CWA and PIW met this week on Monday, September 16th and Tuesday, September 17th. On Monday, the Union and PIW each passed a contract language proposal. The Union followed up on our outstanding information request regarding job descriptions. This information needs to be provided before we can determine and verify titles that should be included in the contract. The Union also discussed receiving an accurate membership list so that we can account for everyone in the bargaining unit, the title you hold and your rate of pay. This information is crucial to determine wage rates and increases. This has been a repeated ask with all of the previous HR Directors. While we have received lists, none have been complete and accurate.
On Tuesday, we reached two tentative agreements with PIW about the grievance procedure and inclement weather. The parties continued in depth discussion surrounding remaining contract language proposals.
A few concerns many of you have brought to us involve being hired for one job function and then assigned a different one once you arrive and work for a few weeks. Be mindful that if you lack certification or credentials to perform a job, you need to advise management it cannot be performed because you are not qualified. This needs to be done in a tangible way so you have record of providing that information. Otherwise, if there is an incident that occurs, PIW could leave you hanging out to dry.
Each of you is responsible for your own safety and for accurate record keeping. It is imperative that if you are understaffed on a floor, you call your supervisor for assistance. If you cannot perform any portion of your job, especially checks, do not fill out a form indicating you did. Instead bring that to management’s attention during your shift.
You are entitled to a 30-minute lunch and it is necessary for you to allow yourself to step away and take your lunch. PIW insists that if you call your supervisor because your department is understaffed and you need to take a lunch, they will cover you or have someone else cover you. The Union brought to management’s attention the dismal employee break room. There are not adequate tables or chairs. The microwave and refrigerator were not functioning and none of the electrical outlets were providing power.
PIW responded that furniture has been ordered. On Tuesday a new refrigerator appeared. And all the power outlets began functioning.
Thank you to those of you who have been wearing your red wristbands, CWA pins and red shirts. Keep increasing the red until we reach a fair contract.
Remember we are stronger together.