http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VurUJAusLeo&feature=email

Song Name:  Get Ready to Strike

Artist Name: Special

Written By: Ray and Rachael Rodriguez -CWA local 6222

To find out more about the Artist "Special" please visit his website at www.lowproentertainment.com

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #35

April 8, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Tuesday, April 7, 2009.  CWA and AT&T Bargaining Committees met this afternoon to continue negotiations.  The Union presented the following Revised Proposals to the Company:  Funeral, Vacations and Premise Technicians.  The Company had no new or revised Proposals to present to the Union.  The Company agreed to review our proposals and respond accordingly.

Discussions continued pertaining to Health Care.  The Union spent much of the afternoon getting clarification on questions pertaining to EAP, Prescriptions, Vision, Dental, etc. The Company was unable to answer many of the questions asked, so we will await their responses. Both Parties agreed to Continue Negotiations tomorrow.

After Six Weeks of Negotiations and Mobilization, we must let AT&T know, WE WILL NOT STAND for the Company to continue the trend of SUBSTANDARD PROPOSALS pertaining to CRITICAL items such as Health Care, Outsourcing, Refusing to Bargain for our Retirees, Leveraged Titles-Two Tiering of current titles (Service Representatives), Cuts in Benefits, etc.

WE NEED 10,000 SIGNATURES on our, “PETITION OF SUPPORT” in the next week to show AT&T that the ENTIRE UNION IS MOBILIZED AND BEHIND OUR BARGAINING TEAMS.

Every member MUST ask their friends, family, neighbors, ETC. to sign our petition at the link listed below:

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/attdowhatsright?rk=Bpz%5f1npqzGrQE

UNITED WE BARGAIN……………………………

                                                      DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click the link below to view the YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VurUJAusLeo&feature=email

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #34

April 7, 2009

This report is for Monday, April 6, 2009.  As negotiations continued between CWA and AT&T, the afternoon bargaining session was focused on HEALTH CARE Coverage.  CWA’s Bargaining Committee had numerous questions on AT&T’s Health Care Proposal.  Dialogue also took place in regards to some of the data that the Company had provided.  The Union has numerous concerns pertaining to the Company’s, “Consumer Based Health Care Coverage!”   Both parties agreed to continue bargaining tomorrow.

Our members are well aware, we are working without a contract, which means a strike COULD be called at anytime without giving prior notice to the Company.  Meanwhile, our members MUST continue to MOBILIZE-MOBILIZE-MOBILIZE!

                     UNITED WE BARGAIN………………

                                                     DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!

We're Not On Strike...YET.

April 6, 2009

To view more information, please click on the link below:

http://files.cwa-union.org/district6/090406.pdf 

CWA/BARGAINING REPORT #33

April 5, 2009

This bargaining report is for Sunday, April 5, 2009.  The CWA and AT&T Bargaining Committee met today, to continue negotiations.  There is no significant progress to report and the committees agreed to meet on Monday, April 6, 2009 to continue negotiations.  Major issues are still unresolved and the Company proposal to shift significant Health Care costs onto the backs of our members and their employees is still a major stumbling block to reaching an agreement.  Numerous other issues that require attention are yet to be adequately addressed by AT&T. 

STAY UNITED…………….STAY STRONG……and…………STAY TUNED-------

UNITED WE BARGAIN…………………………………

                                 DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Contract Expires at AT&T Southwest

April 5, 2009

Contact: Judy Graves, CWA District 6, 512-705-8181 (cell)

For Now, Those CWA Members Will Report to Work

Austin, Texas – The contract covering 30,200 workers represented by the Communications Workers of America at AT&T Southwest expired at midnight CDT, with many important issues – including employment security and health care -- not resolved. The contract will not be extended.

The AT&T Southwest bargaining covers CWA-represented workers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

CWA members at AT&T Southwest will continue to report to work for now, although that can change at any time. Workers are keeping their option to strike open. For workers, the terms of the contract will remain in effect, meaning that wages, working conditions and benefits like health care will continue unchanged, with the exception of arbitration for grievances.

CWA has made it clear to AT&T that it is ready to bargain at any time to resolve the issues and negotiate quality contracts. Unfortunately, AT&T has shown little willingness to move forward and reach settlements. There has been little progress in the areas of health care, retirement security and employment security, among others.

“The CWA bargaining teams are very frustrated by AT&T’s slow pace in negotiations. Instead of working toward quality settlements that will benefit workers and the company, AT&T negotiators chose to drag out negotiations without a plan for settlement,” said CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill.

 “AT&T is very successful and profitable, even in these bad economic times. That makes it all the more difficult to understand why AT&T is demanding that workers take on even more health care costs than they already pay. This company takes care of executives and investors. It needs to set the right priorities and maintain quality jobs and quality benefits for workers,” Hill said.

CWA members at AT&T operations voted by an 88 percent yes vote to authorize a strike if a fair contract isn't reached. CWA represents about 125,000 workers covered by these contracts:

AT&T East, Connecticut, 5,000 and 300 AT&T East Yellow Pages workers. 

AT&T Southeast, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, 37,000. (Contract expires Aug. 8)  

AT&T Midwest, in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, 20,000, and 500 AT&T DataCom workers.

AT&T Southwest, in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, 30,200.

AT&T West, in California and Nevada, 23,000.

AT&T Legacy, covering 10,000 workers nationwide.

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #32

April 5, 2009

While the Contract has expired, we continue to bargain and have the right to strike when we deem it necessary. We are still far apart on many issues. We will need to increase our mobilization activities. A call will be scheduled to discuss these job actions. Wages, benefits and working conditions remain in effect. You should report to work if scheduled. Please continue to support your Bargaining Committee.

UNITED WE STAND..............DIVIDED WE FALL!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #31

April 4, 2009

The Union and Company Bargaining committees continued to meet yesterday, and today with little progress being made.  The Union and the Company will continue to meet through this evening.  All CWA Staff Offices in District 6 will be open until midnight to take calls from Local Officers.  Members should call their Locals for updates.  We will not update this site until there is something definitive to report. 
 
Stay Strong and Stay United!

Deadline nears in phone company contract talks

March 3, 2009

By BRENT ENGEL Hannibal Courier-

Post Posted Apr 01, 2009 @ 03:12 PM

Hannibal, MO —

About 50 Northeast Missouri union workers of a major national company still hope for a new contract as the deadline nears.  Talks between the Communication Workers of America and AT&T began in February.  Negotiations on a new five-year contract continue, but the current agreement ends at 11:59 p.m. Saturday.  Affected are 112,500 workers in six regional unions. The main issues are health care benefits and wages.  The company says it is trying to stay competitive and bring benefits in line with those of its other workers.  The union claims higher insurance premiums would take money out of their pockets at a time when profits are strong.  “All we’re asking for is what we’re deserving of,” said local union representative Ron Horn. “We’re not shooting for the moon here.”  “We’re going to maintain excellent jobs at excellent wages, but we must have a market-based health plan in order to compete,” said AT&T spokesman Walt Sharp.  Horn said the company is asking for wage and benefits concessions at a time when AT&T is doing well. The company reported almost $12.9 billion in profits last year.  “We’re trying to maintain what we’ve got,” Horn said. “We’re not asking for any outlandish increases.”  Sharp said union workers affected by the negotiations are part of AT&T’s core wire-line operations.  The division has seen substantial declines with the loss of land lines and increasing competition from cable service providers.  Sharp said the “people in the declining part of the business have the richest” benefits package compared with workers in more successful divisions who are “paying a more market-based share” of costs.  AT&T considers itself “union friendly,” Sharp said, because the company is the largest private employer of bargaining-unit workers in America. Sixty percent of its 300,000 employees have representation.  The Communications Workers recently authorized a strike, but Horn hopes a walkout can be avoided.  Options include extending the current contract or having the union work without an agreement until a new deal is reached.  “Strikes usually are no good for either side,” Horn said.
Sharp said the company is “not expecting a strike,” but is prepared if it happens.

