Bargaining Report Dec. 2, 2011
Today CWA and the Company met with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Mediator at the Union’s request in an attempt to reach an agreement.
The Union made movement on several issues while the Company remained steadfast on each and every one of their proposals, including the medical benefit language which would include the world “terminate” for medical and prescription plans. Regardless of what the Company tells you, this was the language.
After hours of the mediator going back and forth, we were not able to reach an agreement. We will continue to attempt to reach an agreement, but the message from the company was clear when they packed up and left.
Continue to mobilize. Let your managers know how unhappy you are and that the Company has no respect for you as a worker based on this kind of charade of bargaining.
Although the Union has not agreed and will be pursing legal avenues, as of December 5th, the company has vowed to terminate TPA, Telephone Concessions, Dues Deduction, and Arbitration. The committee will reconvene next week to discuss our next step going forward.
Updates will be posted as they become available.
CONTINUE TO MOBILIZE! MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD! WEAR RED ON THURSDAY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE MOBILZATION ACTIVITIES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE IN YOUR AREA.
Bargaining Report for North West and Central Contracts December 1, 2011
Today the joint committees met again to reach a tentative agreement on a new contract. The Union’s committee met on Wednesday to try and package some of the outstanding issues with the Union making movement off of their position hoping that the company would make movement from their position from the last meeting. Language from company representatives explaining the Healthcare Proposal was proposed by the Union in an effort to take that issue off the table. It was met with the same negativity and sarcasm that your Union committee has come to expect from this round of negotiations.
When we met today with the company, there was absolutely NO MOVEMENT from their side. They were NOT WILLING to embrace any of the changes that the Union brought forth even though the members overwhelmingly rejected the company’s last, best, and final offer that was mailed out in October.
The Union feels that the company’s hard stance and refusal to negotiate is just a tactic to bust the Union in Arkansas. In a last ditch effort to reach an agreement that the employees can ratify, the Union is requesting mediation. The Union Negotiating Committee is being supported by the National T&T office by Lois Grimes-Patow, as well as Vice President Ralph Maly.
The New York Stock Exchange showed $1.17/per share increase on the CenturyLink stock update today, just FYI. But they continue to say we are in a “recessionary” period.
STAY STRONG! STAY UNITED! MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AND KEEP THE SUPPORT GOING! PARTICIPATE IN THE MOBILIZATION THAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR UNITS!!!!
Oct 18, 2011
The EEOC settled a disability discrimination suit against Verizon earlier this year. The terms of the settlement apply to former Verizon employees who were terminated under the company’s absence control plans when they should have been able to take further leave as a reasonable accommodation for an ADA-covered disability. The settlement provides that former Verizon employees can file claims if they qualify for relief. There is a toll-free number (1-855-793-1367 where additional information about the settlement can be obtained. Or, individuals should contact the EEOC’s web site for further information: https://eeocverizonsettlement.com
CenturyLink of Central AR Bargaining Report #21
Today the ballots were counted for CenturLink of Central Arkansas Collective Bargaining Agreement. CWA Members have overwhelmingly rejected the Company’s Last Best and Final Offer.
CenturyLink of Northwest Arkansas #5
Today the ballots were counted for CenturLink of Northwest Arkansas Collective Bargaining Agreement. CWA Members have overwhelmingly rejected the Company’s Last Best and Final Offer.
CWA Local 6171
Membership Drive
Begins on October 3rd
Drawing will be held on December 9th
*********************************************************************
Non-Members who join the CWA
Will be eligible to win an
iPad 2
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** $25.00 Bounty**
Will be paid for each non-member signed during this Membership Drive.
Members of the Executive Board are not eligible for the Bounty
Bargaining Update for Northwest and Central Arkansas Members
Brothers and sisters
The Local Bargaining Committee and National staff spent most of last week visiting all Arkansas Units. We advised that we would be sending the Company’s Last Best and final offer for settlement out to you for your review and vote. The Election Committee did in fact meet yesterday at the local and prepare and mail the ballots to all members. Enclosed with your ballot is a synopsis of the proposed settlement. Please review the changes and cast your vote. Please be aware of the time limits to return your ballot to the Local. All members have an obligation to vote and be heard.
As requested, I am posting the following NLRB Charges that were filed in Arkansas so you can track the status.
26-CA-063824 Unfair Labor Practice CenturyTel Northwest Arkansas
26-CA-063827 Unfair Labor Practice CenturyTel Central Arkansas
In Unity
Allen Whitaker
President
Brothers and Sisters,
The Windstream ratification ballots were tallied late Monday evening in Washington DC.
Area Vice President Mark Slagle was on hand to observe the election. CWA has reported that the contract has been ratified.
The general wage increase of 2.75% will be applied to the next payroll cycle.
Thank you for your patience during these very tough negotiations.
Allen Whitaker
President CWA Local 6171
The Joint Committees met Friday, July, 29th in Hudson, Ohio in an attempt to reach an agreement on a new contract. Minor improvements were achieved in tuition assistance, contract labor and a $300.00 ratification bonus. It was agreed that the August union dues would be deducted from a separate September paycheck. CWA National will be sending out the ratification ballots without a recommendation from the Bargaining Committee later this week.
In Unity,
Your CWA Bargaining Committee
The following web address contains a video clip of preparations for Verizon bargaining in the East.
You may find it interesting.
www.cwa-union.org/verizonunity
Windstream – Bargaining Report #20
The full committees met Thursday in Dallas. The Union passed both new and revised proposals, and discussions were held on the proposals. The Company rejected the new proposal on Joint Health Care Cost Containment Committee and Health Care Reimbursement Accounts.
CWA will contact the Company within two weeks to continue our discussions.
WE will keep you informed of any progress.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR RED SHIRTS ON THURSDAY AND BLACK ON FRIDAY! SIGN A NON-MEMBER!!!!
In Unity and Solidarity,
Your CWA Bargaining Committee
