Please download these flyers to distribute to your friends and neighbors and family. It will help explain the Employee Free Choice Act to them.

With a clear understanding they will see how AT&T lowering wages and benefits can affect them in ways they could not know.

There are documents here that can help you better understand how the Employee Free Choice Act can bring middle class working salaries up to heights that will make contracting out work undesirable. This can add to job security AND level the field of competition between employers.

EFCA
(EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT)

we’re almost there!
This Act will be voted on July 1,2009

Workers need new laws that level the playing field and ensure the freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages and benefits.
With the free choice to form unions, working people can counterbalance corporate power and make our economy work for everyone again, not just the CEOs.
The choice to form unions is made by WORKERS!

Please CALL SENATOR
DIANNE FEINSTEIN’S OFFICE
(even you already called before)

AT

866-632-4160
(call can be made easily at any time or no waiting!)

Leave a voicemail: with your name, your state (CA), your union(CWA) and Local (9510), that you’re a voter and  that she needs to support

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT!

MAY 23rd

We want to thank all of our members who are continuing to be safe while working. We understand how hard it is to work ONLY 8 hours SO WORK MORE OVERTIME and be HYPER-SAFE!

When you receive a text message please share the information with your peers when you can so everyone is on board. We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep up the participation. The next time you are asked to do something to show solidarity, please ask yourself, "Would it be better to make this small sacriface now, or be on a picket line later."   STAY STRONG

April 17th

MANAGER'S OPINION CORNER (That's right, everybody's got one! You know, a manager.)

"Hey union folks.. I know you are saying "We will never give in".. "The company is trying to take our life blood"... yada..yada..yada Get real.. Average US worker pays 34% of their health insurance costs... You.. 8%... You really think in this environment, given what everyone else pays... the downfall of GM partly over legacy costs.. That you are going to get your way on this.. I don't think so.. You had better get used to the thought that you are going to have higher costs.. We all are... I have been paying more and more every year.. Just like most Americans.. My wages were frozen this year.. That's 2009 baby!"

Wow! I bet this guy wishes he had a union. He is probably right with the numbers, but this is what he did not consider. Since Union Workers are only 13% of the American Workforce. There are very few American workers that can fight back against paying heathcare costs. Out of the millions of workers out there, only union workers have been able to push back! Remember, Verizon East's contract with CWA signed last year DID NOT include union members paying their healthcare! Plus, telecommunication companies are not the only industry paying for employee healthcare - big oil, pharmaceuticals, insurance companies and some banking firms do not make their employees pay healthcare!

Since AT&T are in the top 100 of the Fortune 500, here is a short list of other companies in the top 100 that pay 100% of their employee's healthcare. You may have heard of some of them:

Here is one more post...

"Wow. Are you all serious. I can understand what my fellow managers are saying, but i cannot believe that it is just about the health care. As a Manager, each one of us have seen our rights, benefits and job security taken away, even thought the Executive Leadership continue to get huge salaries, bonuses and stock options. att is a in top 50 US performing companies. Corporations need to be more socially accountable when possible. I am not sure what the correct solution should be, but to dismiss the Union's desire to obtain a fair contract thru negotiations is short sighted, as many of the management benefits and rights follow the line of the new contract. I suggest we leave negotiations and opinions to those who are negotiating, as none of us are getting a full story, as all communication is posturing by either CWA and att. Feel free to bash away at my email. just make sure you aren't responding in prejudice."

If only we could chose our CEOs

JUNE 1ST

AT&T WILL PAY HEATHCARE FOR ANOTHER MONTH. THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTION IN YOUR HEALTHCARE.

MORE TO FOLLOW...

There is no cancellation pending of either medical premiums or dues deduction both of which would require prior notice to the union.

Jim Weitkamp

MAY 3RD

Maintenance Technicians

AT&T has focused its attention on them and they WERE forced to work LAST weekend across the state. This is what they want to write into the contract for us all. The ability to force our members to work when they DON'T want to work.

AT&T has crossed the line. Our members have lives and ... let's make this short. Time to do lots and lots of OVERTIME!! Don't get let them take away your freedom.

Maintenance Technicians have been amazing by sticking together in GREAT NUMBERS! ALL of us should learn from the way they continue to stay UNITED DURING THESE TRYING TIMES. Chaos screws with their numbers. With all of this craziness AT&T is subjecting them to, it's amazing they are still HEALTHY. But for NOW WORK ALL THE OVERTIME YOU CAN GET PLUS MORE.

