CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #27

March 31, 2009

This bargaining report is for Monday, March 30, 2009.  The CWA and AT&T Bargaining Committees met today to continue negotiations.  The Union, once again requested the status of the Health Care information, which we had requested over two weeks ago.  The Company stated they did not have anything for us today.  The Union asked numerous questions pertaining to the Health Care coverage. 

The Union also presented the Company with numerous bundled proposals pertaining to Assigned Overtime, On Call Duty, Illness, Training/Retraining and FMLA Leave.  CWA hopeful that this will initiate movement on the Company’ side.

We won’t hold our Breath!  Discussions also took place on Appendix I and J. 

The Union also presented COUNTER proposals on Floating Holidays, Grievances, Appendix D Supplement, Vacation Portability and Vacation Carryover.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE:   MOBILIZATION IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH—-WE SURPASSED OUR GOAL AND VISITED CLOSE TO TWO HUNDRED (200)  AT&T AGENT/RESELLER STORES THIS SATURDAY!!!!!   THAT WAS AWESOME—-GREAT JOB!!!!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN…………………………….

                                                                              DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEMBERS OF CWA 6229:

IT’S GETTING CLOSE TO THE CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE

APRIL 4, 2009

MIDNIGHT

WE NEED TO ALL BE PREPARED!

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A CONTACT PERSON/NUMBER

TO GET THE LATEST DETAILS OVER THE WEEKEND

IT’S IMPERATIVE FOR US TO BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING!

PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR DFR FORMS AND TURN THEM IN

LOOK FOR YOUR STIKE SCHEDULE

WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO SHOW SUPPORT

PLEASE VOLUNTEER AS MANY HOURS AS POSSIBLE ON THE FIRST WEEK

YOU WILL NEED TO REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS FROM YOUR

WORK LOCATIONS BY FRIDAY.

THINGS CHANGE DAILY.

 WE WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF ANY MAJOR CHANGES, DURING THE WEEK

REMEMBER YOUR HEALTH CARE BENEFITS WILL BE EFFECTED

IF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE A CHRONIC CONDITION OR

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION ON A REGULAR BASIS,

YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE UNION AND ADVISE THEM.

THERE ARE CERTAIN STEPS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED IF YOU NEED TO

MAINTAIN HEALTH CARE COVERAGE DURING A STRIKE

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE COME TO THE INFORMATIONAL STRIKE MEETING OR CONTACT YOUR UNION OFFICERS OR STEWARDS

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #26

March 28, 2009

This brgaining report is for Saturday, March 28, 2009.  The CWA & AT&T Bargaining Committee met this morning to continue negotiations.  The Union presented the Company with proposals on Team Performance, Capping the number of Temporary Full Time Employees, Cost of Living Allowance, Tuition Aid Policy, Temporary Work in a Higher Position and Improvements for Appendix I. 

In an attempt to avoid ANY future misunderstandings, the Union Bargaining Committee reviewed their position on ALL Company Proposals.  In regards to any wage proposal offered by the Company, the Union pointed out that, “AT&T is a Safe Harbor even in BAD times for Investors and if the AT&T investors aren’t taking any hits NEITHER should our MEMBERS!” 

Hours of Work, Improved Travel, Training Retraining, Tuition Aid Policy, Bridging of Service, which contains language that allows employees to keep their service regardless of where they transfer, is also important.  AT&T is ONE BIG COMPANY and employees should not be penalized when they transfer.  Appendix J, Motor Vehicle Usage Program, GPS, Good Jobs in Eight, ACST’s, Improved Force Adjustment and Severance Payment language were also discussed.  The Company is CONTRACTING OUT WAY TOO MUCH WORK—as the Company grows CWA SHOULD ALSO GROW!  

A lengthy discussion took place pertaining to the Memorandum of Agreement on MONITORING.  Leveraged Titles were also discussed. 

With one week left to Bargain—-We must STEP UP OUR Mobilization Activities and NOT SLOW DOWN!!!  LET THE COMPANY KNOW, “WE MEAN BUSINESS!” 
 

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………

                                                                          DIVIDED WE BEG!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #25

March 28, 2009

This report is for Friday, March 27, 2008.  Both Union Sub-Committees met with the Company to continue negotiations.  Although, lengthy talks took place, “NO PROGRESS” was reported from both A, B, D, I, C, H and J Sub-Committees. 

In the afternoon, CWA & AT&T Full Committee negotiations continued; however, it came to a QUICK HALT after the Company presented a NOTEBOOK of Proposals FULL OF TAKEBACKS and SUB-STANDARD CONTRACT LANGUAGE.  To add INSULT TO INJURY, when the Union asked the Company about FUTURE Retiree Health Care the Company stated that they would go to a Modified Custom Care Coverage, which also consists of Higher Premiums, Deductibles and Out of Pocket Expenses. 

