Behind the Bastards - Episode: It Could Happen Here Weekly 166

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Laurie Santos, Robert Evans, Mila, Erica

Introduction

In Episode Weekly 166 of It Could Happen Here, hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, Robert Evans, Mila, and Erica, the focus shifts to the struggles of postal workers and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). This in-depth discussion sheds light on the historical and current challenges faced by the union, the impact of management decisions, and the urgent need for collective action to improve labor conditions.

Historical Context: The 1970 Postal Strike

Mila provides a comprehensive overview of the NALC's origins, tracing back to the pivotal 1970 strike. Facing minimal wages and grueling work hours, over 210,000 postal workers across major cities like New York, Cleveland, Chicago, and Los Angeles defied federal laws to strike for better conditions.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [04:29]: "In March 1970, 210,000 postal workers defied law... The post office was forced to reorganize, and so was the union."

This bold action led to the establishment of binding arbitration, resulting in significant pay increases and the formation of the American Postal Workers Union.

Current Challenges: Restrictions and Limitations

Unlike other federal employees, postal workers lack the legal right to strike, severely limiting the union's bargaining power. Additionally, union dues cannot be used for lobbying, hampering political advocacy efforts.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [06:54]: "You've taken away the ability to strike. You've taken away the ability to use your dues money to influence elections."

Robert Evans highlights how these restrictions place postal workers "with their hands tied behind their back," making effective organization nearly impossible.

Management Issues: The Role of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy

The episode delves into the controversial management of Louis DeJoy, the Postmaster General. DeJoy's actions, including infrastructure consolidation and workforce reductions, have led to longer mail delivery times and increased workloads for postal workers.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [21:08]: "The Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, he's the second highest paid public servant in America, just underneath the President of the United States."

Her decisions have not only strained postal services but also raised concerns about conflicts of interest, as DeJoy holds significant equity in FedEx, a USPS subcontractor.

Union Leadership Problems: A Crisis of Representation

Mila discusses the challenges within the NALC's leadership, particularly the struggles of National Leader Brian Renfro with substance abuse. This personal crisis has led to a leadership vacuum, leaving members feeling unsupported and uninformed about strategic directions.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [28:07]: "Brian Renfro... went missing. There was nothing left, no notes left for us to strategize with. Our membership is just in the dark."

Impact on Postal Workers: Overwork and Harassment

The stringent management and ineffective union leadership have resulted in postal workers enduring excessive work hours, harassment, and even fatalities. Mila recounts the tragic death of Eugene Gates, a letter carrier who succumbed to extreme heat due to enforced overtime and insufficient breaks.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [34:25]: "Management told him not to take as many breaks or he would face discipline. These pressures... I think that the post office killed Mr. Gates."

Proposed Solutions: Activism and Solidarity

Acknowledging these dire circumstances, the hosts emphasize the need for renewed activism and solidarity within the union. Mila advocates for hiring organizers to mobilize both the workforce and the public, pressuring Congress to amend restrictive laws and support fair labor practices.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [28:07]: "Activism is our key to success. Hiring organizers to mobilize the workforce and the public to support our bargaining teams."

Dr. Laurie Santos underscores the importance of collective action, stating, "any strategy that's not based on that is just not going to go anywhere."

Call to Action: Supporting Postal Workers

Concluding the episode, Mila urges listeners to support the postal workers by contacting their representatives through the NALC website and raising awareness about the union's struggles.

• Notable Quote:
  Mila [38:40]: "There's a section on nalc.com where you can put in your address and it gives you the email addresses, the phone numbers for your representatives so that you can make some noise."

Conclusion

It Could Happen Here Weekly 166 offers a compelling examination of the systemic issues plaguing the postal service and its workers. By blending historical context with current events, the episode calls for a unified effort to empower the NALC, advocate for legislative changes, and ensure fair treatment for all postal workers.

For more insightful episodes on historical figures and their enduring impacts, tune into Behind the Bastards on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.