AT&T Mobilization Reminder for April 3, 2009

April 3, 2009

Please click on the link below to view additional information:

 http://files.cwa-union.org/district6/090403_reminder.pdf

CWA Executive Board Approves Strike Authorization at AT&T Southwest

April 3, 2009

Washington, D.C. – The executive board of the Communications Workers of America approved strike action if a fair contract cannot be reached in negotiations between CWA and AT&T Southwest. The action means that a strike could take place at any or all of the AT&T operations where contracts expire on Saturday night, Apr. 4, once the CWA president sets the strike dates.  

The AT&T Southwest bargaining covers about 30,200 CWA-represented workers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.

“Negotiations are continuing but we’re very far apart on a number of important issues. It’s time for management to get serious and step up the pace of bargaining if we’re going to reach an agreement at contract expiration,” said CWA District 6 Vice President Andy Milburn.

Overall, the negotiations cover 125,000 CWA represented workers covered by six contracts: AT&T East, AT&T Southeast, AT&T Midwest, AT&T Southwest, AT&T West and AT&T Legacy, a nationwide unit. Five contracts expire Saturday night, Apr. 4, the AT&T Southeast agreement expires Aug. 8.

CWA members had voted by 88 percent to give CWA leaders authorization to call a strike if quality contracts cannot be reached. The vote was a strong message of support for CWA’s bargaining teams. AT&T takes care of executives and investors and the company needs to meet its responsibilities to workers and retirees as well, CWA negotiators point out.     

AT&T is a very successful and profitable company, even in these bad economic times. The company posted profits of $12.9 billion last year and AT&T executives have said it is on track for solid growth this year. AT&T should be a leader in helping turn the economy around and in providing good middle class jobs, not cutting jobs and benefits.

AT&T employees are very concerned about the company’s attempt to cut health care benefits by shifting even more costs to workers and to retirees on fixed incomes, and about access for workers to the “jobs of the future,” the new work created by changing technology.

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #30

April 2, 2009

This report is for Thursday, April 2, 2009.  The C, H, and J Sub-Committees met this morning to continue negotiation. On Temporary Full Time Employees but Unfortunately, LITTLE PROGRESS TO REPORT!

With just two more full days till the Contract Expiration date, it is apparent that the Company has NO DESIRE to reach a FAIR and JUST CONTRACT!

LISTED BELOW ARE THE RETROGRESSIVE PROPOSALS THE COMPANY PRESENTED TO THE UNION THAT ARE STILL ON THE BARGAINING TABLE. 

CWA BARGAINING COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO CLARIFY THAT WE HAVE NOT AGREED TO ANY OF THESE PROPOSALS.

HEALTH CARE – This Company proposal creates a two tier structure for Health Care, one for new hires and one for current employees.  Both plans have high premiums, deductibles and out of pocket costs that the current plan does not have.  

THE COMPANY STILL REFUSED TO DISCUSS ANY PLANS FOR CURRENT RETIREE HEALTH CARE. 

• WAGES - Company proposal does not include an increase in base wages for the first two years.
• PENSIONS – Pension Protection Act will be applied to Lump Sum Pensions, which eliminates the GATT Rate and applies the Corporate Bond Rate.  This will reduce Lump Sum Pensions taken after January 1, 2010.
• PREMISE TECHNICIANS - Company wants to increase work duties and have Premise Technicians perform work in a higher classification.  Company refuses to treat Premises Technicians the same and apply the same work rules as other employees.
• OVERTIME- increase assigned overtime above the current 9 and 12 hours.
• OVERTIME- eliminate the assignment of overtime to volunteers first, SPECIFICALLY -- especially for double overtime.
• LEVERAGED TITLES - This Company proposal would two tier Service Representative Work with 60/40 pay schedule which would put 40% of pay at risk based on sales. SALES PLAN CONTROLLED BY MANAGEMENT.
• APPENDIX J PROPOSAL - From the Company applies to Premises Technicians and would no longer protect BENEFITS OR WORK RULES for those who took PT jobs due to surplus conditions. Worse in many ways then current Appendix J provisions.
• Overtime for Premises Technicians - Would no longer include hours that were worked on a Sunday or Holiday where a premium pay applied. Those hours would not count toward the accumulation of 40 hours per week.
• INFORMAL SURPLUS MOA – Company proposal does not include Appendix J Premises Technicians in this process.
• APPENDIX D – ELIMINATE protection for Operator/Console Operation.
• ACATION – ELIMINATE vacation carry-over.
• FORCE ADJUSTMENT – Language would limit Force Adjustment to include only those employees who are actually at risk.  No matching process for those employees who are in surplus group but not actually at risk.
• NIGHT DIFFERENTIAL - Change to 9 pm to 6 am.
• ILLNESS - All Employees will have at least one day of waiting before pay starts for illness.
• PARTIAL SESSION - Eliminate payment for partial session illnesses.
• HOLIDAY – Eliminate the day after Thanksgiving.
• Eliminate coverage - Of expenses for future Retired Local Presidents to attend Joint Company/Union meetings.
• TEMPORARY FULL TIME (TFT’S) – CWA wants to have all TFT’s to remain on Payroll. We have been meeting in Sub-Committees for several weeks and still have not reached a resolution.
• GRIEVANCES – MAJOR changes in current grievance contract language which allows only grievances that are subject to arbitration to be appealed to second step of the grievance procedure.
• STOP THE CLOCK – stop the calculation on Grievant back pay during the time clock is stopped on grievances pending outcome of internal appeals.
• UNPAID FMLA TIME OFF – Company will require substitution of contractual paid time off.
• DELETE THE JOINT HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT COMMITTEE from the MOA on Strategic Alliance.
• ON CALL – Expand On Call to any Work Group.  If no volunteers Company could require employees to be On Call.  
• THE COMPANY HAS NOT AGREED TO UNION PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE FOLLOWING MOA’S THROUGH THE LIFE OF THE 2009 AGREEMENT: CARD CHECK –NEUTRALITY AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TASK FORCE AGREEMENT, REVENUE MANAGEMENT REPRESENTIVE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION, OPERATOR SERVICES TASK FORCE, COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT JOINT LEADERSHIP FORUM, MONITORING, EXPEDITED ARBITRATION, HOMETOWN JOB SECURITY COMMITMENT, EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMITTMENT(Job Offer Guarantee ), EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ENCHANCED RETIREMENT BENEFIT, EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES, PRESIDENTS COUNCIL.
• COST OF LIVING – Company has not responded to Union’s proposals to extend the cost of living allowance.
• TEAM PEFROMANCE AWARD - Company has not responded to Union Proposal on the Team Performance Award.
• NATIONAL TRANSFER PLAN – Company has not responded.
• MOVEMENT OF WORK/CONTRACTING OUT - Company has rejected.