The meeting ended abruptly when the Union Committee Chair was SO INSULTED by the Company’s Proposals he GOT UP AN WALKED OUT telling the Company they are not LISTENING TO A WORD BEING SAID! 

Negotiations are scheduled to continue tomorrow.  
 
 

UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………

                                                                               DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!! 
 
 

“LET’S LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD AND ORGANIZE ALL AT&T RESELLER AND AGENT STORES.  WE WILL START ON SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2009 AND CONTINUE UNTIL WE HAVE ORGANIZED 100% OF THESE STORES!  EVERY MEMBER IS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN US IN OUR EFFORTS!!!!!” 

We are united as one against a corporation that has no intention on reaching a fair contract. 

Mr. Stephenson:

p CWA Members have made it possible for AT$T to grow and prosper and this is the thanks we get?

p We have missed our kids Birthdays and Holidays with our families to service the customers that drive AT$T’s incredible profits, and this is the thanks we get?

p CWA members work 30-40 years or more, generating the revenue that fuels this corporation and when we expect to retire with dignity you won’t even bargain for Retiree Healthcare. Is this is the thanks we get?

p Just this past year WE helped this CORPORATION generate $12.9 billion in profits, while most of corporate America was losing money. Now you want concessions from us so AT$T can stay competitive. This is a strange way to reward some of the best telecommunications professionals in the world.

p When our members are forced to relocate to other cities because of CORPORATE decisions they get a small moving allowance. When you moved from San Antonio to Dallas AT$T bought your $1.7 million house. We just want to be treated fairly.

p AT$T is having solid growth quarter after quarter in a BAD ECONOMY. Don’t insult us by using this as an excuse to undo 60 plus years of collective bargaining to fuel CORPORATE Greed.

Our message to you Mr. Stephenson is simple:  Keep AT&T’s promise to its employees and give us a fair contract with retiree health care!  We are ready to do whatever is necessary to gain a fair contract.  We will be able to sleep at night with a clear conscious…CAN YOU?

UNITED WE BARGAIN–DIVIDED WE BEG!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #24

March 27, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Thursday, March 26, 2009.  The AT&T and CWA Bargaining Committees met this morning to continue negotiations.  The Union requested the status on Military Leave data as well as the pending Health Care information request.  The Company responded, “They were working on that.”  The Company provided answers to the numerous questions the Union had pertaining to the new web based transfer plan, “TALEO”.

The Union also presented the Company with a Memorandum of Agreement on Evolving Technologies.  CWA rejected the Company’s proposals on Force Adjustment and Night Differentials..

AT&T has loaded the bargaining table with take backs and retrogressive proposals.  They have not provided CWA with a copy of the Bargaining Data that we requested and have forced us to review the information at the Bargaining Table.

Listed below are SOME of the Company’s retrogressive proposals that are on the Bargaining Table:

• Health Care, increases for active employees in premiums, out of pocket costs and deductibles.
• Two Tier Structure on Health Care for New Hires and Current Employees.  It will be a Three Tier Structure on Health Care since the Company is refusing to bargain on RETIREES.
• Company wants to increase work duties and have Premise Technicians perform work in a higher classification.
• Temporary Full Time (TFT’S) CWA wants to have all TEMPORARIES remain on Payroll.  We have been meeting in Sub-Committees for several weeks and have not reached a resolution.
• AT&T wants a 60/40 Leveraged Title which would mean 40% of pay at risk based on sales.
• PPA applied to Lump Sum Pensions which eliminates the GATT Rate and applies the Corporate Bond Rate.  This will reduce lump sum pensions taken after January 1, 2010.
• The Company has not presented proposals on wages as of yet.
• Proposals to Limit Force Adjustment to include only those at risk employees.
• Proposals to change Night Differential to 9 pm- 6am.
• Eliminate expenses for future Retired Local Presidents to attend joint Company Union meetings.
• Major changes in current Grievance contract language which would allow only grievances that are Arbitrable to be appealed to second step.
• Delete Joint Health Care Cost Containment Committee.
• Remove protections from Appendix J.  Reduce overtime in Appendix J.  Overall the Company’s proposals for Appendix J are WORSE than current language
• Increase Assigned overtime above the current 9 and 12 hours.
• All Employees will have at least one day of waiting before pay starts for illness.
• Delete Sunday Work
• Expand On Call to any Work Group
• Eliminate Day after Thanksgiving Holiday
• Eliminate Vacation Carry Over
• Eliminate Assignment of Overtime to Volunteers first
• Stop the Calculation on Grievants back pay during time clock is stopped.
• FMLA Time Off, Company can substitute contractual paid time
• Eliminate payment for partial sessions of illness

With only EIGHT days left to Bargain the Union told the Company THEY ARE NOT taking the Union’s Proposals seriously and are dragging out the Bargaining Process!!!!

LET’S TELL THE COMPANY IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF CORPORATE GREED AND GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!!!!!

                                 “NO CONTRACT NO PEACE”

                UNITED WE BARGAIN………………..

