140
S. Flower Street, Orange, CA 92868 • 714-978-9510 • 800-854-5301
• Fax: 714-978-9055
District 4 Members Over-whelmingly Ratify Contract with AT&T Midwest
With a clear majority of eligible voters participating, members that work for AT&T Midwest voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying the tentative agreement reached on July 15th with AT&T. The Global Services (COS) contract was also overwhelmingly ratified. Mail ballots were counted today and added to the totals of the locals that conducted separate elections. The vote count was conducted by a committee of 24 rank and file volunteers from 13 different locals across the region.
"This vote clearly affirms the great work that was done by our bargaining committee," stated District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen. "In these tough times, our committee was able to get a contract that enhanced both our employment security and our standard of living. Our AT&T members in the Midwest evidently appreciate the job that our committee did."
The contractual wage increases are retroactive to April 5, 2009, but the benefit changes do not take effect until January 1, 2010. We don't know yet the exact date when the raises will be reflected in pay checks, but expect it within weeks and the retroactive pay a few weeks following that. As soon as we have a certain date, we will let local Presidents know.
In Unity,
Kenny Williams President - CWA Local 9510
(714) 978-9510
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
MAY 23rd
PART OF OUR STRENGTH IS OUR GOODWILL TOWARD THE PUBLIC. LET US NOT DO ANYTHING TO DAMAGE THAT RELATIONSHIP.
WE ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AND WE SHOULD ALWAYS CONDUCT OURSELVES AS SUCH.
THE PUBLIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON OUR SIDE WHEN WE FACE DOWN CORPORATIONS WHO THINK THEY CAN PUSH ITS EMPLOYEES AROUND WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES.
WE AS AMERICAN WORKERS ARE NOT BROKEN BY THE ILL WILL THAT HAS BEEN VISITED UPON US BY OWN CORPORATIONS.
YOU HAVE BEEN PATIENT. OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES BUT NOT WITHOUT PROGRESS TO AN ACCEPTABLE RESOLUTION. BARGAINING REPORT #53 INDICATES THAT THE PROGRESS MADE IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY! YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO SHOW YOUR "ORGANIZED WILL" CANNOT BE IGNORED.
MUCH HAS BEEN DONE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT EVEN IF IT IS JUST THE CLOTHING YOU WEAR: THE BLACK ON MONDAY; RED ON TUESDAYS; THE BUTTONS; WRISTBANDS; T-SHIRTS AND OTHER SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT THE BARGAINING TABLE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT,
YOUR UNION
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.
APRIL 25TH
"AT&T YOU CANT HIDE WE CAN SEE YOUR GREEDY SIDE"
That was one of the many chants that 1000 or more CWA members and supporters used during the march through Downtown Los Angeles yesterday.
During that march, the streets of LA were filled with the voices of GOOD WORKING PEOPLE who proclaimed NO CONTRACT NO PEACE.
Local 9510 was represented by 50 Volunteers who GOT ON THE BUS and added their voices to TO ROCK THE BUILDINGS.
One of the MEMBERS who marched with us had been deployed to Iraq 3 times. This fine member and MARINE was a term splicer who had reached his 3 yrs the day before the march.
His last deployment came after he had been employed for a yr and a half. He went back for 1 yr and returned to find out that he ONLY HAD 6 MORE MONTHS TO WORK BECAUSE THEY COUNTED THE YEAR IN IRAQ AGAINST HIM.
On Thursday, MEMBERS of our LOCAL were work completed as well. These SPLICERS were let go BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY THEY DIDN'T HAVE WORK FOR THEM.
DO LOTS AND LOTS OF OVERTIME IN AN ULTRA-SAFE MANNER AND STAY UNIFIED
PRESIDENT KENNY WILLIAMS
APRIL 26TH
A CWA RALLY WAS HELD IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES AT UNION STATION ON FRIDAY IN AN EFFORT TO BRING OUR PLIGHT TO THE PUBLIC.
Union Station
Labor Secretary
Prep Time
Kenny & Sid
Union Station
AFTER HEARING SEVERAL SPEAKERS INCLUDING FEDERAL LABOR SECRETARY HILDA SOLIS AT THE UNION STATION AUDITORIUM, A MARCH TO THE DOWNTOWN AT&T BUILDING WAS UNDERWAY.
March Underway
Our Stewards
Be part of the solution
Don't kill the dream
Make a difference
March
We
Are
Americans
The devil across the street
MANY LOCALS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHLAND PARTICIPATED IN THE MARCH. SOME CAME FROM AS FAR AS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
March To AT&T
Our streets
One fight or no future
Happy to see us
Why we fight
Our strength
We march
The Arrival
Jim
Familiar faces
Hates us all
We built this city
The boys
Tell us Art
RANDALL THE RAT WAS THERE TO GREET THEM ON ARRIVAL.
Beat The Rat
Save our future
We together
Randy
Kick 'em
9510
AT&T is a the leading sponsor of the 2009 Masters Tournament -- a role that surely cost the company some big bucks. If it has enough money to spend on golf, it shouldn't be trying to cut jobs and take away its workers' health care benefits.
At the Communications Workers of America, we're not going to let this happen. We're using every tool we've got to put pressure on AT&T. You've already helped out by signing our petition, but now there's one more thing you can do.
To reach as many people as possible, we're using Twitter during this weekend's Masters Tournament. This innovative service lets us send short messages about AT&T's corporate greed to an audience of millions. All you have to do is go to www.twitter.com, sign in or create a new account, and start sending messages about AT&T's attempts to squeeze its workers out of jobs and benefits.
Check out Twitter and help spread the word about AT&T's corporate greed: http://www.twitter.com
When you send your "tweets," be sure to include a link to our petition (www.standupforworkers.com) and add #masters to the end of your message. This will make sure that other Twitter users who are following the Masters Tournament will see your messages about AT&T.
Here are a few sample messages you can send:
Master of corporate greed -- AT&T wants to cut my health benefits www.standupforworkers.com #masters
Start using Twitter to stand up to AT&T right now: http://www.twitter.com
At the Communications Workers of America, we're always looking for new ways to communicate and organize. When we're facing powerful and greedy companies like AT&T, we need to use every potential means to advocate for our members.