AT&T has informed CWA that they plan to give the CWA Bargaining Committee their final bargaining package on Friday, April 3, 2009.  The current contract expires at midnight April 4, 2009, and we are still Far, Far, Far apart on all MAJOR ISSUES.

GREAT JOB AT THE, “Practice Makes Perfect Rallies!”

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST AND GREATEST PICTURES FROM OUR RALLIES AND INFORMATIONAL PICKET LINES!

“NO CONTRACT --- NO PEACE”

                UNITED WE BARGAIN………………

                                                    DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #29

April 2, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Wednesday, April 1, 2009.  Sub Committee representing Appendix C, H, and J met this morning to continue negotiations.  Some lengthy discussions took place in regards to the Temporary Full Time Employees (TFT’s).  Both parties agreed to continue negotiations tomorrow morning.  

CWA and AT&T Full Committees continued negotiations in the afternoon.  The Company presented the following bargaining proposals, Union Leave of Absence, Former Temporary Employees, Force Adjustment, Good Jobs In 8 and Global Positioning System.

The CWA Bargaining Committee did an EXCEPTIONAL job in presenting critical information pertaining to the importance of the Appendix J Bargaining Proposals.  Both parties entered into healthy dialogue pertaining to Premise Technicians.  No movement to report!

The Union presented a Counter Proposal on Health Care.  The Company said they would look at the Union’s Health Care Proposal!

 E V E R Y    M E M B E R   M U S T    PA R T I C I P A T E  

I N    O U R

 “P R A C T I C E    M A K E S   P E R F E C T”

 INFORMATIONAL PICKETS LINES APRIL 2, 2009!!!!

 LET’S STAND UNITED AND STAND STRONG-SHOULDER TO SHOULDER!

 AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL! 

UNITED WE BARGAIN……………………

                                                       DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #28

April 1, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Tuesday, March 31, 2009.  Sub-Committees representing Appendix C, H and J met this morning to discuss Temporary Full Time Employees (TFT’S) with NO PROGRESS TO REPORT.

Negotiations continued between CWA and AT&T this afternoon.  The Company started off by stating that the Health Care information that the Union requested is being given priority consideration and that they realize the reason we need this information.  Premise Technicians and Leveraged Titles were also discussed.  The Union once again rejected the Company’s Leveraged Title position.  The Union stated that the Company would be able to change the qualifiers, and over time eliminate Service Representative positions; change current sales incentives and this title would not be protected by the Service Representative Task Force Agreement not to mention a 60/40 pay schedule.  The Bargaining Committee believes this drives the wrong type of behavior for bargaining unit employees and managers.

The Company reviewed the proposals that we presented yesterday.  Listed below are some of the proposals the Company rejected, Overtime, Hours of Work, Funerals, Training/Retraining, FMLA, Holiday and Grievances. 

As for Health Care the Union stated again that we are not interested in a TWO TIER Benefit Plan and that the Company’s current proposal is less than what we have today.

With only a few days left to Bargain we need to make sure the COMPANY understands our POSITION, “NO CONTRACT NO PEACE!”

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………

                                             DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #27

March 31, 2009

This bargaining report is for Monday, March 30, 2009.  The CWA and AT&T Bargaining Committees met today to continue negotiations.  The Union, once again requested the status of the Health Care information, which we had requested over two weeks ago.  The Company stated they did not have anything for us today.  The Union asked numerous questions pertaining to the Health Care coverage. 

The Union also presented the Company with numerous bundled proposals pertaining to Assigned Overtime, On Call Duty, Illness, Training/Retraining and FMLA Leave.  CWA hopeful that this will initiate movement on the Company' side.

We won’t hold our Breath!  Discussions also took place on Appendix I and J. 

The Union also presented COUNTER proposals on Floating Holidays, Grievances, Appendix D Supplement, Vacation Portability and Vacation Carryover.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE:   MOBILIZATION IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH----WE SURPASSED OUR GOAL AND VISITED CLOSE TO TWO HUNDRED (200)  AT&T AGENT/RESELLER STORES THIS SATURDAY!!!!!   THAT WAS AWESOME----GREAT JOB!!!!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN..................................

                                        DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #26

March 28, 2009

This brgaining report is for Saturday, March 28, 2009.  The CWA & AT&T Bargaining Committee met this morning to continue negotiations.  The Union presented the Company with proposals on Team Performance, Capping the number of Temporary Full Time Employees, Cost of Living Allowance, Tuition Aid Policy, Temporary Work in a Higher Position and Improvements for Appendix I. 

In an attempt to avoid ANY future misunderstandings, the Union Bargaining Committee reviewed their position on ALL Company Proposals.  In regards to any wage proposal offered by the Company, the Union pointed out that, “AT&T is a Safe Harbor even in BAD times for Investors and if the AT&T investors aren’t taking any hits NEITHER should our MEMBERS!” 

Hours of Work, Improved Travel, Training Retraining, Tuition Aid Policy, Bridging of Service, which contains language that allows employees to keep their service regardless of where they transfer, is also important.  AT&T is ONE BIG COMPANY and employees should not be penalized when they transfer.  Appendix J, Motor Vehicle Usage Program, GPS, Good Jobs in Eight, ACST’s, Improved Force Adjustment and Severance Payment language were also discussed.  The Company is CONTRACTING OUT WAY TOO MUCH WORK---as the Company grows CWA SHOULD ALSO GROW!  

A lengthy discussion took place pertaining to the Memorandum of Agreement on MONITORING.  Leveraged Titles were also discussed. 

With one week left to Bargain----We must STEP UP OUR Mobilization Activities and NOT SLOW DOWN!!!  LET THE COMPANY KNOW, “WE MEAN BUSINESS!” 
 

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………

                                                 DIVIDED WE BEG!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #25

March 28, 2009

This report is for Friday, March 27, 2008.  Both Union Sub-Committees met with the Company to continue negotiations.  Although, lengthy talks took place, “NO PROGRESS” was reported from both A, B, D, I, C, H and J Sub-Committees. 

In the afternoon, CWA & AT&T Full Committee negotiations continued; however, it came to a QUICK HALT after the Company presented a NOTEBOOK of Proposals FULL OF TAKEBACKS and SUB-STANDARD CONTRACT LANGUAGE.  To add INSULT TO INJURY, when the Union asked the Company about FUTURE Retiree Health Care the Company stated that they would go to a Modified Custom Care Coverage, which also consists of Higher Premiums, Deductibles and Out of Pocket Expenses. 

The meeting ended abruptly when the Union Committee Chair was SO INSULTED by the Company’s Proposals he GOT UP AN WALKED OUT telling the Company they are not LISTENING TO A WORD BEING SAID! 

Negotiations are scheduled to continue tomorrow.  
 
 

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………

                                                  DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!! 
 
 

“LET’S LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD AND ORGANIZE ALL AT&T RESELLER AND AGENT STORES.  WE WILL START ON SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2009 AND CONTINUE UNTIL WE HAVE ORGANIZED 100% OF THESE STORES!  EVERY MEMBER IS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN US IN OUR EFFORTS!!!!!” 

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #24

March 27, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Thursday, March 26, 2009.  The AT&T and CWA Bargaining Committees met this morning to continue negotiations.  The Union requested the status on Military Leave data as well as the pending Health Care information request.  The Company responded, “They were working on that.”  The Company provided answers to the numerous questions the Union had pertaining to the new web based transfer plan, “TALEO”.

The Union also presented the Company with a Memorandum of Agreement on Evolving Technologies.  CWA rejected the Company’s proposals on Force Adjustment and Night Differentials..

AT&T has loaded the bargaining table with take backs and retrogressive proposals.  They have not provided CWA with a copy of the Bargaining Data that we requested and have forced us to review the information at the Bargaining Table.

Listed below are SOME of the Company’s retrogressive proposals that are on the Bargaining Table:

• Health Care, increases for active employees in premiums, out of pocket costs and deductibles.
• Two Tier Structure on Health Care for New Hires and Current Employees.  It will be a Three Tier Structure on Health Care since the Company is refusing to bargain on RETIREES.
• Company wants to increase work duties and have Premise Technicians perform work in a higher classification.
• Temporary Full Time (TFT’S) CWA wants to have all TEMPORARIES remain on Payroll.  We have been meeting in Sub-Committees for several weeks and have not reached a resolution.
• AT&T wants a 60/40 Leveraged Title which would mean 40% of pay at risk based on sales.
• PPA applied to Lump Sum Pensions which eliminates the GATT Rate and applies the Corporate Bond Rate.  This will reduce lump sum pensions taken after January 1, 2010.
• The Company has not presented proposals on wages as of yet.
• Proposals to Limit Force Adjustment to include only those at risk employees.
• Proposals to change Night Differential to 9 pm- 6am.
• Eliminate expenses for future Retired Local Presidents to attend joint Company Union meetings.
• Major changes in current Grievance contract language which would allow only grievances that are Arbitrable to be appealed to second step.
• Delete Joint Health Care Cost Containment Committee.
• Remove protections from Appendix J.  Reduce overtime in Appendix J.  Overall the Company’s proposals for Appendix J are WORSE than current language
• Increase Assigned overtime above the current 9 and 12 hours.
• All Employees will have at least one day of waiting before pay starts for illness.
• Delete Sunday Work
• Expand On Call to any Work Group
• Eliminate Day after Thanksgiving Holiday
• Eliminate Vacation Carry Over
• Eliminate Assignment of Overtime to Volunteers first
• Stop the Calculation on Grievants back pay during time clock is stopped.
• FMLA Time Off, Company can substitute contractual paid time
• Eliminate payment for partial sessions of illness

With only EIGHTdays left to Bargain the Union told the Company THEY ARE NOT taking the Union’s Proposals seriously and are dragging out the Bargaining Process!!!!

LET’S TELL THE COMPANY IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF CORPORATE GREED AND GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!!!!!

                                 “NO CONTRACT NO PEACE”

                UNITED WE BARGAIN………………..

                                              DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #23

March 25, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Wednesday, March 25, 2009. The CWA & AT&T Bargaining Committees met this morning to continue negotiations.  Major discussions were held in regards to our Premise Technicians and RETIREES.  The Bargaining Committee will work the remainder of the day reviewing Company Proposals and working on other Bargaining items.  The Company does not seem to take these CRITICAL issues SERIOUSLY!  Let your VOICE be HEARD in the WORKPLACE and LET the Company know you SUPPORT your Bargaining Committee!

RED THURSDAY----------LET'S HAVE A SEA OF RED TOMORROW....

UNITED WE BARGAIN-----------

                                  DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA & AT&T Face Off in Houston

March 25, 2009

Click the link below to hear the audio: http://www.laborradio.org/files/winfeatCWAHouston032309.mp3

In the downtown hub of one of the nation’s largest epicenters, Houston Texas, a sea of red shirts flooded the local office of CWA 6222 Thursday night as talks with AT&T fail to move forward. Rachel Clarke has the story: Over 500 workers and their supporters came out in force. Supporters like Texas Representative Sylvester Turner [Turner]: "Tonight you are not asking for a 747, you are not asking for a jet, you are not asking for a sofa, you are not asking for a mansion, all you are asking for is a little dignity and a little respect." Negotiations have been under way since late February appear to be going nowhere. The biggest sticking point? Healthcare. CWA Local 622 Vice President James Henry spells it out: [Henry]: You know how much it took to take care of our healthcare out of $124 billion? About $4 billion so they had $120 billion left. AT&T contends they can’t continue to pay out current worker benefits in the face of a faltering economy. “Not true” says Vice President Steve Flores. [Flores]: The guy complaining that we make too much and that our health insurance policy is too much makes $1.5 million every 25 days. Every 25 days he makes $1.5 million for what you and I and the rest of us do. This will not be the first time in recent history CWA workers have walked off the job. The Communications Workers of America continue their red shirt Thursday and their black shirt Friday to show a united front against the communications giant. In retaliation AT&T has threatened to lock workers out at certain locations on the eve of the current contract’s expiration on April 4. The Communications Workers of America have filed unfair labor practice charges against AT&T for its current conduct during bargaining. They urge workers to stay strong. For more labor news every business day, go to www.laborradio.org. Ken Pfile Union Outreach Coordinator Workers Independent News 608-251-6125 ken@laborradio.org www.LaborRadio.org

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #22

March 25, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Tuesday, March 24, 2009.  Sub-Committees for Appendix A, B, D and I continued negotiations this morning.  CWA reviewed status of proposals in each Appendix and notified the Company that we were holding our position for Upgrades in these Appendices and on the proposals to extend the Service Representative Task Force Agreement, Communication Consultant Leadership Forum, Revenue Management Representative Working Group and the Operator Services Task Force Recommendations.  After discussion by both parties there is no progress to report.

During the Full Committee Bargaining Session, the Company presented the Union with proposals on Force Adjustment and Night Differential.  The Union requested an updated status on pertinent information that had been requested previously.  The Company responded and was forthcoming with the information.

CWA presented the Company with the following proposals CWA/AT&T Presidents Council and CWA/AT&T National Health Care Reform.  The Union explained the National Health Care Reform proposal was an invitation for AT&T to join CWA in their effort to call lawmakers to pass Legislation to secure National Health Care Coverage.  CWA stated that passage of this legislation would save AT&T approximately One Billion Dollars each year!   

Negotiations are scheduled to continue at 9:30 am tomorrow. 

Let’s Continue our Mobilization Activites----

           RED THURSDAY’S                                                              BLACK FRIDAY’S

U\NITED WE BARGAIN…………………………..

