CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Report #19
The Bargaining Team met with the Company twice today.
During the first session, the Union passed proposals that would prove up on the amount of years needed to trigger weeks of vacation. This was done on both the Core and Appendix J pieces of the CBA. Additionally, there was a counter proposal passed that would increase the amount of differential pay for Appendix J when relieving a manager as an in charge.
The Union passed our first counter proposal on benefits in what we believe will be a major cost savings to the majority of employees in the CBA. There is still a lot to work out between the two parties, but the good news is we seem to be on the right track.
So far the Company has attempted to attack language in the Core contract by changing night diff to 7pm in core, raising up to 12 hours of assigned OT all 12 months instead of 3 months out of the year, eliminating Cable Splicers night differential protections under Basis of Comp, and reducing sick time benefits. We have been able to fight off these attacks thus far! And we are continuing to discuss several proposals we have that would improve issues that have been identified by our members.
We did agree this morning to TA the Company continuing to promote CWA/NETT training which is free to employees in our bargaining unit.
The Company did not pass anything during the morning session. However, we did meet this evening and the following was passed by the Company:
- Counter to keep Article XVI - Travel the same, Union had passed a proposal to raise per diem rates.
- Counter to keep Appendix J SS11 - Travel the same, the Union had passed a proposal to raise per diem rates.
- Counters on several MOA’s that we had in the 2017 settlement agreement with no changes (we agree in principle to these but need to review all of them before TA’s).
- Proposal for Appendix J SS 7 - Absences from Duty to keep the language the same.
We have agreed to meet tomorrow in which the Company intends to have a counter proposal on benefits. We will hold our comments there till we see if they took our proposal yesterday seriously.
While we have every intention of trying to reach an agreement by expiration that addresses our members' issues, we must be prepared if the Company fails to address our members’ best interests. If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate in the Strike Authorization vote, please check in with your Local on how you can participate.
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 TOMORROW, March 27 at 7pm. You will be able to learn:
• Key Updates & Critical Information on AT&T SW Bargaining
• How members can 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. In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!
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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