Twitter is just the latest example of innovative ways that technology can help us reach out to new audiences about protecting our jobs and benefits. These new tools -- combined with your commitment and unity -- will ensure that we continue to strengthen our union and reinforce our rights.
Thank you in advance for standing up and speaking out.
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 let them know we will 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).
So toss your hats, pants, shirts and t-shirts into the negotiation ring! Make them aware that we are still watching them closely and we want the great contract we deserve!
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 THURSDAY!
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.
JUNE 12TH
THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES: 19 DAYS TO JULY 1ST
WHILE OUR BARGAINING TEAM CONTINUES TO NEGOTIATE WITH AT&T ALL EYES ARE FOCUSED ON CONGRESS AND THE UPCOMING VOTE ON THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT. THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL CAN BE SEEN AS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR UNIONS.
AT&T ONCE ASKED US TO HELP THEM GET INTO LONG DISTANCE IN THIS STATE WITH THE PROMISE OF JOB SECURITY. WE TOLD OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS TO SUPPORT THEM AS WE ALL DID AND AT&T WAS BROUGHT INTO A NEW MARKET.
NOW THE UNION IS ASKING YOU TO PROMOTE A LAW THAT CAN AND WILL PROTECT YOU AGAINST THE SAME COMPANY YOU HELPED THAT IS NOW TRYING TO ABANDON YOU.
THEY ARE SAYING YOU ARE A BURDEN TO THEM AND YOU MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN TAKING A MASSIVE PAY CUT OR PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE ON YOUR OWN FROM SOME OTHER SOURCE.
DON'T LET THEM THROW YOU AWAY. DOWNLOAD THE FLYERS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS PAGE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE JUST BY TAKING A FEW MINUTES WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR DAILY TRAVELS AND LEAVE THE FLIERS ON CARS OR HANDOUT TO THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU ALL FOR GETTING INVOLVED.
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...
How many of you have seen what AT&T placed on the intranet about bargaining? They have a knack for ticking off employees by spinning their proposals. Even the managers aren't buying what they are selling. Of course there are the usual brown-nosers that side with the company to forward themselves, but overall the managers are buying less and less of what AT&T is selling. Let's go through it and just so you don't get confused, the union comments will be inred. Here we go:
Labor Update: Negotiations continue, AT&T announces highlights of proposals to CWA
April 06, 2009
April 5 — Today AT&T Inc. and Communications Workers of America (CWA) continued to meet and negotiate toward new agreements for 80,500 Core wireline employees. The current agreements expired at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.
In the Southeast, where the contract does not expire until August 8, both parties have agreed to stop negotiations and reconvene this summer — as they would have under normal circumstances. These 32,000 union-represented employees are no longer part of the current negotiations. (This is true to a point. However, solidarity is a foreign concept to AT&T so it does not understand how CWA in the Southeast still plays a role in current negotiations. You don't have to be at the table to have a profound effect on bargaining. For example, the giant rats lined up around the country. Although they do not sit at the bargaining table- they symbolize the AT&T bargainers and their cheesy proposals. These rodents freak them out and are so bad in the public view; they are waging an ad campaign full of duplicity to counterstrike.)
AT&T's wireline business is declining (20 percent of consumer access lines lost in the past 3 years), yet it is the part of the business where union employees have the richest health care benefits. (This is simple- they believe you rich, therefore they want to make you pay for your benefits! Here are some simple questions- Are you rich? Do you have the extra money to pay for your benefits? Why would they say you are rich when you aren't? The company is changing. They want to re-define the industry by saying wireline is no better than cable T.V. in order to bring down the wages. Well that is not true. We are a very amazing company and we deserve to be paid as such.) Union-represented Core wireline employees pay similar amounts for their health care as union workers at the Big 3 automakers pay — and it's clear what those sorts of unsustainable costs have done to America's auto industry. (Oh no you didn't! Do you believe that?? They played the auto industry card? Here is the biggest most ridiculous LIE they could tell! While they are trying to make you afraid and quake in your lineman's boots by saying we are like the big three American auto makers, they leave out one $12.9 BILLION dollars fact. That figure is NOT a bailout proposal to the American tax-payer. That was their one year profit amount during the time they were crying about shrinking line share!) These employees also pay significantly lower than what other AT&T employees pay, including those covered by other CWA contracts.
In a time when other employers are totally abandoning health care benefits — as well as pensions and wage increases — AT&T takes pride in being able to continue to provide good jobs with good wages and benefits that are among the best in the nation to all of its employees. (Do you make $60,000 dollars a day like Randall Stephenson, the president of AT&T? Why the campaign to pay the "little cost" they say you must pay? They pay it now and they have the resources to continue to pay.) To that end, here is a general summary of the present proposals made by AT&T:
Health care plans that keep Core wireline bargained-for employees with lower health care costs than AT&T management, other recently negotiated CWA agreements, competitors and well below the national average — remaining one the of most robust health care plans in the nation. Some elements of the plans include:
Employee health care costs pegged to wages, so that those who earn less, pay less for deductibles
Full company-funded coverage of all preventative care, including annual physicals, mammograms, well-baby care, and immunizations
(I feel like I am on a used car lot and they are trying to sell me the car I drove up in. I have all of these benefits now and it is free. Question: Since the healthcare costs are so "small" why don't they use some of that $12.9 BILLION dollars and pay the cost themselves! Answer: Because it is not about money, it is about power. The power to take; the power to add to their greedy agenda)
Wage increases for all years of the agreement, through a combination of wage progression, raises and lump sum payments — at a time when many U.S. employers are either asking for wage concessions or freezing wages (What do wage increases matter when benefits are taken away? For those who do not realize this- your pay in wages is measured in more than just dollars. Your benefits come at a cost to the company. Therefore you are worth more than you can quantify on your paycheck. However, if the company makes you pay for your benefits, not only do they not have to pay, which is a savings to them, but you are double-whammed because you pay for your benefits out-of-pocket. AND you are taxed on it.)
Upgrades for premises technicians — including additional wage increases beyond those outlined above and, where needed, conversion of employees from temporary to regular status
Increase in pension contributions every year of the agreement and continuation of the 401k plan with generous company match, even as employers are decreasing or eliminating this benefit (Wow, how generous. Everyone knows that 401ks are and investment into the company you work for. What they are saying is they will continue to "allow you to give them money." Gee Thanks)
It is important to note that the highlights above are what the company has proposed and is not an all-inclusive list. All items are still on the table and pending negotiation by the Company and the union.
