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AT & T

Bargaining Reports

Bargaining Bulletin #51 CWA AT&T West

May 17, 2012

The Union and the Company committees have been meeting in subcommittee to work on bargaining proposals. We are making progress on some issues. As a result of your mobilizing efforts, the Company has withdrawn some of their retrogressive proposals.

The Company has withdrawn:

CP#23 Monitoring and Recording of Calls- that would have allowed the company to monitor how they see fit. We still have not reached an agreement on the issue of monitoring.

CP#5 Sunday Premium- eliminating Sunday premium pay.

CP#29 Appearance Policy was withdrawn.

CP#24 Additional Cash Awards- would have allowed the company to apply cash awards as they determine.

CP#22 Contract Distribution- the contract will be printed and distributed to each member.

CP#21A Home Dispatch- Home dispatch will not be mandatory in Appendix A.

CP#20 Branded Apparel- Branded Apparel will not be mandatory in Appendix A.

CP#19 Pay Checks- payroll will be either direct deposit or a delivered paycheck.

CP#18 Holidays- Presidents Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving will remain as Holidays.

CP17A Religious Time- Paid time off for religious observances will remain.

CP#12 Performance Management/ Sales Results/ Quotas- Discretionary Sales Quotas determined by management was withdrawn.

CP#11 Automatic Implementation of Incentives- Discretionary incentives plans determined by management were withdrawn.

We still have bargaining on the major issues such as HealthCare, Employment Security, National Transfer Plan, Pensions, Wages, Improvements in Call Centers conditions, Premises Tech issues, Overtime, Paid Sick Days and other employment  concerns.

Bargaining Bulletin #50 CWA AT&T West

May 14, 2012

The Union met in subcommittee today to prepare for our next sessions with the Company.

Subcommittee meetings will be scheduled with the Company tomorrow.

Thank you for all of your Mobilization Activities and leafleting this past weekend. The Solidarity you demonstrate while on the job really does help us at the bargaining table. Keep on Working2Rule, wearing your Union colors, Standing up, walking in together and informational picketing! Share your activities on facebook.

Thank you for all you do! In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee!

Bargaining Bulletin #49 CWA AT&T West

May 11, 2012

Your Union Bargaining Committee has been meeting today to review the status of the proposals that both the Union and the Company have remaining on the table. We will continue to meet in subcommittee over the weekend.

Members across the District have been wearing their Union colors, Red Thursdays and Black Fridays. Keep on showing AT&T your Solidarity! Your continued Mobilization is what we need to move negotiations!

In other mobilization news: We need everyone’s help in defeating SB 1161. This bill deregulates the telephone system as we know it. This bill is backed by telecommunications giants like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T!

Deregulation will result in fewer protections for consumers, less job security for the members, and provide no avenue for consumers to have the CPUC address problems with corporations! The bill is scheduled before Senate appropriations May 14th, 11am. What we need you to do is call the Senators on the Appropriations Committee to oppose SB1161; it’s not good for consumers or workers! (Visit the D-9 website under General News for more info). The list of Senators and phone numbers below:

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Capitol Bldg. #2206

916-651-4101

Meets Monday, 11am Rm 4203

Senator Christine Kehoe (Chair) E-mail: senator.kehoe@sen.ca.gov

Capitol Office

State Capitol, Room 5050

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 651-4039

Fax: (916) 327-2188

San Diego Office

2445 Fifth Ave., Suite 200

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: (619) 645-3133

Fax: (619) 645-3144

 

Senator Mimi Walters (Vice Chair) E-mail: senator.walters@senate.ca.gov

Capitol Office

State Capitol, Room 3082

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 651-4033

Fax: (916) 445-9754

Laguna Hills Office

24031 El Toro Rd. Suite 210

Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Phone: (949) 457-7333

Fax: (949) 457-7305

 

Senator Elaine Alquist Email:senator.alquist@sen.ca.gov.

Office Locations

Capitol Office

State Capitol, Room 5080

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 651-4013

Fax: (916) 324-0283

San Jose Office

100 Paseo de San Antonio #209

San Jose, CA 95113

Phone: (408) 286-8318

Gilroy Office

7800 Arroyo Circle, Ste. A

Gilroy, CA 95020

Phone: (408) 847-6101

Bargaining Bulletin #48 CWA AT&T West

May 10, 2012

The Bargaining committees met today and made progress on several issues. The Company withdrew several retrogressive demands. We are still far apart on the major issues; HealthCare, Employment Security, Pensions, Wages, Improving conditions in the Call Centers, Premises Technicians issues and many other outstanding items for the members in other job titles.

Please keep the Heat UP out in the workplace! Don’t let AT&T management take a break! Keep on Mobilizing for a Contract! Your actions are making a difference!

Bargaining Bulletin #47 CWA AT&T West

May 9, 2012

Your Union bargaining committee met today to review the package proposal the Company gave to them yesterday. The Committee has been busy preparing responses and going through all the proposals that remain on the bargaining table.

The Committee is prepared to work around the clock to move these negotiations forward. The Committee appreciates the continued support received from the Members in the Locals regarding Mobilization Activities. There is no doubt that your Solidarity is a key reason for the movement!

Keep Mobilizing! Work2Rule-Informational Picketing-Work2Rule- Rallies- Work2Rule-Leafleting!

Let AT&T know we won’t settle for less!

Bargaining Bulletin #46 CWA AT&T West

May 8, 2012

Your committee met today with the Company and received a proposal showing movement toward our positions on Medical Benefits, Prem Tech issues, and Vacation accrual. The Company also revised their proposal on Sickness Benefits.

We are still far from a settlement and have much negotiating yet to do. Several meetings are likely to occur tomorrow.

This progress and the resulting real negotiations are all because of your Solidarity and Mobilization activities over the last several days. Stay in touch with your Local mobilizers. Continue to walk in together in Solidarity and Work2Rule!

We will keep you informed on what is going on at the table and what we need as we go forward.

Bargaining Bulletin #45 CWA AT&T West

May 7, 2012

 

Today the Company heard YOU! Wow! What a show of support! To all of you Thank You!

The Company and the Union at the Highest Levels spoke about the "problem in the West". Your actions and show of Solidarity has brought the Company to ask "What can we do to get the folks back to work?" The response is to get back to the table and give us a response to our healthcare including Kaiser and show some respect to the Prem Techs! Start moving the Retrogressive proposals off the table.  

Vice President Jim Weitkamp had a call with all of the Local Presidents commending them for their efforts and shared the committee’s feelings of profound Pride and overwhelming sense of accomplishment at what our members have shown in the way of Solidarity!  

The Company has told Jim that they will be calling us to the Table with a Healthcare response including Kaiser and a proposal on the Prem Techs that will get us moving in the right direction.

This has happened as a direct result of our members resolve and support of their Bargaining team and their fellow members!

On Behalf of the Bargaining Team, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Bargaining Bulletin #44 CWA AT&T West

May 4, 2012

Today is the 27th day post expiration of our contract! People want to know how close we are to getting a contract. The answer is we are miles apart!! We have agreed to one proposal and that work was done prior to our starting negotiations and formalized in bargaining! While we have met, and will continue to meet in subcommittees, those meetings have not produced agreements.

As we stated in yesterday’s report we have passed our proposal on healthcare and are waiting for the Company response. We are "On Call" waiting to meet.  

The Company is frustrated with all the Mobilization activities that are going on in Nevada and across the departmental lines in both States. Keep up the Heat! We have told the Company that Mobilization activities are driven by what happens at the "Table!"

Our next report will be sent as developments warrant.

Bargaining Bulletin #43 CWA AT&T West

May 3, 2012

Negotiations continued today in formal sessions with the Company. With the small progress made yesterday, your Union Bargaining committee presented an economic proposal today. Our proposal, while addressing the Company’s concerns would clearly make members better off at the end of the contract than at the beginning. We remain on Standby waiting for the Company’s response.

Mobilization News: AT&T is in Sticker Shock! Reports from the field are that there are Union Colors at all work locations and Stickers everywhere! Wear your Union Stickers and your Union Colors! We’re getting Sick and Tired of AT&T’s outrageous actions against our members for concerted Union Activities!

Monday will be 30 days without a Contract, doesn’t that make you sick!

Bargaining Bulletin #42 CWA AT&T West

May 2, 2012

All AT&T Local Presidents met today with Vice President Weitkamp and the Bargaining committee, to discuss the state of bargaining and ongoing mobilization activities and tactics necessary to keep the Company moving at the table.

After this meeting the Union and the Company Bargaining Committees met in formal session. The Company withdrew 2 of their retrogressive proposals. We need to keep this momentum going!

The Company continues to not allow Prem Techs to work, simply because Prem Techs wore the Union sticker “Keep AT&T off the HealthCare Low Road”. We will not stand for this! All of the Workers at this location stuck tough in support of those Prem Techs. We all Stand Together and must continue our mobilization activities, as you all have been doing every day. Don’t let up!

The movement at the table is a direct result of the Mobilization Activities you as Union Members have been doing on the job! Keep on Working2Rule, Work Safely, Ban the Razor, Branded Apparel, cut out the Logos and send them to Randall, Write the Stankey letters, Protest ALEC; Sending your bill in with a sticker? Join the Protest to the PUC regarding Senate Bill 1116. This bill would eliminate service quality protections and many other consumer protections. This bill will have a negative impact on our future.

Bargaining Bulletin #41 CWA AT&T West

April 30, 2012

The Union met in subcommittee with the Company today. We stand ready to bargain a fair contract. It is time for the Company to get serious and come to the table and back off of their retrogressive proposals!

Let the Company know that you are SICK and TIRED with the Lack of Progress at the Bargaining Table!

Members across California and in Nevada are mobilizing and picketing together. Call Center workers are Standing Up, Technicians are Walking in together, Working2Rule and, members are picketing!

Keep on mobilizing- send your Logos to Stephenson. Write your letters to Stankey! Don’t let up! Keep the pressure on!

Fighting for the American Dream!

Job Security, Health Care, Pensions, Work Rules and Fair Treatment are

“The American Dream”! It’s not just a slogan!

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee

Bargaining Bulletin #40 CWA AT&T West

April 26, 2012

The Union and the Company have had informal discussions in subcommittee and have been making some progress. We are still a long way from reaching an agreement, and we need your continued support to get us there!

In Randall Stephenson’s message to the workers this week, he stated that first quarter earnings had a very solid start to the year. Mobile internet, advanced business services and U-verse all continue to grow at a fast clip. We did a good job on cost containment across the business. And as a result, cash flow was strong and our earnings per share were up better than 5 percent.

Our mobile internet momentum continues to be very strong. Our wireline business revenues are moving closer to positive growth. AT&T U-verse has grown to become an $8 billion annualized revenue stream.

He ends his message to you, the workers, thanking you for an excellent first quarter.

You the workers and members of this Union made AT&T the profitable company it is today. Your hard work and dedication to the business has made this company their excellent first quarter profits! We are asking the Company to pay us our fair  share of the profits! Provide HealthCare that benefits the workers! Stop attacking Employment Security! Treat all workers with respect! As Bill Demers stated to the Company, “Prem Techs are not corporate property”!

It is critical we send AT&T a strong message: We are Sick and Tired of hearing no new  progress at the bargaining table! It is up to you to keep the mobilization activities up!

Keep on Fighting for the American Dream!

Bargaining Bulletin #39 CWA AT&T West

The Union and the Company met today in formal session. The Union conveyed the following message to the Company:

The Union and the Company over the last few days have had some issues around our members showing support for one another and this bargaining committee. The Premises Technicians took a United Stand and were joined by their fellow members demonstrating their want for fairness and respect. It is clear by the show of support that our members are engaged and enraged with where things are at in bargaining.

We want the Company to recognize what our members - your employees are saying!

Show us Respect! Enough is enough! We Stand Ready and United to do all that is necessary to achieve a fair contract!

John Britton an AT&T spokesperson is quoted as saying “we’re committed to working with the Union to bargain a contract that will allow us to continue to provide and protect high-quality middle class careers for our employees.”

The Company’s attacks on Employment Security, Health Care and Pensions, along with the overall retrogressive proposals run counter to PROVIDING AND PROTECTING HIGH QUALITY, MIDDLE CLASS CAREERS!

THESE RETROGRESSIVE DEMANDS MUST COME OFF THE TABLE!

We are restating our Union Proposal #1 is on the table, proposing to move all employees into Appendix A! It is time for the Company to show the respect our members deserve. We stand ready and willing to get a fair contract, and our members will do whatever is necessary to achieve justice!

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee!

Bargaining Bulletin #38 CWA AT&T West

April 23, 2012

The Union met with the Company today on the Memorandum of Agreement subcommittee. Bargaining is moving slowly, with all of our major issues unresolved at this point.

We are very proud of the Solidarity you, as Members of this Union, have shown this last week. AT&T has tried to intimidate you with threats of discipline, sending workers home and harassing workers for the Where’s the Fairness stickers. You have all stood together and pushed back. This is the kind of solidarity it will take to get the company to move at the bargaining table.

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #37

April 20th, 2012

 

Informal and subcommittee meetings with the Company continued today and yesterday. Your union Bargaining committee stands ready to meet with the Company at any time to reach an agreement!

To keep you informed, listed below are some of the important Union issues still on the table:

Employment Security- The Company wants to have the  right to unilaterally cancel Employment Security, a right we have fought long and hard to achieve!

Benefits- The Company is trying to shift Medical costs to you rather than work with the Union to curb costs!

Wages- The Company has offered 1.25%, 1.5% and 1.5%. A miserly proposal that doesn’t keep up with the cost of living, or pay for the Medical they are proposing.

The Company also wants to Eliminate Double time, Eliminate Sunday premium pay, pay a maximum of 5 days for illness absence with a 2 day waiting period prior to being eligible for the first day of pay for each absence.

Holidays- Eliminate Presidents Day and the day after Thanksgiving and replace them with PDO’s, like you can get a PDO! Cancel Religious time off. Eliminate vacation time pay if you voluntarily leave the company- (retire or quit).

Sales Quotas- The Company wants to unilaterally set quotas and discipline our members for not meeting the quotas!

Branded Apparel- The Company wants all customer interfacing members to be under a mandatory apparel program. Add the Appearance policy and we will all look alike! Next will be mandatory diction lessons so we can sound alike, ya’ll!

Premises Technicians- Elimination of all the improvements made during the last round of negotiations and gains made during the life of the agreement! At least 50 Premises Technicians took a stand today and refused to take off the Where’s the Fairness Stickers. The workers continue to stand together outside the gates of their work locations!

It’s time for each and every member to ask themselves two questions: “What have I done to help our bargaining team get a fair contract?” And, “What am I willing to do over the weeks ahead?”

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #36

April 18th, 2012

Today the Union and the Company met in subcommittee. We are making some progress in subcommittee meetings and will continue to work hard to get you a fair contract.

The Multi District Benefits Working Committee also met this afternoon to discuss options available for benefits. The Committee is made up of two representatives from each District.

The next Bargaining Bulletin will be sent out after we have a formal meeting with the Company or if there is something important to report.

Please participate in all Mobilization Activities. The more “concerted activity” that is taking place out in the field and on the shop floor; the stronger the message to AT&T that you are serious about your contract!

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee.

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #35 April 17th, 2012

The Union met with the Company today in full committee. The Company modified their proposal on Prem Techs, Company Proposal #25. The Company offered the same wage increase to the Prem Techs as was offered to the Core employees.

While this is an improvement from the lump sum, the wage proposal is woefully inadequate. There is much more movement on the Company’s part to be made.

The Company also made a very small move on their HealthCare proposal regarding cost shifting. Currently the members pay about 18%. The Company’s proposal was 25% in 2013, 28% in 2014 and 29% in 2015. There is still quite a distance between the Company’s position and our position.

The Company rejected the Union’s proposal on Wages, UP#43.

Remember to Work2Rule and turn up the Mobilization. Tax Day Mobilization today! Call 888 516 5820 and tell your member of Congress to stop allowing AT&T to rip off our country by dodging taxes at the same time killing good jobs!

CWA district 9 AT&T Bargaining Bulletin # 34

April 16th, 2012

Fighting for the American Dream! Fighting for a Contract! Fighting Against Corporate Greed!

We met with the Company today in subcommittee. We are planning to meet with them tomorrow in full committee meetings. We will keep you updated on the progress.

WHAT DO WE WANT! A CONTRACT! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW!

If you want a contract, you’ve got to mobilize your workplace. Show your manager you’re serious. Mobilize with your co-workers.

Have you:

Voted your proxy? Have you seen the flyer? Visit the website. Deadline April 24th.

Work2Rule- Ban the Razor- Wear Union Colors- Informational Pickets- Collecting Logos?

WTF Fridays? Contact your mobilizers.

Sent John Stankey Chief Strategic Officer a letter? Ask your Local for information on this action.

Have you told AT&T to dump ALEC? (American Legislative Exchange Council) Stop voter suppression! Demand AT&T stops supporting ALEC! Send your messagehttp://act.colorofchange.org/call/attalec/

Are you ready with your flyers for TAX DAY tomorrow? Greedy Corporations like AT&T and Verizon pay less in taxes as a percent of income than the average American family. Contact your member of Congress and tell them to stop allowing AT&T and other corporations to rip off the American people by dodging taxes and killing good jobs! 888 516-5820

Leaflet the TAX Flyer at your Post Office tomorrow. Get a group of workers to go with you.

Don’t be a spectator, go for it!

Fight for the Future of the American Dream for your families, friends and your future!

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #33 Saturday April 14, 2012

The Union met in subcommittee meetings with the Company today on Employment Security and Appendix E. We will continue to meet with the Company and work on all of the outstanding issues in an attempt to reach an agreement!

Work2Rule, Wear your Union Colors, Stand Up for Workers Rights!

“Strong, responsible unions are essential to industrial fair play. Without them the labor bargain is wholly one-sided. The parties to the labor contract must be nearly equal in strength if justice is to be worked out, and this means that the workers must be organized and that their organizations must be recognized by employers as a condition precedent to industrial peace.”

-Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis-

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #32 April 13, 2012

The Union and the Company met today in full committee. The Union rejected Company Proposal #30 on Wellness. We presented the Company a revised Union Proposal #39 E which is our HealthCare proposal. Included in our HealthCare proposal is Retiree HealthCare provisions.

The Company stated again today “that they have no intent or desire to bargain over current  retirees”. In response we let them know that we will continue to seek improvements for current retirees!

The Union informed the Company we want to see that the GWI, (General Wage Increase), also apply to the Premises Technicians. The Union reiterated our position on the Successorship proposal, (UP#32), that we have on the table. We are serious about protecting the members covered by this collective bargaining agreement.

The Union Bargaining Committee is working hard on your behalf to get a contract. This fight will not be won at the bargaining table. We need each and every member to let the Company know they are ready to fight for their rights! Mobilize with your Local. Spring into action! Join the 99%Spring Events! Check it out on the website.

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining bulletin # 31

April 12th

The Union met with the Company today and gave the Company a comparison of the HCN plan versus the costs between the Kaiser Plan outline cost savings. We have shown the Company that the Kaiser plan is more cost effective and managed better than their “Consumer Based Health Care Plan”, and how to actually save money rather than shift Health Care costs.

On another issue, AT&T Group President and Chief Strategy Officer, John Stankey- (another Million Dollar Baby)- who has the number one assignment of deciding what rural properties to sell and how, is hiding behind the Company’s statements that there are “no plans at this time” to sell any rural properties, but they are proceeding to sell off Pahrump, Nevada. Hey Stankey, stop Clowning Around, what’s up with Nevada!

The Company rejected Union Proposal #38 Article 4.03B regarding Term positions.

Mobilization News: How many Logos can we collect? How many proxies can we collect? Are you working to rule? Remember to follow all practices and procedures to make sure you are working safely and are following all Company policies and practices.

Have you paid your taxes? Do you know what AT&T paid in Taxes? Stay Tuned!Keep Fighting for the American Dream!

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #30 April 11, 2012

The Union and the Company met today in subcommittee meetings regarding the Memorandums of Agreement and Article 2. We continue to make minor progress on some of the issues we have with the MOA’s. We will keep you updated as bargaining progresses.

In Unity, Your Bargaining committee.

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #29

April 10th, 2012

The Union met briefly today with the Company at the bargaining table in an effort to obtain

additional information regarding Health Care. The Company proposal would have Kaiser

Participants paying a premium, when today no premium is paid!

Subcommittee meetings took place today to discuss many of our issues.

Mobilization News: Cut those logos out of those shirts! