Caref4Prez

Renee and Sarah put Mike in the hot seat with questions about current events, labor news, and campaign updates, including information about Mike's nationwide campaign raffle. Tickets are available now, and the drawing will be held on June 26. Get your tickets here: https://caref4prez.org/nationwide-raffle-2026/

What are carriers looking for in the next contract? What qualities do they want from future leadership? Mike hits the streets of Oregon to find out. In this episode, he talks with Bannon Hunt and Bronson Myers about their priorities, concerns, and hopes for the future. Hear directly from the carriers as they share their perspectives on the road ahead for the union and the craft.

After rumors started swirling that Mike and Region 2 Business Agent Nick Vafiades were “working together” after being seen at the same event, the two decided to sit down and talk openly about it.In this episode of Mike Drop Monday, they discuss the current climate of NALC politics, how disagreements have turned personal, and why members should be able to have different opinions without fear of attacks or division. Honest conversation, mutual respect, and real talk about where the union goes from here.

On this week’s Mike Drop Monday, Mike opens the floor to a completely unfiltered Q&A this time with a twist: questions come from Spanish-speaking listeners from all over. Nothing is off limits as Mike responds to everything from everyday life questions and cultural differences to deeper takes on work, mindset, and the unexpected moments that come from navigating language and perspective gaps.Expect real talk, a few surprises, and plenty of humor as ideas get translated, reinterpreted, and occasionally misunderstood in the best possible way. It’s a conversation that shows how much gets lost and found between languages, and why curiosity still connects everyone at the end of the day.

Carriers for a Better Union, also known as CBU, has been called the “black sheep” of Texas by some, while others see it as a movement pushing for real change inside the union.Mike Drop MondayIn this episode, we break down what Carriers for a Better Union is, where it came from, and why it’s getting attention from letter carriers across Texas and beyond.We also highlight the work being done by Omayra Acevdeo, a steward and Food Drive Coordinator for Branch 181 in Texas, who has been working to translate the M-41 and other important documents to support Spanish-speaking carriers.We talk about:• What Carriers for a Better Union (CBU) actually is • Why some consider them “troublemakers” or “black sheep” • The role of grassroots organizing in union change • Omayra Acevdeo’s work translating the M-41 • Why accessibility and inclusion matter for all carriers • How movements like this impact the future of the unionCatch the translated M-41 here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IkLBlvZ63viZYD7YpTkCe?si=120ca95e9f314032Catch Omayra on Next Generation Carriers with Margo O’Niell: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FGZNr7YFVw95tQfQUQ9c0?si=gBb3hp0VTOCrCF-9C-zPdgSupport Michael Rivera here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-michael-rivera?attribution_id=sl:ac52f7d0-92ec-4e22-92d4-9b082a3acebb&lang=en_US&ts=1776307105&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tb-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_linkFollow Carriers for a Better Union: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriersforabetterunion?_r=1&_t=ZP-964FK6Oy7AsSubscribe for weekly USPS updates, labor discussions, and real conversations about the people behind the movement.

Renee and Sarah sit down with Michael Rivera, a suspended member of NALC Branch 70 in San Diego, California, to discuss his election appeals, the recourse taken against him, and the ongoing controversy surrounding internal union disputes.In this episode, Michael Rivera shares his side of the story, what led to the suspension, the appeals process, and why transparency and accountability matter in union elections.We cover:• Michael Rivera’s suspension from NALC Branch 70• Election appeals and internal union disputes• What recourse was taken against him• Why fair elections and transparency matter• Lessons for union members nationwide• The future of Branch 70 and member trustSupport Michael Rivera here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-michael-riveraWhether you’re a letter carrier, union member, or someone interested in labor leadership and accountability, this episode gives direct insight into a developing situation inside Branch 70.Subscribe for weekly USPS news, labor conversations, union interviews, and real stories from the people inside the movement.

