CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Report #17
The Bargaining Committee met with the Company this afternoon.
The meeting began with the Company completely rejecting our proposals on job security, expansion of work to include a guaranteed Fiber & Broadband work, and creation of new jobs. They told us that our ask was too broad and then didn’t even pass a counter to at least give us an idea of what they would be comfortable with!
Then the Company brought up the protection in the CST title and if surplussed, their ability to bump the least senior Premise Technician and keep their Group 1 pay. They didn’t reject it, but seemed to make it an item of concern that will be under attack. The Union chair pointed out that the Company’s decision to eliminate wire centers will be a direct impact on CSTs and they should be protected. Additionally, he pointed out that seniority is very important to us, and these technicians landing on their feet if surplussed is very important to the Union. Not to mention the MOA that has continued to upgrade Prem Techs to do CST work the past few years.
Additionally, the Company passed counters on a couple MOA’s we already had in the current settlement agreement for Facilities Locate Work, Retired Union Presidents, and renewal statement for Union-Management Relations. They also agreed in principle to renewal of promoting CWA/NETT Academy in which we are reviewing the TA document.
The Union TA’d Article VIII - securing Martin Luther King Day, and the MOA for electronic dues authorization.
Before the meeting ended, the Union Chair talked about the Company’s initial counter on wages amounted to a .58 an hour raise or $23.20 weekly to Prem Techs who would then turn around and have to spend this minimal raise on likely health care increases, and the Union officially rejected the Company’s 2% pay raise annually.
At this time, we are not scheduled to meet tomorrow and we will continue to work on their benefits proposal and our counter.
Please continue to get plugged in with your Locals and the Mobilization efforts as we can’t afford to sit this one out. While we continue to FIGHT at the table, we need you to have our backs in the workplaces.
CWA District 6 along with the CWA Bargaining Team will be hosting an informational town hall on March 27th at 7pm. You will be able to learn:
• Key Updates & Critical Information on AT&T SW Bargaining
• How member scan get involved in critical mobilization efforts in their Locals
• Direct Q&A with our bargaining team about issues impacting your future
This call does require registration, as it is only available to CWA members within District 6. You can register at the following link:
To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.
Regardless if we meet with the Company or not tomorrow we will follow up with a report after tomorrow and what we worked on as a committee.
In Solidarity,
CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team
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