CWA Local 6229

Hello, I am Richard Bennett, your new e-board member. I have been employed with the company since April of 1997. I was born and raised in San Benito, and have lived there my whole life, except for the short college stints. I started as a cable splicer in Brownsville and was surplussed into a com-tech position in San Benito central office. I have been married for 18 years now, have a daughter 14 and son 12. My past times are hunting and fishing, and any outdoor activity with the family. As your new e-board member I would like to bring new ideas and straight across the board fairness on how our local union is run.

Richard Bennett.

Got word from President Eli, that memebers who have recently placed shirt orders are now sent home if they refuse to wear company issued apparel.  These Union Brothers and Sisters cannot participate in our show of Solidarity because the company feels they these employees have decided to participate in the apparel program.  Please be advised that this is a trend that has been started in the larger cities in Texas could reach our local, in addition be aware that if you are sent home, you will not be paid for loss time. 

I hope that my Union Brothers and Sisters are enjoying the new site, and in what direction we are taking it.  I appreciate your comments, however I would like to encourage you to give me your ideas of what sort of topics you would like to see.  If you see a topic you like or dislike, feel free to comment your thoughts.  I look forward to hear from you.

Just added a CWA Forum, where our members can communicate their ideas or concerns on specific themes.  Just click on CWA Forum and enjoy the experience, if there is a particular subject you feel would be of interest to you or the members please tell us and we will create it for you.

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!!!!!

Here we see our New President Supporting Cwa.

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!!!!

In order to View all of the Cwa Local Union News and Latest Information You must be Logged In. So Please Register and Start Accessing all the Great Features of this Site.  Start By clicking Here.

Financially Sound and Well-Positioned for 2009 and the Future: AT&T made $12.9 billion in profits last year. It paid its top executives $33.5 million in 2008 and paid $9.8 billion in dividends to investors. CEO Randall Stephenson says: “despite the economic environment, we grew revenues in 2008 and I expect 2009 will be another year of overall revenue growth and solid progress for our company.”

Responsibility to Employees: AT&T has been looking out for its executives and investors, with $33.5 million in executive compensation last year and another $250 million to shareholders (in addition to the $9.8 billion paid in 2008.) It can look out for employees too. AT&T employees are a key part of the company’s success. It should keep its commitments to employees and retirees. Cutting benefits and breaking promises to retirees on fixed incomes is the wrong thing to do in an economic downturn. AT&T should be a leader in helping to turn the economy around, not cutting jobs and benefits.

Setting the Right Priorities: These contract talks are an opportunity for AT&T to show why it’s a world class leader in communications and the high tech industry. AT&T also should be a leader in providing the quality jobs of the future and maintaining middle class jobs and standards. A company with $12.9 billion in profits should set an example by recognizing the contributions of employees who have made the company successful.

Preserving Good Middle Class Jobs. AT&T should be doing its part to help our struggling economy and support the middle class, not cutting jobs and benefits. AT&T’s move to cut 12,000 jobs while rewarding executives and investors makes the economy weaker and that hurts all of us. 

Negotiations: Our goal is positive, productive talks with AT&T. This is an opportunity for AT&T to work with us to do what’s right for the company, AT&T employees and our economy.

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!!!