                                          DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #21

March 24, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Monday, March 23, 2009.  Sub-Committees for Appendix C, H and J met this morning to continue Bargaining. Discussions were held pertaining to Temporary Full Time Employees, however, NO PROGRESS to report.

This afternoon the Full Committee Bargaining Session began by the Company presenting a packet of information pertaining to Benefits.

As stated in Friday’s Bargaining Report the Company provided the “Wireline Trends and Outlooks” overview which was the Company’s outlook for Wireline’s future.  Today, the Union presented the Company with some of the statistics contained in the “AT&T Investor Update” which was a document used for the Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call with Shareholders that took place on January 28, 2009.  AT&T’s earnings per share were up from $1.94 in 2007 to $2.16 per share in 2009.  AT&T’s Revenues for 2007 were $119.9 BILLION and in 2008 were $124.0 BILLION.  Total adjusted consolidated revenues grew 3.4% for the full year, up 2.2% in the Fourth Quarter with 14.2% growth in Wireline IP data revenues, which include business services and AT&T U-verse services.  The Company also reported, “These drivers more than offset expected pressures in Wireline voice.”  As for U-verse the Company report, “Strong sales trends, operational progress and new service features drive mass-market success story.  AT&T'S projection is that U-verse will be a Multibillion-dollar revenue opportunity during next few years.”   As for AT&T’s Cash Flow for 2008 was $13.3 BILLION with cash returned to Shareowners at $15.6 BILLION!!!!   

For the Company to come to the Bargaining Table and present an overview that tells Less than the Truth and  HALF of the STORY is DISRESPECTFUL and INSULTING to our MEMBERS!!!!    THE UNION STATED THAT THE COMPANY HAS NO REASON TO OVER REACH AND TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES based on their very own statistics—AT&T is POISED for the future and is the Most Profitable Telecom in the United States!

The Union asked the Company if they had changed their position on RETIREES.  The Company was quick to respond, “NO they have not!”

The Union REJECTED the Leveraged Title Proposal taking the position that it drives the WRONG behavior.  The Union further stated that Service Representatives do an excellent job in sales.  The Company stated they needed a title to motivate a Service Representative to Sell.  The Union recommended, that being the case to increase the SMITS POINTS!!!

          AN INJURY TO ONE…….IS AN INJURY TO ALL

 UNITED WE BARGAIN....................................

                                      DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vote your AT&T proxy

March 11, 2009 

AT&T issued its annual proxy on March 11, 2009.  If you are an AT&T shareholder, your proxy should be arriving by postal mail or e-mail shortly. Note that if you vote by phone or online, CWA cannot deliver your proxy.

To have the union deliver your proxy to AT&T:

If you received only a "notice of annual meeting" without a ballot and return envelope, or haven't received anything: 

1. You must request a paper ballot. Requests must be received by April 14th. (But the sooner the better.)
2. Request your ballot:

By phone:

Call 1-866-641-4276
At the end of the call, the automated system will ask if you would like to have future materials sent electronically - say NO so that you'll get a paper ballot next year.

By e-mail:

Send an email message to investorvote@cxomputershare.com
Subject line: "Proxy Materials Order"
Body of the message, your full name and address and the three numbers in the shaded bar

When you receive your paper ballot in the mail, follow the steps below.

If you received a paper proxy:

1. Vote your proxy ballot by placing an "X" in the For, Against, or Abstain box for each proposal. CWA recommends voting FOR proposals 4-9.
2. Sign and date the card where indicated.
3. Give the proxy card and return envelope to your local. 

CWA will be collecting and delivering voted proxies to the company. CWA is not asking for discretionary authority to vote proxies on behalf of its members. Please make sure you vote and sign your proxy. 

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #20

March 20, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Friday, March 20, 2009.  CWA and AT&T Bargaining Committees met this morning to continue discussions on Health Care, Temporary Full Time Employees, and Premise Technicians.  The Company provided an overview on “Wireline Trends and Outlooks” which provided the corporate outlook for wireline’s future.  Throughout the entire presentation the Company focused on the decline of wireline customers; however, they failed to mention the tremendous growth in wireless. 

During the afternoon session, the Company presented an overview of the “Consumer Rep Sales Compensation Plan Executive Summary” which provides additional information on the compensation for their Leveraged Title Proposal.  The Company also presented the following proposals: Motor Vehicle Usage Program, Service Leader, Military Leave of Absence for Executive Order, Retired Local Presidents’ Expenses and Leveraged Title.

The Union presented the Company with a proposal requesting to extend the following supplemental statements and agreements contained in the 2004 Settlement Agreement for the life of the 2009 Labor Agreements: PAYSOP, Company prints Agreements and Summary Plan Descriptions and distributes to Employees, Basis of Compensation, Night Differential, Tight Labor Market Wage Credit, Cost of Living Allowance, Night Tours, Assigned Overtime.  The Company agrees to continue to make available vacation weeks/days originally offered, but not selected in the initial or subsequent interview, or selected but vacated during the vacation year.  Vacated Weeks made Available, Vacation Buy Out when employee retires, Same Day Temporary Assignment, Severance Payments, and Appendix D is supplemented dealing with Surplus employees who are assigned to Operator, Service Assistant, and Central Office Clerk, Agreement of General Application, Prohibition of Decision Making Leaves (DML’s), Dismissals of Service Representatives, Annual Letter signed by the Vice President of Labor Relations, Senior Manager will notify CWA leadership at least thirty (30) days in advance of contracting, Ad-hoc Committee on Contracting Out and Successorship in any exchange sale.  The Union also REJECTED the Company’s  Appendix J Proposal.

The Company has not shown any sincere interest in attempting to reach a FAIR AND JUST CONTRACT. 

The Union told the Company that they were sending the WRONG MESSAGE to our members by compensating AT&T’s CEO at the RIDICULOUSLY high rates and at the same time come to the Bargaining Table with Unacceptable Proposals consisting of Substandard Health Care Coverage and TAKE BACKS, then try to justify their actions by stating that they can not AFFORD to continue this trend and remain competitive.  The Union was quick to remind the Company that if it weren’t for the OUTSTANDING JOB that our MEMBERS perform day in and day out the Company would not have the MONEY to pay Randall Stephenson------NOW IT IS TIME FOR THE COMPANY TO GET SERIOUS AND REWARD THEIR EMPLOYEES WITH A FAIR CONTRACT!!!

GREAT JOB AT THE RALLY!!!!!!!

“ OUT WITH RANDALL------BRING  BACK  ED”

O N E    U N I O N  - - - O N E   F I G H T 

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………….
                                                   DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #19

March 20, 2009

This report is for Thursday, March 19, 2009. The CWA and AT&T Bargaining Committees met this morning to discuss issues and concerns pertaining to Health Care Coverage. The Company provided the Union with some documentation pertaining to Temporary Full Time employees. After a lengthy question and answer discussion, both parties agreed to meet tomorrow to continue discussions. In the afternoon, both parties reconvened for a presentation on "TALEO" which is a new web based transfer plan program the Company is considering implementing. UNITED WE BARGAIN..............................

DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #18

March 19, 2009

The CWA & AT&T Bargaining Committee met today, (March 18, 2009) to continue negotiations.  The Company presented the Union with the following proposals: Grievances, CWA Internal Appeal Process, Strategic Alliance, CWA Benefit Representative and Facilities Locate Work.  The Union will review proposals and respond accordingly.

Discussions continued on Health Care and Premise Technicians concerns.  The Union rejected the Company’s proposal on Health Care.  TENTATIVE Agreements were reached on Recovery of Wage Overpayments, Net Credited Service Tie Breaker and Statement of Renewed Commitment.

Progress is extremely slow at the Bargaining Table.  The Company’s number one concern is MONEY……with NO REGARD to the EMPLOYEES who generate this MONEY and the RETIREES who BUILT THIS COMPANY!

RED THURSDAYS AND BLACK FRIDAY

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #17

March 17, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Tuesday, March 17, 2009.  The C, H and J Sub Committee met today to discuss Temporary Full Time Employees. (TFT's)    The Company provided the Union with some of the information pertaining to contractors.  After a lengthy discussion, the Union Committee agreed to review the documentation, and bargaining is scheduled to continue tomorrow.

The Full Committees met this afternoon. The Union presented the Company with numerous proposals requesting to extend certain existing MOA's.  Bargaining is scheduled to continue tomorrow.

UNITED WE BARGAIN....................................

                               DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #16

March 17, 2009

This Bargaining report is for Monday, March 16, 2009.  CWA and AT&T Sub Committee for Appendix A, B, D and I met today to continue negotiations.  The CWA Sub Committee presented the Company with supporting information to substantiate the Union’s Proposal requesting to Upgrade Appendix I.  

In the afternoon, CWA and AT&T continued negotiations in Full Committee.  The Union rejected numerous Company proposals and placed others on hold.  The Company has committed to have responses to some of the Union proposals by Wednesday, March 18, 2009.  The CWA Bargaining Committee closed this session by stating, "We are very serious about our Retiree Health Care.  This is a MAJOR issue!"  The Company’s response remained the same, "We have already stated our position as well.”

It is extremely important that every member send questions to the Company's Website Address:

                                 www.att.com/corebargaining

You may want to ask them when they plan to get serious at the Bargaining Table or when will they start taking our Union Proposals serious. 

UNITED WE BARGAIN....................................

                               DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #15

March 16, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Saturday, March 14, 2009.  The Company and the Union met today to discuss the Company's Health Care Proposal.  After the presentation provided by the Company it was CRYSTAL CLEAR that the Company just doesn't understand how important Health Care is to our members.

LET'S UNITE AND DEMAND A FAIR CONTRACT!!!!!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN....................................     

                               DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #14

March 13, 2009

This bargaining report is for March 13, 2009. The Company and Union met today continue bargaining.

The Company presented its Pension Proposal along with a change to their earlier Health Care Proposal.

Effective January 1, 2010, Lump Sum Pension accrual would cease and any Pension Benefits accrued after January 1 2010, could be taken only in a monthly annuity.

Lump Sum Pensions taken after January 1, 2010, and accrued prior to January 1, 2010, would be calculated using the Pension Protection Act which would reduce Lump Sum Pension amounts.

The Health Care plan is being reviewed by the Bargaining Committee and will be discussed further with the Company on Saturday morning.

CWA indicated to the Company that they were over reaching and that these proposals were AN INSULT TO EVERY BARGAING UNIT EMPLOYEE.

 UNITED WE BARGAIN....................................

                                           DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Tentative Mobilization Timeline

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #13

March 12, 2009

This report is for Thursday, March 12, 2009.  Both Subcommittees met this morning to continue bargaining.  Discussions continued pertaining to Upgrades, MOA's, Temporary/Full Time Employees and Premise Technicians.  Unfortunately, there is no progress to report.

This afternoon, CWA and AT&T met in Full Committee.  The Company provided information on Contractors in Consumer.  The Union requested clarification from the Company Chair pertaining to his authority to settle the contract.  Union Bargaining Committee members also questioned the Company on other issues pertaining to bargaining.

LET'S STEP UP OUR MOBILIZATION

AND DEMAND THAT THE COMPANY

GET SERIOUS AT THE TABLE!!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN....................................

                         DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #12

March 12, 2009

This report is for Wednesday, March 11, 2009. CWA Sub-Committee for Appendices A, B, D, I, met with the AT&T Sub-Committee this morning to continue bargaining.  Appendix A, upgrades and the MOA’s for Service Representatives, Communication Consultants, Revenue Management Representatives and Operators were discussed.  

CWA Sub-Committee for Appendix C, H and J also met with the Company Sub-Committee.  The Company provided some information pertaining to part timers. There was a lengthy discussion pertaining to the Four Day Work Week with both parties expressing their concerns.  No movement for Premise Technicians or Temporary employees.  Both Sub-Committees are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning,

The Full Committees met in the afternoon.  The Union rejected the Company proposals pertaining to Illness, Sunday Work, Night Differentials and Holidays.  The Union also provided revisions to the Basis of Compensation Language and Hours of Work.  The Union also gave the Company proposals pertaining to Vacation Eligibility and Hours of Work. 

                         UNITED WE BARGAIN…….

                                                                DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!

View D6 CWA/ATT Bargaining 2009 Photo Album

March 11, 2009

Please click the link below to view photos:

 http://district6.cwa-union.org/photo-album/d6-cwa-att-bargaining-2009.html

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #11

March 10, 2009

The CWA & AT&T committees met today to continue negotiations.  The Company presented the Union with the following proposals, Absence from Duty which increases the number of waiting days, Recovery of Wage Benefits Overpayments, Sunday Work which includes no premium pay for scheduled Sunday work, Night Differential; their proposed language will pay a 10% differential for each scheduled hour worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., On Call Duty, NCS Tie Breaker, Temporary Employees; their language extends temporary work from 18 months to 36 months, Vacation Portability, Holidays deletes "Day After Thanksgiving" and adds an extra "Floating Holiday."  As you can see, their proposals are filled with take backs and other substandard language.  It is apparent that the Company has no desire to reach a Fair and Just Contract!  The Union asked the Company for clarification on the Force Adjustment Article language they have previously presented. 

Bargaining will continue tomorrow with both Sub-Committees meeting in the morning and the Full Committee is scheduled to reconvene in the afternoon.

LET’S STEP UP OUR MOBILIZATION…….SEND YOUR MESSAGES TO THE COMPANY-----WE DESERVE A FAIR AND JUST CONTRACT!

           UNITED WE BARGAIN…………………….

                                                   DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #10

March 10, 2009

There were no scheduled meetings today.  The Union spent the day reviewing current Memorandum of Agreements and studying Bargaining proposals.  The Union also reviewed and worked on counter proposals.

United We Bargain................................

                                                          Divided We Beg!!!!!!!!!!

Mobilization Timeline - Week of March 8, 2009

March 9, 2009

 Please click the following link to view more information:

http://files.cwa-union.org/district6/d6_mobe_timeline.pdf

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #9

March 6, 2009

The CWA and AT&T Full Committees reconvened to continue bargaining.  The Company presented the Union with a proposal pertaining to Force Adjustment.  The Union requested an update on the status of the information requests pertaining to Technological Evolution, Contractors and other pertinent data which had been previously requested. The Union clarified its proposal pertaining to Tuition Aid Program.  The Union also amended language to our proposal for our Improved Medical Benefits to include improvements in prescription coverage.

