCP stress claims, and talk about how they were mistreated much more from management, and even coworkers when they got injured on the job (something that occurs far too often), and how all this mistreatment affected them, both inside and outside of work. 

Episode 23: Interview with a Rural Carrier from Tennessee

Our guest today, who's a Rural Carrier from the state of Tennessee, talks about the many issues that revolve around the Rural Route Evaluation Compensation System (RRECS for short) such as route coverage percentage, CBU (cluster box units) issues, mapping issues, unscannable parcels versus door miscellaneous issues, and even the unrealistic and unattainable standards, along with the inconsistencies from office to office in regards to RRECS. We will even be talking about the lack of transparency and communication from the USPS and management and the union in regards to RRECS, including the response from the NRLCA's president addressing its members being upset about RRECS and their routes dropping. 

Episode 22: Interview with a Rural Carrier from Indiana

Our guest today will share their story which details how management harassed and continuously mistreated them, and even retaliated / targeted them at some point, including facing pending termination. We will also be having a conversation regarding the Rural Route Evaluation Compensation System (RRECS for short) and how that is effecting rural carriers, and even discussing the high turnover rate within the USPS, as well as weighing the pros and cons to working in the Post Office.

Episode 21: Mental Illness & Disorders, OWCP Stress Claims, & Other Resources

In this episode we talk about mental illness and mental disorders stemming from having to work in a toxic and hostile work environment. We also address how we can file an OWCP stress claim regarding our mental illness and/or disorders, what's needed to do that, and other useful resources to combat the mistreatment from management and the toxic and hostile working conditions we deal with at any moment on any given day. It's time we realize that mental illness is real and can affect anyone at any time during our careers, and it's time we take a stand and hold those who knowingly and willfully created our mental illness and/or disorders accountable for their actions. 

 

* Please call the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Line at 988. They will be there with you in the moment, in your time of need, and could be that shinning light in your darkest moment. And it's free. Again, please call 988 if you need someone to talk with. You are not alone, never forget that. 

Episode 20: Interview with Corey Walton, Host & Creator of the Podcast ”From A to Arbitration”

Our special guest today is Corey Walton, a City Letter Carrier who is well-known for his podcast and for helping the NALC members. We will be getting both personal and educational in this interview, and not only will you learn something you didn’t know about Corey, but you will hear him talk about some issues that a lot of us go through, including how to combat these issues. Plus I close out the show with an important message that any union leader, union organization, and our fellow brothers and sisters need to hear and be reminded of. 

Episode 19: Interview with Kenny Hodge, Host & Creator of ”The Kenny Hodge Podcast” Part 2

Picking back up where we left off with our guest from last week, Kenny and I talk passive aggressiveness and other issues regarding the USPS and management. We also get into some union talk as well, and talk about the consolidation of offices and the making of hubs across this country. If you enjoyed part one of this interview with Kenny, come finish it off and hear what Mr. Hodge has to say in this interview, as there is always something we can learn from this man. 

Episode 18: Interview with Kenny Hodge, Host & Creator of ”The Kenny Hodge Podcast” Part 1

Our guest today, who was in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, has a very in-depth perspective regarding the USPS, as he started his career as a TE with the USPS, worked his way through to other crafts and unions (including management) and was involved with and/or learned the contracts of the NALC, APWU, NPMHU, NAPS, and NAPAS, before retiring after 38 years of service within the federal government. The knowledge and experiences this guest has is very unique. Our guest and I really get into a lot of hot topics and issues regarding the USPS, and our unions, and even share knowledge and information that can be used by us all within the USPS. This is by far, one of the most unscripted, uncensored, and off the cuff interviews to date here on FedUp, so turn up the volume, hit the play button, and enjoy this first of a two-part series interview with the man himself, Mr. Kenny Hodge. 

Episode 17: FedUp PSA Regarding the USPS Social Media Policy

Once again, USPS Employees are being censored and told what NOT to do. You are being threatened with termination, and being retaliated against for speaking on the poor working conditions and mistreatment on social media, and even for speaking on my podcast. This special episode goes over the 2023 USPS social media policy. 

Episode 16: Interview with a Rural Carrier from Pennsylvania, Part 2

Picking back up where we left off last week with our guest, part 2 of their interview will talk more of the good, the bad, and the ugly with her union representation from the NRLCA and with management. We also touch more on taboo topics (addiction and management's role in that), veterans running the show, and social media do's and dont's, including the USPS social media policy / rules to be mindful of. 

Episode 15: Interview with a Rural Carrier from Pennsylvania, Part 1

In this episode, we talk to a veteran rural carrier about RRECS, LLV's, her on-the-job work injuries, mistreatment by management (including targeting, retaliation, and even wrongful termination), and privacy act violations, all of which revolve around a toxic work culture that most, if not all, USPS employees deal with. We even talk about the negative slogan that accompanies the USPS ("Going Postal") which while often a taboo topic, is still something we all should recognize as a problem.