The Company stands ready to negotiate with the CWA at any time in a continuing effort to reach an agreement.
NOTE: In our continuing effort to equip you with accurate information about our various negotiations with the CWA, we are providing this update regarding the Core bargaining to help you understand what the Company offered. Please understand, the Company is obligated to bargain exclusively with the CWA regarding terms and conditions of employment. We have done that in the past and intend to continue doing that. (Some would argue that in releasing this information to our members, AT&T is bargaining directly to our members making a rebuttal necessary!)
(And now, a word from the AT&T managers. Yes, they are all managers and no I did not correct any grammer or spelling.)
-------- Comments from managers -------- Total Comments (7)
1: (pv1364)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 01:53 PM
If they strike, the first thing to go up is the big, inflatable rat, I wish someone would pop the rat. Or at least call Orkin. (WOW, thanks, it is good to know the rat works so well.)
2: (bh2575)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Perhaps the statement regarding health care costs being lower than the costs AT&T management pays could have been stated differently or left out altogether. (I understand how you feel; paying the kind of money you must pay hurts to think about. Just ask any manager do they like what they have to pay for their healthcare)
3: (fm1726)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Given the marco-economic environment, our rapidly shrinking share of consumer land-line voice customers and brutal competition from traditional and non-traditional competitors, I believe the company is being extremely fair in it's negotiations and proposed solutions to the various issues being bargained. Our union-represented emplolyees are amongst the highest compensated (salary, bonuses, 401K's, pension, etc..) for their respective roles-in the nation, if not the world-and their health-care benefits (regardless of the outcome of the bargaining) will remain very strong as compared to virtually every other employer. We should all be grateful that we're working for AT&T-particularly in the middle of the worst recession in our lifetimes-and that the company-though not perfect-certainly values and compensates it's employees very well.
(I guess we know who the suck-up is, or maybe a relative of Randall Stephenson. Can you see from where your head is at or is it too dark?)
4: (cc6119)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I understand the viewpoints for both management and bargained for employees. The plan to increase out of pockect expenses for bargained for employees does still leave them far below the national average. In addition, the bargained for employees generally make more money than managers. So the idea of easing them into the process is a little ridiculous. This is not an us vs. them topic. A fair contract is a justifiable request, but I beleive it should be fair for all employees. Meaning that managers and craft should have a similar plan. Maybe one that allows for multiple providers at a progressive cost based on the type of plan selected. (You are right; this is not a case of "us vs. them". It is a case of we got screwed and they didn't. I have one question for you. If you could have done something about having to pay for your healthcare, would you? By the way, we make more because we DO more.)
5: (cc1023)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Mary Lynn's point is valid to an extent. There was a time when Mgt pay and benefits was always superior to non-management. Those times have ended, but not everyone has forgotten them. I believe the company is also proposing eliminating pensions for new hires. And limiting the max Lump Sum payout amt for current employees. So the article is incomplete. The company would gain credibility if the entire proposal were published. The company's reputation as a reliable source can only be enhanced by complete and thorough reports. A question that remains unanswered is why the company does not use its legions of lobbyists to address changing the national healthcare picture so that the burden of healthcare does not fall solely upon individual companies. Rather than participate in the race to the bottom, why not change the game entirely? (Oh my god, I think I am in love! I hope you are a female...)
6: (cc8291)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I don't think the fact that bargained-for employees will still be paying less for their healthcare than AT&T management is a slap in the face to the managers. I understand that it is a difficult step for our bargained employees to begin paying a larger share for their healthcare, just as it was for us when managers' costs went up. I think it is inevitable that bargained employees will have to begin paying more of the costs for their healthcare, but I support a plan that eases that transition for them, even if it means that they are still getting a "better deal" than I am. This isn't (or shouldn't be) about us and them. It should be about finding a way to provide good jobs, with good benefits to ALL of us while allowing the company that provides all of that to us to stay competitive in this increasingly tricky market. (Wow, slip it in slow and it won't hurt as much. Must be a doctor on the side. However, we both know when you have to pay for a benefit you were getting for free, it can be demeaning. Think about how you felt when you first realized you had to pay for something that was free when you hired on. Then you had to pay more and more. And what you were paying for became less and less worth what it was you used to get for free. A little hard to follow, but the company proposal is very hard to swallow.)
7: (mm6285)
Posted on: April 06, 2009 at 08:03 AM
"Health care plans that keep Core wireline bargained-for employees with lower health care costs than AT&T management." What a slap in the face for managers. The company thinks less of us than the bargained for employees.
(Actually that is not true; the company wants to screw us all equally. It is just taking more time to screw us than you.)
Thanks for going over the company proposal with me.
CWA Legacy Unit Reaches Tentative Agreement with AT&T
Washington, D.C. – CWA's Communications and Technologies bargaining team has reached a tentative agreement with AT&T covering about 8,000 CWA-represented workers nationwide.
Details of the proposed agreement will be made available to members and locals tomorrow, Aug. 28, and CWA will hold a contract explanation meeting with locals.
Bargaining is continuing for about 65,000 CWA-represented members at AT&T. These negotiations include AT&T East (CWA District 1), Southeast (District 3) and Southwest (District 6).
CWA members at AT&T Midwest, CWA District 4, overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement on Aug. 7 and CWA members at AT&T West, CWA District 9, are voting now on a tentative agreement with the results due Sept. 1.
August 27, 2009
Register Now for CWA Safety and Health Conference in San Diego
Join CWA's health and safety team in San Diego in October for the Occupational Safety and Health Conference, where experts will help you tackle the flu, ergonomics, toxic materials and other hazards workers face on the job.
The conference is Oct. 3-5 at the Holiday Inn On-the-Bay in San Diego. Seminars also will cover recordkeeping, leadership skills and what the Obama administration is doing to protect workers and overturn anti-worker rules from the Bush administration.
Participants should register for the conference and at the hotel by Sept. 11.
Since our contracts expired, CWA members have been working in good faith to continue to provide service to AT&T customers while we negotiate for a new contract. It's up to AT&T to show us the same respect.