This week on Mike Drop Monday, we’re turning the spotlight over to the voices making waves across the postal community—Cathy Bodnar and Kim Bess, the hosts of the Postal Rosies podcast.In this featured episode, we dive into the growing presence of women in the letter carrier craft and explore how female leadership within the NALC is stronger now than ever before. Cathy and Kim bring their firsthand experiences, powerful perspectives, and the mission behind Postal Rosies, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in the postal service.We also touch on the history of female leadership within the NALC, recognizing how far things have come and where the future is headed. From the workroom floor to union leadership, this conversation highlights the impact, challenges, and momentum of women shaping the postal workforce today.Whether you’re a city letter carrier, union member, or someone interested in labor history and leadership, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check out Postal Rosies and support their work:https://open.spotify.com/show/0vOlxBU6NfsuSS1ZxPByKC?si=da75a25ddb964470 Have a question you want featured on the show?Email: postalrosies@gmail.com Learn more about the history of female leadership in the NALC:https://open.spotify.com/show/5uRsPS1KW2CMleHNyIj0eX?si=4a13a9256f524159

In Episode 41 of Mike Drop Monday, we dive into some of the most pressing issues facing the Postal Service today.Yesterday, Region 2 members sit down with an NBA candidate for a candid interview asking the tough questions that matter most to carriers.We also break down the recent congressional testimony featuring PMG Steiner, highlighting serious concerns about the financial stability of the United States Postal Service. With projections suggesting USPS could run out of money within 12 months, we discuss:Declining mail volume and its long-term impactUnfair pension obligations weighing down the systemRising workers’ compensation claimsAn USPS Office of Inspector General report citing over $800 million spent on grievancesThe ongoing failure to properly comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)We also tackle critical workforce and operational issues, including:Continued reliance on CCAs instead of hiring directly to career (PTF) positionsPlans to expand the non-career workforceThe need for a national-level grievance due to Step B backup teams not being activatedWhy comparing USPS to foreign postal systems doesn’t tell the full storyThe impact of reducing delivery days—fewer routes, fewer jobs, and declining service qualityOn top of that, we address growing concerns from carriers about workplace culture:Excessive management and micromanagementHostile work environmentsIgnoring the M-41 handbook that already outlines how carriers should perform their dutiesThis episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of the Postal Service and the rights of its workforce.

Greetings, NALC family and fellow letter carriers. This week, we recognize the 56th anniversary of the historic 1970 strike, eight powerful days from March 17th to March 25th that forever changed our profession. That moment in history led to the Postal Reorganization Act, transforming the Post Office and securing the right to wages and benefits comparable to the private sector.In this mini episode clip, you will hear reflections and interviews from those who lived it, including voices like Brother Kamara, painting a vivid picture of the fight that reshaped our future.But here is the question we are asking today. Have we come full circle? While progress has been made, especially at the top of the pay scale, what about those still climbing? For the many carriers working through the lower steps, does it feel like history is repeating itself?This midweek drop is about reflection, perspective, and your story. Where do you stand?We are looking for your story. Send us an email with your name, your branch, and any details you would like to share. We will follow up, set it up, and your voice may be featured in a future episode.This campaign is about taking back our union for all members and building a union that fights for a true standard of living, dignity, and respect.

This week on Mike Drop Monday, we’re having the conversation a lot of carriers are thinking about but, not everyone is saying it out loud.We break down the real differences between PTFs and CCAs; the pay, the benefits, the schedules, and the way each position is treated on the workroom floor. Why do so many CCAs feel like they’re carrying the weight of the operation while being paid the least and offered the fewest protections?From unpredictable hours and limited benefits to the long road to career status, we dig into why CCAs often feel severely undervalued and why that conversation matters now more than ever.John Murphy (a Full-Time Regular carrier), set the tone immediately in his introduction:“I’m currently at Step D… as in dog sh*t.”That raw honesty opened the door to a deeper discussion about the pay scale, morale, and how even career employees can feel stuck or underappreciated.We also had a powerful moment with a non-union member who shared her frustrations openly where the union fell short for her, why she stepped away, and what made her skeptical. Instead of shutting it down, we leaned in. Through real conversation and accountability, she ultimately agreed to give the union another shot.This episode isn’t about complaining, it’s about transparency. It’s about respect. And it’s about recognizing the value of the carriers who keep everything moving.There is also discussion about continuing rallies and 30 for 30 movement$30 an hour starting pay. 30 carriers to 1 manager.Fair pay. Fair staffing. Real respect for the work carriers do every single day.As contract negotiations continue, carriers across the country are organizing rallies to raise awareness and bring real visibility to these priorities. This isn’t just a slogan, it's a call for sustainable staffing, equitable compensation, and a stronger future for the workforce.Now is the time to show up, stand together, and make sure our voices are heard at the bargaining table. If you’re a CCA feeling overlooked, a PTF navigating the middle ground, or a regular wondering why morale feels low, this one’s for you.