Ray and Rachel Rodriguez, both AT&T employees and CWA Local 6222 members, wrote the lyrics for this fantastic mobilization song, performed by a co-worker...

Listen to it here!

SCABS: $2,500,000.00 A WEEK

HOTELS: $500,000.00 A WEEK

MEALS: $250,000.00 A WEEK

WATCHING AT&T WASTE THEIR MONEY:

PRICELESS...

JULY 3RD

WE NEED TO SEND THE COMPANY A MESSAGE!

Our bargaining committee is hard at work trying to breakthrough AT&T'S resolve to screw you over. Since AT&T wants to take away what we fought for in previous contracts, we need to send them a “strong” message:

"NO! YOU DON'T OWN US!" "WE ARE NOT SLAVES TO YOUR CORPORATE GREED!" "WE WILL NOT WEAR YOUR BRANDED APPAREL BECAUSE WE HAVE NO CONTRACT!"

Your Union is calling upon you to help AT&T “SEE THE LIGHT and REJECT ANY STINKIN’ CONTRACT” that would be retrogressive.

Bring all of your branded apparel to the union hall by Tuesday to be shipped back to the negotiation table (no you don’t need to wash it, let AT&T smell the sweat of your hard work and whatever else you get on your clothes).

If you can’t get the trash bags full of your branded apparel to the Union Hall by Tuesday, call the hall for pickup at your location. BEFORE 12:00pm TUESDAY!

You don’t have to strike to send a message of how AT&T makes you feel… dirty or not!

PS

TO ALL PREM TECHS: YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT REQUIRES YOU TO WEAR BRANDED APPAREL. YOU ARE EXEMPT FROM THIS MESSAGE.

JULY 3RD

When you are with your friends and family celebrating our Nation's freedom tomorrow, please think of the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom and say a prayer for the safe return of those who have been called upon to guard the gates of our Democracy.

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.




A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.


I looked at him in uniform;
so young, so tall, so proud.
With hair cut square and eyes alert,
he'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil;
how many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
when everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen.'
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.


I thought of all the children,
of the mothers and the wives,
of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea.
Of unmarked graves in Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.


                                                                           

Enjoy Your Freedom and
God Bless Our Troops.

JULY 1ST

We just got another step closer to real progress on workers' rights, health care, and many other important issues for CWA.

Today, Al Franken was declared the winner of the Minnesota Senate contest by the state Supreme Court, and his opponent Norm Coleman officially conceded the election. Minnesota finally has its Senator -- and Democrats finally have 60 seats in the Senate.

This is huge moment because it gives Democrats a filibuster-proof majority -- making it more likely they can pass important legislation to make a difference in the lives of workers and their families.

Join us at CWA in congratulating Senator-elect Al Franken. Sign our card right now:

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/senatorfranken/x8x7dx4173bnm6d?

The Minnesota Senate race had dragged on and on thanks to many months of recounts and legal challenges.

During that time, Republicans in the Senate used every trick in the book to block movement on legislation that would benefit working families. Now that Democrats hold 60 seats, they are in much better position to break through this obstructionism and make real progress for our country.

Of course, Al Franken's victory doesn't guarantee passage of the most important legislation -- health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act. We'll still have to work as hard as we can to get the votes we need to pass these bills.

But with a strong supporter of labor rights now representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, we've clearly got momentum on our side. Tell Al Franken "Congratulations" by signing our card today:

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/senatorfranken/x8x7dx4173bnm6d?

Thanks, and we look forward to your continued support.

JUNE 30th

This summer is reaching a fever pitch for the fight for change that will make the Middle Class strong again. Please participate by spreading the word. You can even print out the flyers on the left side of this page to pass along to the public.

You can help change the climate of corporate greed that weighs so heavily on us all:

230 Economists Voice Support for Employee Free Choice
The Employee Free Choice Act is absolutely necessary to help workers rebuild the economy, according to a statement signed this week by 230 economists from top institutions in 33 states.
The economists point to the erosion of working family incomes as a key factor in our economic crisis—and the need for the freedom of workers to bargain collectively, without fear of management abuses, as key to recovery. "As economists, we believe this is a critically important step in rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy by enhancing the voice of working people in the workplace," the statement said.
Visit http://tinyurl.com/nm3kr7 to learn more.