The Union rejected the Company’s Proposals on, “Leveraged Titles” based on the potential negative impact it could eventually have on thousands of Service Representatives.  The Union also rejected the Company’s proposal on Premise Technicians labeling the proposal as MEAN SPIRITED!

The parties remain on call but there are no scheduled meetings this weekend.

                    UNITED WE BARGAIN…….                                                                             DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #8

March 6, 2009

Bargaining continued between CWA and AT&T on Thursday March 5, 2009.  Both Union Sub-Committees met with the Company and reported that no progress had been made at either table.

The CWA and AT&T Full Committees reconvened bargaining and the Union presented our proposal with improved Training/Retraining language.  The Company presented to the Union their Premise Technician proposal which contains changes that are WORSE than the current language.  The Company’s proposal requires additional responsibilities for the Premise Techs such as SAI work and everything from the VRAD to the house and inside on the light speed network,  DSL work on the wireline network and any other technical work that may be required at the house that pertains to the wireline network.  The Company expects MORE WORK with NO PAY INCREASE.  Their proposal also includes the elimination of Sunday Differential, Pension and Post Retirement Health Care Coverage (PRHCC).  Current employees who transferred to the Premise Tech title as the result of a Surplus condition will lose their protection for PRHCC and Pension accrual.  Premise Techs who transfer to other Appendices in the Core will not receive any Pension and PRHCC.  Employees who transfer to the Premise Tech title will have their Pension frozen and service will accrue solely for Pension eligibility and you will still lose your PRHCC.  As if that isn’t bad enough, the Company’s proposal will no longer consider the Day after Thanksgiving as a Holiday but substitute it with another day off.  To add insult to injury, their language also includes terrible work rules.  The Bargaining Committee Considers this, “ANOTHER SLAP IN THE FACE!”  This proposal is MEAN SPIRITED and a PERSONAL INSULT to our Members.  For the Company to even consider this type of RETROGRESSION shows NO REGARD for our Premise Technicians and NO REPECT FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP!   Our Premise Technicians are in dire need of improvements -----for the Company to ignore these needs is TOTALLY RIDICULOUS!

The Company has attacked our Members by proposing a SUBSTANDARD Health Care Package and refusing to extend the current Memorandums of Agreement which included language to create a better work environment for their employees.  The Company has attacked our Retirees by refusing to Bargain their Benefits and Now the Company has attacked our Premise Techs by presenting this unacceptable proposal at the table.

LET’S UNITE AND TAKE A STAND…..TELL THE COMPANY, “AN ATTACK ON ONE OF US IS AN ATTACK ON ALL OF US!”

                  UNITED WE BARGAIN…….                                                                  DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #7

March 5, 2009

CWA Sub-Committee for Appendices A, B, D and I met with the Company to continue bargaining.  The Company provided some of the information that the Union had previously requested.  The Union asked for an update on the issues that the Company had with the Union’s proposal to extend the Service Representative Task Force and Review Committee Recommendations, Communications Consultant Joint Leadership Forum Recommendations, Revenue Management Representative Working Group Recommendations and the Operator Task Force Recommendations.  The Company stated they had NO INTENT to extend ANY of the MOA's and followed by stating, “These MOA’s have OUTLIVED there USEFULLNESS.  We also feel like some of these provisions restrict managers from managing their employees!”  The Company’s major issues were pertaining to the Service Representative Task Force and Review Committee Recommendations.  The Company stated that they had problems with Sales Objectives, Adherence, Average Handling Time and that the Appointment Time language only ALLOWED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES TO TAKE A FREE DAY OFF, EXCUSED—UNPAID.  Management continued by stating it has become an administrative nightmare. The fact is this language prohibits management from placing employees on discipline as a result of their performance in some of the measured areas.  Bottom line, Management wants to be IN FULL CONTROL of their employees.  The Company’s remarks substantiate the Union’s position, “MANAGEMENT is so OUT OF TOUCH with the NEEDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES and have no desire to create a POSITVE WORK ENVIROMENT!  The entire purposes for these agreements are to help address MAJOR problems in these departments with out compromising Company objectives.  These agreements have proven to be effective and help our members remove some of the additional unnecessary stress in these extremely stressful jobs.  To add insult to injury, management could not answer any of the Union’s questions pertaining to the Company’s refusal to extend the MOA’s since they had not conducted any type of comparison studies or research of results prior to the negotiation of these MOA’s.

Subcommittee for Appendices C, H and J had no progress to report.

In the afternoon the Union And Company met in full Committee.  The Union presented the Company with proposals on Surplus Orientation, Transition Allowance and RPP.  After a lengthy informal discussion on Training/Retraining the Union requested an update on their request for information.  The Company continues to restrict the information that CWA needs to build pro and con arguments for various Union and Company proposals.  This is UNPRECEDENTED and clearly an attempt by the Company to control the bargaining.

The Company’s continued negative actions must be addressed by our members…..Let’s Unite and Take a Stand by Letting the Company know we DESERVE A FAIR AND JUST CONTRACT!!!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………

                   DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #6

March 4, 2009

CWA and AT&T reconvened bargaining this morning. CWA Sub-Committee for appendices A, B, D and I presented numerous proposals with detailed information to the Company for consideration.  After discussions by both parties the Company stated they would review the Union’s proposals and respond accordingly. The Union requested additional information relevant to the upgrade’s we requested. The Union also submitted proposals requesting the extension of certain MOA’S through the life of the new contract period.  The Company stated they had several issues with the Service Representative Task Force Agreement and were in the process of reviewing the language in detail.  Upon completion the Company will advise the Union of their issues.

CWA Sub-Committee for appendices C, H and J requested data specific to titles in these appendices. Requests were made pertaining to the number of employees and the loaded wage rates for each title. Proposals requesting upgrades of certain titles were also presented by Union. Considerable discussions took place on the Premise Technician Title.  The Committees agreed to reconvene on Wednesday to continue discussions.

In the afternoon the Union and Company met in Full Committee. The Union notified the Company that we were rejecting the Company’s Health Care package and proceeded to presented numerous proposals to the Company requesting improvements in the Savings and Security Plan, Medical Plan, Pension Plan, Vision Plan, Dental Plan, Adoption Assistance and Life Insurance. After a lengthy discussion, the Company stated they would review the Unions proposals. The Union also presented the Company with proposals which contained improvements in the Funeral and Travel Articles. 

The Company Presented the Union with a “Leveraged Title” proposal which contains language that allows the Company to pay employees based on their performance. Their proposal allows management to skip wage increases based on employees less than satisfactory conduct. It is apparent that the Company has no regard for their employees.  A Company who has astronomical profits of over 12.9 Billion Dollars in 2008, as the  result of our members Professionalism, Expertise, Commitment and Dedication, is definitely a lack of regard to their employees!

