Consolidated Communications - Final Bargaining Report

The Company presented their Final Offer for settlement last night.  The CWA Committee accepted the offer early this morning.  Attached is a copy of the offer for your review.

Your CWA Committee worked very hard to obtain the items you initially sent us to the table with. We were successful in achieving higher overall wage and benefit compensation compared to other units which include your demand for reductions in health care costs.  The Company agreed to allow participation in the Wellness Plan to offset premium share costs and increase their contributions to the HSA accounts under the HSA plan.  Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverages were improved to $75,000 each along with new language on continuing Life Insurance coverage based on years of service and age if you separate from the Company, increases in Performance Bonus Payout,  new language on Non-consecutive tour compensation at $1.00 an hour for Sunday, Monday, Friday, Saturday 4/10 schedules  and the addition of a new job title House Utilities Attendant, which is an upgrade to the previous title of OST Assistant.

After the first Tentative Agreement was voted down, the Committee took the concerns voiced at the explanation meeting as well as the bargaining unit meeting held on Tuesday evening back to the Company and stressed the importance of the need for stronger language on scheduling by seniority along with improvements to economic items.  While the Company held firm on their position that there would be no more economic improvements, we were successful in achieving stronger language on scheduling.  The Company also reaffirmed their commitment to discussing the need for the creation of a Business Systems department at the next Common Interest Forum meeting scheduled for March 26.

Your CWA Committee truly believes this is the best contract we can achieve in this round of negotiations and unanimously recommends ratification.  We thank you for your unwavering support throughout negotiations.   The explanation meeting will be held at the Katy Central Office tonight at 6:30 PM 1397 East Ave. Katy, TX 77493.  Voting will take place immediately following the explanation.   Copies of this agreement will be made available at the meeting.

In Unity,

Stephanie Collier
CWA Representative, Chair

Darrell Novark
President, Local 6218

Mario Lopez
Elected Bargaining Committee Member

Final Agreement