Instead of exploiting the economic downturn to squeeze its workers, AT&T should do what's right and agree to the fair deal we deserve. We know the company can afford it -- last year it achieved a record profit of $12.9 billion, and this year it's already made $6.3 billion.
With continued growth despite the poor economy, AT&T has no excuse for denying the fair contract we've worked so hard to earn.
Join your brothers and sisters in calling for Randall Stephenson to do what's right. Send him a letter today: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/
stephenson_respect/x8x7dx4z7eje5m3?
Even though some districts have reached agreements with AT&T, we won't rest until all CWA members at AT&T a fair contract. As long as we stick together, we can make that happen. Districts 4 and 9 are still in the fight and will keep mobilizing until every AT&T bargaining unit has a fair contract.
As we await the results of the vote of the Membership on the TA for at&t core let us NOT forget we still have Members working without a contract.
Our Legacy T Members are still awaiting a TA. They are a part of 9510 and we must continue our mobilization efforts until ALL MEMBERS IN ALL DISTRICTS HAVE A CONTRACT.
Our text messages Emails and other initiatives are ongoing . Please continue the fight.
In Unity,
Kenny Williams President - CWA Local 9510 (714) 978-9510
CONTRACT EXPLANATION MEETING
Morning Meeting at:
CWA LOCAL 9510 UNION HALL 140 SOUTH FLOWER ST ORANGE, CA 92868 Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Evening Meeting at:
TEAMSTER’S LOCAL 952 140 SOUTH MARKS WAY ORANGE, CA 92868 Thursday, August 20, 2009 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
CWA District 9 Reaches Tentative Agreement with AT&T West
August 9, 2009
Sacramento – The CWA District 9 bargaining team has reached a tentative agreement with AT&T West covering about 23,000 CWA-represented workers in California, Nevada and Hawaii.
Please email your questions and comments to: 9510mobilize@sbcglobal.net
The President will ask District 9 the questions you have provided at a CWA District 9 contract explanation meeting with CWA locals on August 17th.
Local Explanation Meeting will be held on August 20th.
More information will be made public following membership notification. The mail ratification vote will be completed September 1st.
Bargaining is continuing for about 70,000 CWA-represented members at AT&T.
These negotiations include AT&T East (CWA District 1), Southeast (District 3), Southwest (District 6), and AT&T Legacy, a nationwide unit.
CWA members at AT&T Midwest, CWA District 4, overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement on August 7th.
July Rally: Local 9510 in Orange County, CA held a Mobilizing Rally to support our Bargaining Committee and show AT&T that we mean business. Thank you to Locals 9400 and 9505 for coming out and showing you...
"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.
"All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing."- Edmund Burke
August 9th, 9:22 am US/Eastern
Union Workers Threatening To Strike AT&T
Union Contract Expires Sunday Night At Midnight
CWA Members Concerned About Salary & Healthcare Changes
MIAMI (CBS4) - The Communications Workers of America have threatened to strike at AT&T is some sort of accord is not reached by Sunday night at midnight when their contract expires.
On Saturday, about 50 union workers picketed in front of the company's facility on Northwest 70th Avenue in Miami, according to CBS4 news partners The Miami Herald. There are about three thousand CWA members in Miami who work for AT&T.
The contract negotiations began in July as negotiators met to hammer out union concerns including salaries, healthcare and jobs lost overseas in outsourcing.
Some of the changes AT&T representatives are proposing call for salaries to be based more on commissions, with a lower base pay, and increased out of pocket expenses for their healthcare. They claim CWA workers pay the lowest rates for healthcare benefits in the company.
If an agreement cannot be reach by the midnight deadline, local union officials said a strike could be called for 7 a.m. Monday.
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - The deadline is fast approaching for AT&T workers to find out whether or not they will go on strike.
AT&T employees who are part of a local union are holding what they call a strikewatch party. They are grilling while they wait for word from negotiators.
Members of the 3511 Communications Workers Assocation say they'll go on strike if AT&T does not extend their contract by 10:59 Saturday night. That's when the workers' current contract expires.
Union members say they've been at the bargaining table for a month. They say they'll strike if nothing happens within the hour. A strike could affect those using AT&T landline, DSL and Broadband services.
AUGUST 9TH
Union members tell WLBT strikewatch parties aren't uncommon. They say they have done this before in times when their contracts have been in question. On the possibility of a strike an AT&T spokesman said Thursday that even if a strike occurs AT&T is confident the region will remain unaffected.
Marty Richter said quote, "We don't really expect one, but we've been planning for more than two years to handle that contingency."
AUGUST 9th
AT&T workers ready to go on strike
Members of the Communication Workers of America say they are ready to strike if their representatives and AT&T can't negotiate a contract by midnight.
Their red shirts read: ``We'll fight till hell freezes over -- Then, we'll fight on ice!''
Armed with picket signs and a megaphone, about 50 unionized AT&T employees rallied in front of the company's facility on Northwest 70th Avenue in Miami. Their contract expires on Sunday.
At stake, say Communication Workers of America members: their salaries, healthcare, retiree benefits and jobs lost to outsourcing.
The Miami demonstration is one of many the union organized in the southeastern United States, where contract negotiations began July 20.
The union represents 3,000 AT&T workers in Miami. About 32,000 members overall are affected by the contract being negotiated, AT&T spokesman Marty Richter said.
He said on Saturday that the company was ready to handle any work stoppage.
``We don't expect a strike. But we're a customer-oriented business, and we take very seriously the need to be prepared,'' Richter said. The company has been planning for the possibility of a strike for two years, he said.
Richter said current proposals would preserve wages and benefits.
``We're not asking for more than we already have,'' said Osmany Cabrera, 36, who has worked as a small business and customer service representative for the company for five years. ``Don't take what we have.''
Cabrera said he opposes proposed changes to compensate employees more on commissions and less on base pay.
``We have to support our families,'' he said.
Karen Leon sat with her 11-month-old son under the shade of trees. She said she showed up to fight for healthcare benefits.
Her son is at the doctor's office once a month, said Leon, 24, a sales associate for more than two years.
Don Abicht, president of the local CWA, said AT&T wants to increase the out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. But AT&T's Richter says local CWA workers pay the lowest rates among all AT&T employees.
