CWA / AT&T 2017 “Orange” Contract Bargaining

May 3, 2017, 2017 – Bargaining Report #41

The Union and Company have continued meeting since the contract

expired on Monday morning. There has been some positive movement,

however, all major issues remain on the table. To recap, here is what we

are fighting for: affordable benefits, fair wages, flexible time off including

vacation scheduling, EWP time usage, exchange time, fair commissions,

job upgrades, sick time and absence, and job security protections against

contractors in Network, contracting out work and offshoring Call Centers

and opening authorized retailers. This is a long list of issues and the

Company refuses to offer fair proposals on any of them. Many of these

issues are strike issues. The Bargaining team is here to improve this

contract, and we will not leave until we accomplish our goal.

We have been receiving reports from the field that managers have been

spreading false information. It is important to have mobilization continue

and escalate. It’s also important to understand that management’s goal

with misinformation is to undermine mobilization which could have a

negative impact on bargaining. If it sounds wrong, it probably is, and you

should check with your Local. If, and when, the CWA President calls a

strike, rest assured, you cannot be pointed or fired for Striking. You cannot

be disciplined for picketing, and the Company cannot discipline you when

you return to work after the strike. Any misinformation being spread should

be grieved by your stewards and should be reported to your Local. CWA

has a long history of taking care of their own during a strike and that will

continue in the event of a strike at Mobility. This is the time for Mobility

members to stand up and fight back and leave their historic mark on the

labor movement. When we fight, We Win!!

Stay strong Brothers and Sisters!!

In Solidarity,

Mike Baxter, Local 1101 Glen Skeen, Local 4320

Frank Oliva, Local 1298 Debbie Goulet, Local 7803

Deb Casey, Local 2204 Hector Capote, Local 7250

Jeff Reamer, Local 13000 Brandon Beck, Local 9511

Julie Daloisio, Local 13500 Joe Sison, Local 9412

Holly Sorey, Local 4202 Pat Telesco, District 1, Chair

Tonya Moore, D1