                                                                   DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T BARGAINING REPORT #23

March 25, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Wednesday, March 25, 2009. The CWA & AT&T Bargaining Committees met this morning to continue negotiations.  Major discussions were held in regards to our Premise Technicians and RETIREES.  The Bargaining Committee will work the remainder of the day reviewing Company Proposals and working on other Bargaining items.  The Company does not seem to take these CRITICAL issues SERIOUSLY!  Let your VOICE be HEARD in the WORKPLACE and LET the Company know you SUPPORT your Bargaining Committee!

RED THURSDAY———-LET’S HAVE A SEA OF RED TOMORROW….

UNITED WE BARGAIN———–

                                                DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #22

March 25, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Tuesday, March 24, 2009.  Sub-Committees for Appendix A, B, D and I continued negotiations this morning.  CWA reviewed status of proposals in each Appendix and notified the Company that we were holding our position for Upgrades in these Appendices and on the proposals to extend the Service Representative Task Force Agreement, Communication Consultant Leadership Forum, Revenue Management Representative Working Group and the Operator Services Task Force Recommendations.  After discussion by both parties there is no progress to report.

During the Full Committee Bargaining Session, the Company presented the Union with proposals on Force Adjustment and Night Differential.  The Union requested an updated status on pertinent information that had been requested previously.  The Company responded and was forthcoming with the information.

CWA presented the Company with the following proposals CWA/AT&T Presidents Council and CWA/AT&T National Health Care Reform.  The Union explained the National Health Care Reform proposal was an invitation for AT&T to join CWA in their effort to call lawmakers to pass Legislation to secure National Health Care Coverage.  CWA stated that passage of this legislation would save AT&T approximately One Billion Dollars each year!   

Negotiations are scheduled to continue at 9:30 am tomorrow. 

Let’s Continue our Mobilization Activites—-

           RED THURSDAY’S                                                              BLACK FRIDAY’S

U\NITED WE BARGAIN…………………………..

                                                                              DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CWA

History

1918-1923: World War II-The Government Takes Control of the   Telephone System

During World War I, on July 22, 1918, under a Presidential    order, the telephone and telegraph system was placed under the control of the federal government and the Postmaster General Albert S. Burelson. In 1919, Burelson was faced with a strike by the IBEW that virtually tied up phone service in New England and threatened to become nationwide. In an attempt to end the strike, Burelson issued a government bulletin acknowledging the rights of workers to bargain through committees “chosen by them, to act for them.”

CWA/AT&T Bargaining Report #21

March 24, 2009

This Bargaining Report is for Monday, March 23, 2009.  Sub-Committees for Appendix C, H and J met this morning to continue Bargaining. Discussions were held pertaining to Temporary Full Time Employees, however, NO PROGRESS to report.

This afternoon the Full Committee Bargaining Session began by the Company presenting a packet of information pertaining to Benefits.

As stated in Friday’s Bargaining Report the Company provided the “Wireline Trends and Outlooks” overview which was the Company’s outlook for Wireline’s future.  Today, the Union presented the Company with some of the statistics contained in the “AT&T Investor Update” which was a document used for the Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call with Shareholders that took place on January 28, 2009.  AT&T’s earnings per share were up from $1.94 in 2007 to $2.16 per share in 2009.  AT&T’s Revenues for 2007 were $119.9 BILLION and in 2008 were $124.0 BILLION.  Total adjusted consolidated revenues grew 3.4% for the full year, up 2.2% in the Fourth Quarter with 14.2% growth in Wireline IP data revenues, which include business services and AT&T U-verse services.  The Company also reported, “These drivers more than offset expected pressures in Wireline voice.”  As for U-verse the Company report, “Strong sales trends, operational progress and new service features drive mass-market success story.  AT&T’S projection is that U-verse will be a Multibillion-dollar revenue opportunity during next few years.”   As for AT&T’s Cash Flow for 2008 was $13.3 BILLION with cash returned to Shareowners at $15.6 BILLION!!!!   

For the Company to come to the Bargaining Table and present an overview that tells Less than the Truth and  HALF of the STORY is DISRESPECTFUL and INSULTING to our MEMBERS!!!!    THE UNION STATED THAT THE COMPANY HAS NO REASON TO OVER REACH AND TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES based on their very own statistics—AT&T is POISED for the future and is the Most Profitable Telecom in the United States!

The Union asked the Company if they had changed their position on RETIREES.  The Company was quick to respond, “NO they have not!”

The Union REJECTED the Leveraged Title Proposal taking the position that it drives the WRONG behavior.  The Union further stated that Service Representatives do an excellent job in sales.  The Company stated they needed a title to motivate a Service Representative to Sell.  The Union recommended, that being the case to increase the SMITS POINTS!!!

                             AN INJURY TO ONE…….IS AN INJURY TO ALL

 UNITED WE BARGAIN………………………………

                                                                 DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!