Employees were also rallying against outsourcing, which Abicht said has claimed 22,000 jobs.
If union representatives can't agree on a contract by midnight, Abicht said employees will go on strike starting at 7 a.m. Monday.
Author: Tony Pecinovsky
People's Weekly World Newspaper, 08/08/09 09:44
ST. LOUIS — "AT&T is leading the race to the bottom," Communications Workers of America Local 6300 President Kevin Kujawa said as some 150 CWA members picketed the AT&T tower here Aug. 6.
"In this economy, AT&T should be part of the recovery," he added.
CWA Local 6300 members have been picketing AT&T regularly since their contract expired April 4.
While neighboring CWA union locals in District 4 have agreed to new contract terms, “we've still got a long way to go," Kujawa told the World.
Local 6300 is part of CWA District 6, which represents over 71,000 workers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.
District 6 Vice President Andy Milburn noted, "AT&T made $12.9 billion in profits last year. They've made $6.2 billion so far this year. They don't need to cut our members' pay and benefits to survive. AT&T isn't suffering like the auto industry."
Additionally, Milburn said, "AT&T is trying to create a new cost structure. By cutting wages and benefits they are trying to change the cost structure and lower the standard of living for our members."
He also talked briefly about AT&T's new CEO Randall Stephenson.
Milburn commented, "Stephenson comes out of finance. He graduated with a finance degree. He worked in the finance department. He's a bean counter and we're all beans out here."
Kujawa expressed concern for CWA's retirees. "Legally CWA can't bargain for the retirees. We can't negotiate with AT&T on behalf of the retirees and make them live up to their responsibilities," he said.
"These workers put in 30, 35, 40 years and expect a certain standard living. They expect the pension, health care and other benefits they were promised.”
“By cutting their benefits, AT&T will force some retirees to seek state assistance," he said.
CWA Local 6300 members have been working without a contract for four months now. Job security is a major issue, as AT&T has shipped tens of thousands of jobs to India, the Philippines, Argentina, Costa Rico and Mexico.
Bob Huss, vice president of the CWA retirees chapter, told the World, "AT&T wants complete control. It isn't about money to them. They've got the money. It's about control."
"They want to be able to work people three days this week and seven days next week," Huss added, "without paying a dime in overtime."
After thanking CWA sister unions for their support, as well as Jobs with Justice, the United Food and Commercial Workers union, the United Auto Workers and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Kujawa added, "AT&T thinks we live in a Wal-Mart economy. And they are trying to Wal-Mart their workforce. Well AT&T, this isn't Wal-Mart. And we're not backing down."
AUGUST 8TH
Three days ago...
BellSystem wrote:
As a retiree, I look back at all of the wage increases and other major items that we (as union members) agreed to give up over the years in order to retain the benefit levels that AT&T is currently erroding. AT&T is in an excellent financial position for the future right now, but is twisting the facts of their own proxies to reflect a "downturn in wireline".
Lest we forget that the landlines which feed those towers that allow you to view this comment on your iphone or blackberry and so on are maintained by the CORE WIRELINE Employees. The "DRY LOOPS" and DSL connections also ride on a landline connection.
I'm sick to hear that CWA District 4 bought into the corporate proposal. They should be ashamed of themselves for caving, while the rest of their union districts continue to negotiate, not to mention the IBEW at a Nationwide table.
The membership needs rapid education to prevent this from happening to the rest of the "Bell" employees. Really - NATIONWIDE NOW!
AT&T is using the current economic state to feel justified in shifting health care costs to their employees - Including their own managers. Even in the Great Depression - AT&T paid dividends to their shareholders.
This is absolutely sickening.
STAND UP PEOPLE! - FIGHT BACK! YOU are your Union!
Our blood, sweat & tears were not produced from "laying down" and "rolling over" - We stood solid - TOGETHER - AS ONE.
Mindful deception & misinformation campaigns are not what is best for your employees, Randall. I will see you at the next appearance that you make. I will be there and everywhere else no matter what the outcome of these negotiations are. I will be there with my vaules and my historical knowledge (which you apparently do not posess) to share with your board of directors and the rest of the media on hand - Retiree Thoughts
KSDK -- Dozens of CWA members took to the streets Thursday afternoon to voice their displeasure with AT&T.
CWA members have been working four months without a new contract with AT&T and said they are worried about their job security. They say AT&T has shipped tens of thousands of jobs to countries like India and they are worried their jobs will be next.
Negotiations continue between the two sides.
A spokesperson for Fleishman Hillard gave NewsChannel 5 a written statement on behalf of AT&T. In it, AT&T said its core union employees continue to work under the terms of expired contracts. The communications company says it is the largest private employer of full-time union employees and is proud of its relationship with the CWA.
In the statement, AT&T said that the employees covered by the contract in question work for a part of the company that continues to shrink -- wired voice services. AT&T says its growth areas are now wireless, video and broadband.
An AT&T spokesman addressed the concerns about outsourcing and said the company has returned 5,000 jobs to the United States in the last few years. He said the contract being offered the workers includes job offer guarantees to workers to ensure job offers for them in their area of work within the company.
DON'T LIE DOWN AND LET THEM WALK ON YOUR LIFE... ON YOUR FAMILY... STAND AND FIGHT!
SERIOUSLY - DON'T SCAB!
THIS COULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT CONTRACT OF OUR TIME. EVERYONE IS NEEDED AND EVERYONE WILL BE HELPED. BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK OF CROSSING A PICKET LINE KNOW THIS, SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR UNION LOCAL. WE ALL WILL BE ON THE PICKET LINE PROTECTING ALL OF OUR FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. HONOR THEM AND YOURSELF BY DOING THE RIGHT THING.
JULY 28
The House of Representatives will be voting soon on H.R. 3200 -- America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. This landmark legislation would provide quality, affordable health care to all Americans.
Finally, health care reform is within our reach. But there are powerful interests fighting this legislation with everything they've got. The insurance industry and their right-wing backers in Congress are trying to kill or weaken this bill -- and it's up to us to make sure that doesn't happen.
This week is a week of action for CWA and our allies at the AFL-CIO and Health Care for America NOW! We're asking CWA members across the country to call their representatives and make sure they support America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
Your Member of Congress is Rep. Ed Royce. Please take a moment to call 1-888-580-0792 and urge Rep. Royce to vote YES on H.R. 3200.
When you dial, you will be automatically connected to your Member's office. Click here for more detailed instructions and a form so that you can report your results: http://www.healthcarevoices.org/script
America's Affordable Health Choices Act would help millions of Americans who are struggling with the high cost of health insurance -- or who have no coverage at all.
This legislation meets CWA's four priorities for health care reform:
It requires all employers to contribute to their workers' health care costs. This would let CWA workers keep their hard-won benefits, while making sure all workers are able to get coverage. It levels the playing field between responsible employers and those who don't pay their fair share of workers' health care costs.
It includes a strong public health insurance plan as an option to private insurance. This is essential to driving down costs, promoting competition, giving people choices, and protecting those with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage.
It protects retirees. This legislation would strengthen Medicare while providing employers with assistance to provide coverage for pre-Medicare retirees, who are particularly vulnerable to losing their health insurance.
It does not tax workers' health benefits. Expanded health care shouldn't be funded out of the pockets of America's working families. Instead, this bill would be financed by a modest tax surcharge on the wealthiest Americans -- recouping some of the lost revenue from the Bush tax cuts.
Help show Congress that the American people are behind this bill. Call 1-888-580-0792 to participate in our National Call-In Week -- and do your part to help achieve health care for all: http://www.healthcarevoices.org/script
Health care reform has been a long time coming. We're so close right now -- we must do everything we can to see this through to the end.
JULY 24TH
There have been many questions about the ATT D4 agreement and bargaining process. As a result we have prepared new factsheets describing the D4 settlement. Here is the web link for them http://www.cwa-union.org/att/factsheets/
AUGUST 9TH
Comments - BELL SOUTH CONTRACT
(If you are confused, read from the bottom comment to the top one.)
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 12:35pm
I worked for southern bell and bell south for 31 years.Since at&t took over everything has changed for the WORSE!u want a craftsman or lower management person who feels any different unless they are a blind idiot.Without a strike, it will continue to go downhill so quit licking their shoes and stand up for whats right and fair.let the supervisors work in 100 degree weather for a while and see how that goes!
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 12:24pm
I work at an outside vendor taking calls for the Installer Help Desk.... Ive probably talked to some of ya techs...
A majority of the calls im taking from Ecocomp and BSTs alike there is a level of concern.... Im rolling trucks for tomorrow that may not roll
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 12:06pm
Ah, I'm tired of all this nonsense. I'm going back to work in the porn industry. At least we know who is getting screwed there. And paid for it!
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 12:04pm
Who's WHITEY?
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:55am
KILL WHITEY!
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:54am
you were a coin collector obviously..... u wouldnt last an hour riding with this obese disgusting money grubbing union worker. ride with a tech one day and leave your penny loafers at home. as for my crew, weve only got one obese disguting money grubbing union worker but i assure you that u couldnt even hang with him.
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:39am
"Care only about yourself. Union is like a bunch of welfare recipients....gimme gimme gimme."
So true. Obese, disgusting, entitlement-oriented windbags on here. I love how they paint their jobs as SO HARD. I worked a union job for 20 years and the amount of milking the system that's done is incredible. A job that took 25 minutes gets "credit" for five hours so we have no choice but to read the newspaper and drive around in the truck for four hours so we don't make our lazy, disgusting union "brothers" look bad.
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:35am
att should cut all the managers pay to half and make them work 6 days a week. then id like to hear managers talk about how much they care about customers. gimme a break. management gets screwed bad by att so they think craft should be screwed to. get your fat ass up from that desk and try to do the job your overpaid craft workers do. lets see how well u do when u get the 3rd or 4th pissed off customer whos service has been out for a week and youre the blame. oh did i mention that the person they talked to,if they got a live person, was named steve from bombay. so u spend the 1st 10 min of each task listening to how much your company sucks since att bought it. im just sad i didnt dump my company stock last year before it got it hit the floor. maybe ill invest in cricket wireless and hope att's 14 dollar an hour employees of the future with keep the access lines up that actually run the service.
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:21am
Greed at its finest. Care only about yourself. Union is like a bunch of welfare recipients....gimme gimme gimme. You should do the world a favor and follow your own advice.
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:13am
lets be real... the only people that care about the customers is, well... the customers. i dont come to work for the customers. im only here cuz im paid to be. go pack your face in a plastic bag and go home.
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:09am
the roof, the roof, the roof is on fiya! we dont need no water let the motherf$#@er burn.... what a great time to file bankruptcy and start growing my own food..... jeez i love coporate american for all it has done for the wealthy 1% of the population. i better go put my application in at the home depot before everyone else does or better yet ill just practice my "would u like fries with that" for a day or 2. Thanks att for showing me how much u care!
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:09am
"its the people who run the company who make it what it is, and this company leaves a lot to be desired right now"
Sounds like it's time for you to pack up and go. Nobody needs you. You're a burden on the company. Leave the customer service to those who care about the customers.
Posted by Anonymous | August 9, 2009 - 11:07am
They were dressed in red shirts with slogan, "we'll fight till hell freezes over - Then, we'll fight on ice!"
====
Great use of cash. Between the t-shirts, inflatable rats, clickers, and other nonsense, a family of four could eat for a week. Or a union member for two days.
Posted by norm68 | August 9, 2009 - 10:58am
I agree with you Johnboy64, its the people who run the company who make it what it is, and this company leaves a lot to be desired right now. Maybe the upper toffs should retire and put people managers in there place. Reddog I dont agree with you, and does anyone have an answer to the question:- HOW LONG CAN WE WORK WITHOUT A CONTRACT
JULY 16TH
IT'S NOT OVER YET!!
Tentative Agreement in Midwest; Fight Goes On
The AT&T Midwest (District 4) unit has reached a tentative agreement with the Company. Negotiations continue at all other AT&T tables. Our fight goes on. Our energy and determination remain focused on standing one day longer until we get the quality agreements all of our members deserve.
There are unique issues in each of our AT&T contracts. The timing and terms of an agreement at each table depend on a combination of factors: the complexity of their issues; how willing the company is to address those issues; the consistency of their mobilization; and more.
We will use the power of 90,000 members and 100,000 retirees in the rest of the country to fight for what’s right for each unit. District 4 will add its weight to the fight and continue to mobilize along with their brothers and sisters.
District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen reiterated that CWA remains in ONE FIGHT. “Even though we have reached a tentative agreement in the Midwest, we will continue to support our sisters and brothers that have not yet reached an agreement. Our fight is not over until every AT&T unit has a fair and just contract.”
JULY 9TH
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 .
THIS IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE In Unity,
Kenny Williams President - CWA Local 9510 (714) 978-9510
AUGUST 3RD
Brothers and Sisters,
Bargaining report #75 reads in part that during a Sunday bargaining meeting with at&t, the company "ARROGANTLY AND INEXPLICABLY" moved backwards on several key issues. YOUR BARGAINING COMMITTEE ended the session by telling the company to "call us when they get serious."
This latest SLAP IN THE FACE is once again indicative of even after 5 months of HARD WORK (we started bargaining on 2-24-09) CORPORATE GREED REIGNS SUPREME.
EVIDENTLY THE MESSAGE NEEDS TO BE STRONGER, SO HERE IT IS... AT&T- OUR STRENGTH IS GREATER THAN YOUR GREED!
Forty percent of the total profits come from CALIFORNIA AND WE ARE NOT GIVING AAANNNYTHING BACK PERIOD.
Your LOCAL is prepared for ALL contingencies . MORE DETAILS TO COME. PS MEMBERSHIP MTG 8-4-09 Plan to ATTEND AND GET THE LATEST ON BARGAINING In Unity, Kenny Williams President - CWA Local 9510
THE COMPANY HAS MOVED BACKWARDS ON NEGOTIATIONS AND IS TESTING OUR RESOLVE! GET READY TO PARTICIPATE IN JOB ACTIONS THAT WILL SHOW THEM JUST HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE!
JULY 4TH
This weekend, our families will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.
Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal.
Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty -- a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.
Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation's course. America's greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with it.
As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.
So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become.
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 Freedomand
God Bless Our Troops.
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.
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:
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.
After you get your own "Health Care '09" sticker, tell everyone you know who can't wait any longer for real health care reform. The key to our success is visibility: the more of these stickers we can get out there, the stronger our message will be.
So please order your free "Health Care '09" sticker today:
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?
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.
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.
April 17th
MANAGER'S OPINION CORNER (That's right, everybody's got one! You know, a manager.)
This was a pro-AT&T post from a manager who is so misrable he can't see further than getting screwed by his own company...
"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:
Qualcomm; Boston Consulting Group; Nugget Markets Umpqua Bank; Whole Foods Market; Shared Technologies; Stew Leonard's; SAS Institute; Rackspace Managed Hosting; Station Casinos; Kimley-Horn & Associates; FactSet Research Systems; Perkins Coie; EOG Resources; Russell Investments; Valero Energy; David Evans & Associates; Granite Construction; Stanley; Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network and Microsoft.
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."
When you come back, read our reports for truthful information.
CWA District 9/AT&T West
Bargaining Bulletin #77
Sunday, August 9th, 2009
Late this evening, 127 days after expiration, we reached a tentative agreement on a new three year contract.
We will provide details in the coming days.
There will be a vote on ratification, by the members, to be concluded by September 1st.
Thank you for your support and patience.
IN UNITY,
William B. Harvey
Lupe Mercado
Bill Demers
Pam Suniga
Art Gonzalez
Tom Runnion
1 Union 1 Fight 1 Future
A word of caution to those following bargaining reports from other websites... there are bargaining tables for other contracts going on at the same time across the country. Their reports pertain to their contracts which can be simular or very different from ours. We are part of district 9 and our bargaining reports are listed below:
HELP THIS MAN HELP YOU. An open letter from Roger Smith, representing the Business Leaders for a Fair Economy:
As the president and CEO of American Income Life Insurance and National Income Life Insurance Company, I run a company with more than 4,000 employees and associates, and I firmly believe the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to turning around our economy and rebuilding our middle class.
More than 1,000 business leaders like me have publicly endorsed the Employee Free Choice Act, but that is not enough because actions speak louder than words.
I realized I needed to organize responsible, worker-friendly business leaders in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. It’s amazing what some of my fellow CEOs are willing to say in an effort to stop this important piece of legislation, and it was time to fight back.
A group of us have formed a new coalition, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy, to make it clear that it's possible to be both pro-business and pro-worker. We are a national group of employers, entrepreneurs and business leaders who understand that good jobs that pay well create demand for the goods and services we provide. We support the Employee Free Choice Act as an integral part of our nation's economic recovery.
I’m honored to be a part of this great new coalition and to serve with my fellow committee members, Darren Horndasch, president of Wisconsin Vision, and Diana Ortiz, president and CEO of Ortiz Enterprises LLC and Ortiz Accounting and Tax Services.
As CEOs, we are challenging other responsible business leaders to support this landmark legislation because we know what is good for workers is good for business.
Thank you,
Roger Smith
Chair, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy
President and CEO, American Income Life Insurance and National Income Life Insurance Company
P.S. Marc Laitin at the AFL-CIO wanted to make sure I reminded you to call your senators and tell them about this new organization. Help amplify our voices today. Here are the numbers for your senators:
Sen. Boxer at (202) 224-3553
Sen. Feinstein at (202) 224-3841
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...
APRIL 21st
ANOTHER SUCCESS! THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN TODAY'S DEMONSTRATION! THE MESSAGE WAS CLEAR... WE ARE UNITED AND READY TO WALK WHEN CALLED UPON BY THE PRESIDENT OF OUR UNION.
FUTURE ACTIONS WILL NOT BE POSTED IN ADVANCE! IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE FURTHER INFORMATION ON UNITED JOB ACTIONS, PLEASE SEND US YOUR PERSONAL CELL PHONE NUMBERS SO YOU CAN BE NOTIFIED BY TEXT MESSAGE WHEN NEEDED.
TECHS!! PLEASE STAND BY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION! YOUR PARTICIPATION WILL BE NEEDED THIS WEEK!
April 14th
KEEP OUR FAMILIES WORKING...
With the economy in crisis, fueled by increasing job losses and mounting foreclosures, our country faces unprecedented challenges. To raise awareness on the needs of America's working families and communities, NCRC is mobilizing members and community partners for a National "Jobs and Homes Now!" Day of Action on June 11, 2009!
NCRC's National Day of Action will bring member organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to call on Congressional leaders and local elected officials to:
Create Jobs in areas with the greatest unemployment.
Stop Foreclosures in areas with disproportionately high rates of foreclosure.
Rebuild Communities through greater investments in the national infrastructure, especially in communities with historically inferior or poorly maintained infrastructure.
The National Day of Action will take place in urban and rural areas across the country in at least 50 locations. Participating organizations will have conversations in their communities in the form of assemblies or direct meetings with policymakers (their national and local representatives, governors, and others) about how the three priority areas as well as other local and state needs can be addressed through concerted action at the federal level. NCRC needs your help to make this National Day of Action a success! If you are interested in hosting a National Day of Action event in your area, click here to sign up: www.ncrc.org/dayofaction.
For more information about the National Day of Action, please call NCRC's Membership Department at 202-464-2719 or e-mail membership@ncrc.org.
Save the date for a conference call Monday, April 27 as we share campaign updates, best-practices, and strategies for organizing and building a national movement to create jobs, stop foreclosures, and rebuild communities!
APRIL 15TH
THE FOLLOWING WAS A POST FOUND ON THE INTERNET. IT CLOSELY DESCRIBES WHAT A LOT OF US ARE FEELING AT THIS POINT-
The uninformed? Healthcare costs are just one issue. At&t wants cuts and give backs in just about
every area. Reduced pay (by as much as 40%) trim 401k contributions, THEY want to schedule our vacation time, eliminate sick pay (for employees with less than 8yrs), just a few of the givebacks at&t seeks. As an at&t tech. for 16yrs I spent 5yrs working and training to get to top pay and it would take 5yrs to replace me! Most people could
not meet the standards our techs and reps meet every minute. At&t made $13B PROFIT because we have the BEST trained people in the industry and earn every bit of what we got!
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This whole entitlement thinking comments thing is crazy. You're right we do feel something. We feel that the company should stand behind the promisses they make. We are not asking for more, more, more. We just don't want to give back what we have. If the company was in finacial trouble this would be another matter. Hell most of us would be ok with paying a little more for health care. Or taking smaller raise to keep it like it is. But the company is not budging on anything
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To the person who said "You guys are not getting the big picture." Get real. Without union members, they have no shares. Who do you think does all the work? The Executives? The Shareholders? No! The union members do all the work. With out our hard work and dedication to this company there would be no company.
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I'm sadden from the comments that I have read thus far. The idea that healthcare expense shouldn't be shared is far from what the union is upset with. I ask you to consider these things first before you post comments with biased thoughts. I am a union member and I agree that we should look at cost factors and ensure that monies will be allocated to make AT&T a profitable company. But, if the monies are taking away to spend on lavish concerts," The final four games", then what message is given. I take from my employees -managers and union worker to sell a well self known product. If any of you have children think about this; In todays society we educate our children that they need a college degree to even be consider for a corporate american career. We all know that there is a differances between a job and a career. A job is a means for income with little or no benefits. A career is benefits building families and trusting in a company name that you are proud to be a part of. What AT&T is offering now is higher paid jobs. NO benefits after retirement, can we or should we allow companies to set these standards for our youth
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Verizon was able to give there guys a fair contract why cant att? Maybe they should let go of some off there 32 board members. If anyone knows economics, put money in the workers hand and he will use it to buy things. Take money away he wont. If you relay want to help the economy you want to put money in the hands off the people that spend it. We are not asking for the world here. I am just asking to stay in the standard off living that I am use to. Give backs by the union will end up more house foreclosed less spending and prolong this mess were in. What the att is offering will be equal to a 10k pay cut. How many off you can live with that. I don't want a raise. I don't want a bonus. I just want to keep what I have.
DON'T BELIEVE THE AT&T BARGAINING REPORT DATED APRIL 1ST!! THEY ARE TRYING TO DECEIVE YOU.
THEY HAVE NOT WRITTEN A REPORT SINCE MARCH 20TH. AT&T, A COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY HAS APPARENTLY FORGOTTEN HOW TO COMMUNICATE.
WHETHER THE INTENT WAS TO DECEIVE OR NOT... IT IS FALSE AND MISLEADING.
CHECK THE TRUTH... CHECK CWA BARGAINING REPORT 29 ABOVE!
REMEMBER, THERE IS NO AGREEMENT ON ANYTHING UNTIL CWA SAYS THERE IS!
April 17th
Keep Up The Pressure
Your senator, Dianne Feinstein, is home this week. And all over California, our opponents are twisting arms, running ads, making threats and doing everything they can to defeat the Employee Free Choice Act.
We're fighting back. American Rights at Work supporters donated over $25,000, making it possible for us to expand our "Greed" ad buy. And in response to Senator Specter's flip-flop on the Employee Free Choice Act, 300 workers delivered over 15,000 letters to his Pittsburgh office.*
But to win, we need to keep the pressure on critical senators, like Dianne Feinstein. Can you make sure Sen. Feinstein hears from YOU before Congress heads back to Washington this weekend? Please make a quick phone call today, then forward this to all your friends in California! Calling is as easy as 1-2-3!
Call (202) 224-3841.
Tell the staff member answering the phone where you're calling from, and that you want to urge Sen. Feinstein to work hard to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. You can add:
The Employee Free Choice Act is a critical piece of our economic recovery.
CEOs and top executives are still getting huge bonuses, while the recession has hit middle-class families the hardest.
By making it easier for workers to form unions, the Employee Free Choice Act will level the playing field and help ensure that the economy works for everyone again.
If you have been a voter, donor, or volunteer for your senator, mention the impact hisor her vote on the Employee Free Choice Act will have on your future support.
This is a pivotal moment. We have an unprecedented opportunity to make real, lasting change for working families. But with shameless, ruthless, anti-union groups spending millions to keep the deck stacked against workers, we need every single voice to rise above the lies.
Senator Feinstein is only in California for two more days. Help us send the strongest message possible before Congress heads back to Washington. Call (202) 224-3841 now. Tell the person who picks up the phone that Sen. Feinstein needs to work hard to pass the Employee Free Choice Act!
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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. 
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.
Roger Smith
