CenturyLink Central Arkansas Local 6171 Bargaining Report #13

Today the Union committee and the Company’s committee met again in a continued effort to gain a fair and equitable contract.  We left off in August without reaching a tentative agreement by the August 15th deadline, but were very optimistic that we could get together again and reach an agreement.  Well, those aspirations were quickly shot down because although the Union’s Committee came prepared to reach an agreement and discuss areas where movement could be made, the Company came with the same agenda.  The Company’s Chair started his statement telling us how the Company’s stock was doing great, how great the conversions were going, how they were looking for room for movement, and how they didn’t want the members feeling taking advantage of and that the Company was filled with greed.  The retrogressive language was once again laid on the table.  The Company is again asking the members to go an additional 3 years without a general wage increase.  They are also looking to remove the double time, as well as reducing the TPA.  We keep being reminded that the Company is trying to merge the 2 companies and soon to be 3 with Qwest however; they are trying to do so at the member’s expense.  Membership, we need you to voice your concern with these efforts loud and clear to your supervisors and to your community.  As profitable as this Company is, the employees should get to share in the wealth since we are the reason they are able to do so.

The two committees have agreed to go back to the table again tomorrow, November 10th.

Remember to wear your Union red on Thursday and Black on Friday.

In Unity and Solidarity,

Your CWA Bargaining Committee