USPS NALC Article 15 grievances and a newly declared interpretive issue are raising concerns among letter carriers about delays, steward pay, and how grievances are being handled during contract negotiations.Mike Drop Monday Midweek UpdateIn this episode, Mike covers what the interpretive issue means for the grievance process, why some issues are being pushed toward impasse, and why many carriers worry about repeating problems seen during the HIPP process.Mike covers:• What an interpretive issue means inside the USPS grievance process• How Article 15 timelines and grievance resolutions may be affected• Steward pay and escalating remedy concerns• The risk of grievances sitting unresolved or being delayed• Why union leadership is expected to address this during upcoming meetingsThis update focuses on protecting the grievance process and making sure issues affecting letter carriers do not disappear during procedural delays.Subscribe for weekly USPS updates, labor news, and real conversations about contract negotiations and workplace issues.

USPS geo tracking, contract negotiations, and social media use on the clock are becoming major flashpoints for letter carriers across the Postal Service.In this episode of Mike Drop Monday, we break down what USPS geo tracking really means for employees, where letter carrier contract negotiations currently stand, and why social media activity on the clock has become such a heated issue.We’re joined by Jay H, a USPS-focused content creator and commentator, to separate fact from fiction and talk through what letter carriers should actually be concerned about right now.Topics include:• USPS geo tracking and employee monitoring• Letter carrier contract negotiations and labor impacts• Social media use on the clock and discipline concerns• Union reactions and perspectives, including APWU leadership• How workplace technology is changing postal cultureMike Drop Monday delivers weekly conversations on USPS issues, labor news, workplace policy, and real-world impacts on postal employees.Catch Jay H here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC42yFmssPztcKgowV14IDqA

The Minneapolis ICE shooting and union outrage continue shaping national labor conversations, and this episode of Mike Drop Monday breaks down what’s unfolding and why it matters.We discuss the Minneapolis ICE shooting response, how America’s unions and AFL-CIO and AFGE leadership are reacting, and what this moment means for the broader labor movement. We’re also joined by Ronald L. Morgan Jr., candidate for NALC National Business Agent Region 3, to talk about his priorities, vision for the union, and what postal and federal workers should be focused on right now.Topics include:• Minneapolis ICE shooting and protests• Alex Jeffrey Pretti and AFGE Local 3669• AFL-CIO and union statements• Federal immigration enforcement and labor implications• NALC leadership race and Region 3 prioritiesMike Drop Monday delivers weekly conversations on USPS issues, labor news, union politics, and the real stories impacting working people. Minneapolis ICE shooting, union outrage, labor movement, AFL-CIO, AFGE, NALC, NALC Region 3, Ronald L Morgan Jr, National Business Agent, postal workers, federal workers, union activism, labor news, immigration enforcement, protests, Mike Drop Monday, USPS podcast, union podcast, labor politicsLinks:-Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0xAQ1ZoMidZrgNbK4KHC0t?si=c3wz8WEyQ_i5YaH1GI9LPw-Find your Member of Congress:https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member-Additional reference document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zZ7u5vzXtXGYTkaBPQgYovFyX2zHXVYxhkq_5mMOv4A/edit?tab=t.0-AFL-CIO statement on Minneapolis shooting:https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-mourns-killing-minneapolis-union-member-reiterates-calls-ice-leave-minnesotaWhether you’re following the Minneapolis situation, union activism, or NALC leadership races, this episode brings context straight from the battleground of current labor issues.Subscribe for weekly USPS and labor news, deep interviews with union leaders, and explainers that connect the dots between policy, protests, and real people inside the movement. #MinneapolisICEShooting#UnionOutrage#LaborMovement#NALC#AFGE#PostalWorkers#UnionPodcast#LaborNews#MikeDropMonday