CWA Local 6229

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!!!