Workers Make Their Voices Heard on Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes
Over the last two weeks, thousands of workers across the state have taken action to call for the end of these unfair giveaways that would make a handful of wealthy companies that much richer at the expense of working families. More than 1,000 workers participated in demonstrations, 1,100 signed the petition, 700 joined the Facebook group and 650 sent letters to their legislators.
Additionally, 80 organizations have expressed their support to shut down these tax giveaways and use the money to save jobs and vital services. The San Jose Mercury News, Riverside Press-Enterprise, Marysville Press-Democrat, Sacramento Bee and San Diego Union-Tribune have all run editorials and opinion pieces calling for the end of the corporate tax loopholes.
Check out the news coverage at http://tinyurl.com/l9phq8 

Labor Speaks Out For National Healthcare Reform
This week, President Obama kicked off his campaign to reform our nation’s broken health care system. According to the latest AFL-CIO health care survey, more than half of the 23,000 respondents said they cannot get the health care they need at prices they can afford, a third report having to forego basic medical care because it costs too much, and 43 percent of those who have health insurance still can’t get the care they need at prices they can pay.
“Accessibility for all, high quality care and affordability are the building blocks of a new health care system for America,” said AFL-CIO’s Arlene Holt Baker at the national health care reform rally yesterday in Washington DC.  “We demand no less, we will tolerate no less, we will accept no less.”
Learn more about why we need real healthcare reform now at http://tinyurl.com/kkbz3u

Take Action Today to Reform the UC
With no real public oversight of the UC System, university executives continue to rake in excessive pay and benefit increases, while at the same time, student fees have increased nearly 10 percent this year alone, and workers (many of whom already live in poverty) are facing 8 percent wage cuts and/or furloughs for university employees.
Take action to restore fairness to the UC by urging your legislators to support two constitutional amendments that will make certain that the people of California have proper public oversight of the UC System (which hasn't been reformed since 1879).
Send a letter to your legislators today at http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/ReformUC
 

LaborFest 2009: July 5th-31st
In commemoration of 75th anniversary of the San Francisco General Strike and the West Coast maritime workers strike, this year’s LaborFest festival will feature many special events focused on these historical events, including an art exhibition, awards presentations, a labor jeopardy contest and a labor film festival.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.laborfest.net 

JUNE 29th

A few weeks ago, President Obama asked you to share your personal story about how the health care crisis has affected you and the ones you love. Hundreds of thousands of stories poured in from every corner of the country. The President and I have read through many of them ourselves -- and now I'm encouraging you to do so as well.

Read these powerful, personal stories from people in your area and around the country.


And after you do, please forward this note on to as many people as you can.

For folks who don't yet understand why health care reform is such an urgent priority, these stories make the case far better than any statistics ever could.

For those who support health care reform but haven't yet found the time to join our campaign, these stories provide more motivation than any speech any politician could ever give.

So please read these stories, pass this note on to everyone in your address book, and help us show everyone in America why fixing our broken health care system is a necessity that just can't wait:

http://healthcare.barackobama.com/stories

Thank you,

Vice President Joe Biden

JUNE 29th

Every day in Washington, lobbyists are telling Congress to abandon the major health care reforms we need so badly. So every day we have to show that voters across the country are passionate about reform and that we demand action.

Now you can show your support with a free "Health Care '09" sticker. Put it on your car, your door, the back of your friend's shirt -- anywhere it will get noticed. The more of these that pop up all over the country, the clearer it will be where the American people stand.

There are two ways to get stickers:

Click here to order one totally FREE "Health Care '09" sticker. We'll even cover postage.

--or--

Click here to donate $20 or more and we'll send you a packet of 10 stickers to hand out to friends, family, and co-workers.

Yesterday, Vice President Joe Biden spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at the 71st CWA Convention and Legislative-Political Conference.  During his speech, Vice President Biden reminded us that if we unite we can change this nation.

After the Vice President's speech, CWA members streamed out of the convention hall to board buses headed to Capitol Hill to meet with their Members of Congress and Senators to tell them that now is the time to level the playing field for working people by passing the Employee Free Choice Act, enacting meaningful health care reform, protecting retiree benefits, and creating good jobs.
Today we will join thousands of other union members and activists in a huge rally to let Congress know that we expect health care reform that requires employers to cover workers, covers pre-Medicare retirees, does not result in taxes on health care benefits, and includes a choice of either a public or a private plan.
Even if you can't join us in Washington to visit your elected officials, you can still make your voice heard.  Send a personal message to your Senators today letting them know that we can't afford to wait for meaningful health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/supportworkingpeople/x8x7dx207358xj6?
Our Convention and Legislative-Political Conference this week has been truly spectacular.  The message from Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, House Majority Whip James Clyburn, Senator Tom Harkin and Vice President Biden came through loud and clear – we have an opportunity to change this country, but it will not happen unless we stand up and make our voices heard.
Show Vice President Biden that you got the message: write your Senators today.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/supportworkingpeople/x8x7dx207358xj6?
Each of our speakers brought with them personal stories of the importance of good, union jobs with health care benefits to their families and constituents. We also heard from many of our CWA brothers and sisters who will be sharing their stories with their Senators and Members of Congress today and tomorrow.  Please take a few moments to tell your story to your Senator today.
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/supportworkingpeople/x8x7dx207358xj6?