So far, everything the Company has presented to your Bargaining Committee has been nothing more than “A Slap In The Face” to the HARD WORKING men and women of CWA!  The Company’s refusal to bargain for current retirees coupled with what we view as their illegal activities of not providing a copy of requested bargaining data to the Union and then requiring a search of your bargaining committee’s notes after we are forced to review the data on Company premises is nothing more than “GUSTAPO” tactics by AT&T.

LET’S STEP UP OUR MOBILIZATION ACTIVITY AND LET MANAGEMENT KNOW WE BUILT THIS COMPANY AND WE DESERVE A FAIR AND JUST CONTRACT!

          UNITED WE BARGAIN…………….

                                                   DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #5

March 2, 2009

CWA District 6 met with AT&T to reconvene bargaining. The Company provided some of the information we requested pertaining to, "Partial Session Absence."  The Union presented in detail numerous proposals for the Company to review and consider.  The Union requested an update on other information that we have requested, but have not received.

The Union and the Company agreed to have two Sub-Committees to review proposals for the following appendices: Committee one will consist of A, B, D and I; Committee two will consist of C, H and J.  Our first committee meetings are scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Let's keep our Mobilization Activity going STRONG!

                   UNITED WE BARGAIN…………….

                                                       DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #4

February 27, 2009

The Communications Workers of America Bargaining Committee met today to continue bargaining.  The Company provided some public information to the Union.  The Company also presented the Union with their first proposal on HEALTHCARE.  To no surprise, the Company has proposed MAJOR changes in our current Healthcare coverage.  The proposed package is similar to the coverage that Management currently has today, which consists of HIGH PREMIUMS, DEDUCTIBLES AND OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES!

The Union presented the Company with a package of various proposals for consideration.  We will reconvene on Monday, March 2, 2009.

Next week is designated as HEALTHCARE WEEK.  We will be leafleting on Monday; and the entire week will be focused on issues involving the importance of PROTECTING OUR HEALTHCARE COVERAGE.  The Union will be proposing improvements to the current plan! 

Remember RED Thursdays and Black Fridays!

UNITED WE BARGAIN…………………….

                                                    DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #3

February 26, 2009 Bargaining continued this afternoon between the Communications Workers of America and AT&T. CWA raised numerous questions pertaining to the Notice of Change Letters received from the Company on February 23, 2009. The Union has various concerns in regards to the changes the Company has proposed in the areas of Overtime, Union Dues Confirmation, FMLA, Arbitration, Partial Session Illness and Customer Security Requirements. After a lengthy discussion, the Company agreed to research and upon completion respond to the Unions questions. To date, the Company still has not complied with the Union request for information letter. It is obvious that this is a delay tactic by the Company and a means of keeping our MEMBERS IN THE DARK. The Company further REFUSED TO BARGAIN on RETIREES BENIFITS!!!!!!! This is proof positive that the Company has no intent of reaching a FAIR AND JUST Contract-----Let's continue our Mobilization Activity and let the Company know, "WE DEMAND WHAT WE DESERVE AND WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR RETIREES WHO BUILT THIS COMPANY!!!!" Don't forget to wear BLACK ON FRIDAYS. UNITED WE BARGAIN............ DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #2

February 25, 2009 Bargaining between the Communications Workers of America and AT&T reconvened this morning. The Company presented an overview on Healthcare, which basically positions the Company for requesting take backs in this area. Richard Kneupper, CWA Bargaining Chair quickly responded that the Union has partnered with the Company in the past by finding creative ways to limit Company cost, while at the same time providing good healthcare for our members. He stated we are willing to do the same during these negotiations. However, the committee will not accept a sub-standard healthcare package for our members! Today, CWA was notified by the Company of their intent to temporarily suspend the Motor Vehicle Usage Program across the entire bargaining unit beginning March 27, 2009. Since the Company has failed to provide the Union with copies of the pertinent information necessary for bargaining preparation without the Union signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement, the Union was unable to present the Company with any proposals. After reviewing documents last night on Company premise the Union notified the Company of the information that had been requested, which had not been included. The Union has never been required to sign any type of agreement in the past. The Union stated their position, which is that the Company is delaying the bargaining process in placing an undue burden by making this unreasonable request. We will keep you posted on the outcome of this dispute.

UNITED WE BARGAIN…………

DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #1

February 24, 2009 The Communications Workers of America Bargaining Committee met with AT&T’s Bargaining Representatives at 10:00 a.m. to Kick-Off Bargaining. Representing CWA at the table: Richard Kneupper, Assistant to the District 6 Vice President; Ed Pinkelman, Area Director; Sylvia J. Ramos, Staff; Glynne Stanley, President - CWA 6214; Ronnie Gray, President - CWA 6228; Ron Dye, President - CWA 6016; Mike Mehringer, EVP - CWA 6300; Johnnna Carlon Lee-Steward - CWA 6508; and Guy Stewart, Vice President - CWA 6203. Andy Milburn, District 6 Vice President, opening remarks focused on AT&T being the largest and most successful telecommunication company in the World, and that their success is a direct result of the partnership with CWA. Vice President Milburn stated, “It is CWA’s belief that the respect, collaboration, and partnership we have built over the years lays the groundwork for successful negotiations.” He stressed the fact that AT&T’s $12.9 billion in profits last year is proof positive that AT&T is financially sound and well-positioned for 2009 and the future. Vice President Milburn stressed that if AT&T can take care of its executives and investors it can look out for those who create these profits—its employees, our MEMBERS! He further stated that breaking promises to retirees on fixed incomes is the wrong thing to do. The Company’s Representative, Joe Croci, AT&T Vice-President - Labor Relations, stated that the Company was prepared to work with us and that together we can reach an agreement that is good for all. He followed those comments by emphasizing that they are facing challenging times and that the country is in a crisis. He stated that AT&T has not been spared. He talked about healthcare being the fastest rising cost and that lowering operating cost was inevitable. Mr. Croci continuously mentioned our positive working relationship, while the Company had already faxed the following notice of changes to CWA’s District Office: 1. RE: Change in custom and practice – Overtime. The Company plans to discontinue the practice of assigning overtime to volunteers first. 2. RE: Change in custom and practice – Union Dues Confirmation. The company plans to discontinue the practice of faxing a confirmation back to Local Presidents who send in a group of authorization cards to Payroll. 3. RE: Change in Custom and practice – Arbitration. Company is requesting to change, “Stop the Clock” language. The Company further requests to change the agreement on the Union reviewing the arbitration transcript. 4. RE: Change in custom and practice – FMLA. The Company intends to start implementing its right under FMLA regulations to require employees to substitute paid time off for unpaid FMLA leave. 5. Change in custom and practice – Partial Session Illness. The Company will no longer pay employees for any partial session absences for illness. 6. Change in custom and practice – Customer Security Requirements. How the Company can talk about a positive working relationship out of one side of their mouth, while requesting these totally unacceptable changes out of the other, is definitely setting the stage for this round of bargaining negotiations! It is extremely important that we participate at 100% in all of our mobilization activities to send the Company a STRONG MESSAGE…..WE ARE UNITED AND STAND TOGETHER IN OUR FIGHT FOR A FAIR AND JUST CONTRACT!!!!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN …………………

DIVIDED WE BEG!!!