JUNE 24th

Would you give two 'clicks' to help us turn Senator Feinstein around on the Employee Free Choice Act?
First, click on this video and spend 5 minutes watching veterans testify at the L.A. Labor Fed's "Veterans and Jobs" Town Hall with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. It will break your heart - and make your blood boil - to watch these brave men and women tell their stories about not being able to find jobs that pay them what they made defending America.
Then 'click' to send the video to your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and relatives. Senator Feinstein needs to make a choice and we hope that by spreading this video around she will choose us by turning our economy around.
Two 'clicks' can make a difference!

Visit our website to learn more about the Employee Free Choice Act

"If we stand by and do NOTHING for America's Sons and Daughters who have given so much for us, then WE should be ashamed." - JFK

There are only 7 days left before this crucial bill is deicided before congress. Do what you can, while you can.

JUNE 19TH

Local 9510's President, Kenny Williams, and Vice President Patti Cunningham. They displayed the banner during rush hour at the 22 fwy in the center of Orange County. The banner is now being displayed at our local. Can you please take the time to bring the Employee Free Choice Act to the attention of the public TODAY?

Only 12 days left before the vote. please act now!

JUNE 17TH

BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

Almost 11 weeks and no contract HOWEVER LAST THURSDAY the company started bargaining in ernest. Bargaining continued through the weekend and with the assistance of Dist 9 VICE PRESIDENT JIM WEITKAMP THE TONE HAS CHANGED. NOW IS THE TIME TO TURN UP THE HEAT.

Please continue with our STAND WITH US  MOBILIZATIONS (WE HAVE SOME DIFFERENT TWIST UPCOMING) and if you are tired of standing do your own things.

We have received some positive press and all over the country our brothers and sisters are being creative and TURNING UP THE HEAT. This is the BIGGEST FIGHT OF OUR CAREERS AND NOTHING BUT MAXIMUM EFFORT IS REQUIRED.

I know its has been difficult but NO HEALTH CARE AND NO JOB SECURITY IS IMPOSSIBLE. As we have visited the work locations and talked with you folks the attitude and determination has been fantastic it has shown me that LOCAL 9510 can accomplish anything when we STAND TOGETHER. 

NOW LETS TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL. NOTHING BUT A FAIR CONTRACT IS ACCEPTABLE .

Almost there STAND WITH us.    

In Unity,

Kenny Williams
President - CWA Local 9510
(714) 978-9510

CWA is Making History in Washington, D.C.

June 17, 2009

The timing couldn't be better. More than 2,500 CWAers will be in Washington for our joint convention and legislative-political conference June 22-25 just as the Employee Free Choice Act and health care reform are being debated by Congress and moving forward.

"This is an historic time, the best opportunity the union movement has had in decades to restore workers' bargaining rights and gain real health care reform. CWA has been a leader in the fight to help rebuild the middle class and our economy, and our convention/legislative-political conference in Washington, D.C., is taking place at exactly the right moment," said CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill.  

Our lobby day on Wednesday, June 24, -- CWA's biggest lobby day ever in the nation's capital -- will make a big difference, with 2,500 CWA members meeting with their senators, representatives and staff and pressing them to do the right thing on Employee Free Choice and health care reform.  

On Thursday, June 25, we'll be part of a huge health care rally and lobby day, joining with 20,000 other coalition members who support real health care reform. Opponents of health care for all already are working hard to derail this important measure, and if we don't act now, we will lose the best chance we've had in decades to make real reform happen. We can't afford to let the insurance companies call the shots.

"Being in Washington, D.C., at this critical time and at the heart of the action is exactly what we need to do, to get our working family agenda through Congress and to President Obama," Hill said.

JUNE 13TH

AT&T WANTS YOU TO ADVERTISE THEIR LOGO AS IF YOU ARE A HAPPY EMPLOYEE.

KEEP WEARING THEIR BRAND APPAREL IF YOU ARE HAPPY WITH:

AT&T's HEALTHCARE OFFER

LACK OF JOB SECURITY

THEM LETTING THE GOVERNMENT DECIDE YOUR PENSION

TREATING YOU LIKE A MACHINE INSTEAD OF HUMAN

TREATING YOU LIKE A BURDEN THEY NEED TO GET RID OF

NOT GIVING YOU CREDIT FOR MAKING THEM RICH

NOT LISTENING TO YOUR LOGICAL FEEDBACK OR IDEAS

TREATING YOU LIKE A CRIMINAL

CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY THAT IMPLIES NO ONE IS INNOCENT

TAKING AWAY YOUR BENEFITS TO MAKE YOU PAY FOR THEM

CHEAPENING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

ABANDONING YOU DURING THIS CRISIS IN AMERICA

LYING TO YOU ABOUT HEALTHCARE ISSUES TO MAKE YOU PAY

WE WILL WEAR AT&T's BRANDED APPAREL AGAIN ONCE THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE WORTH A GOOD CONTRACT. WE ARE ASKING OUR MEMBERS TO DO THE SAME.

THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING YOUR UNION.

JUNE 5TH

CWA 9505 WILL DO AN INFORMATIONAL PICKET AT THE LAKER GAME ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH AT 4P.M. DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF STAPLES CENTER. ALL OF YOU AT 9510 ARE INVITED TO BE THERE FOR THIS HIGH PROFILE EVENT.

THANK YOU    CWA LOCAL 9505

JUNE 3rd

Avaya/CWA Reach Tentative Agreement

MAY 27th

YOUR UNION LOCAL CWA 9510 ATTENDED A PROTEST AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER LOCALS WITHIN DISTRICT 9?

WHY THE FOUR SEASONS? AT&T CEO RANDALL STEPHENSON WAS THERE PLAYING GOLF! HIS TEE-OFF WAS INTERRUPTED BY 130 CWA MEMBERS DEMANDING THE FAIR CONTRACT HIS EMPLOYEES DESERVED!

THIS TIME, MORE THAN JUST ASSET PROTECTION SHOWED UP. THE NEWS BLACKOUT ON OUR PLIGHT HAS BEEN REPORTED ON TELEVISION AS DEMONSTRATED BY SAN DIEGO'S CBS 8 NEWS COVERAGE ABOVE.

MAY 27th

HERE IT IS FOLKS!

THE 2ND AT&T UNITY e-MEETING

MAY 27TH

CWA District 9 Vice President Jim Weitkamp placed a ROBO CALL today to all CWA members. Did you receive yours? If you did not get your call, let your local know and leave a phone number you can be reached.

He thanked everyone for their efforts and let everyone know that they are making a difference. However, everyone must (DOUBLE) their efforts in taking their TIIIIME to work SAFELY!

Don't be afraid to do your safety checks. DOUBLE check your work as OFTEN as neccessary to do a QUALITY JOB.

MAY 26TH

Thanks to all of you who have responded to the Mobilization that will be happening 5/27/09. 

There is still time if you would like to attend, be at the Hall by 8:30am sharp. If you still need a release please call 714-978-9510 ext. 22.

Those of you who cannot attend it is business as usual. Work safe and smart. And remember, This is NOT a Spectator Sport!
In Unity,

Kenny Williams
President - CWA Local 9510

MAY 23rd

THIS IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT

BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Seven weeks and no CONTRACT. The level of the companies disdain for YOU seems never ending.

WE make them the seventh largest company in the WORLD and they try to take YOUR healthcare.

WE make them PROFITS quarter over quarter and they won't respect US. They believe they can scare, out-wait you or maybe they just don't get it.

WHATEVER the reason is, they need to know that WE WON'T STOP UNTIL WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE. 

WE are approaching the crossroad and the MOMENT OF TRUTH is at hand. I have told many of you this is a distance race and not a sprint. WHO WILL BLINK FIRST . 

We have a unique opportunity to show the level of our commitment.  On WEDNESDAY 5-27-09 be at the UNION HALL at 8 30 am  for a little road trip.  

THIS IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE  
In Unity,

Kenny Williams
President - CWA Local 9510  (714) 978-9510

"There is no shame in being afraid... there is only shame in not acting on your conscience."

Not yet, but preparing for a strike is important.

STAND WITH US MOBILIZATION ALERT :  

Check back for information you will need.

SEND THEM A STRONG MESSAGE. LET THEM KNOW WHICH. STAND UP FOR THE NEEDY AND NOT THE GREEDY.

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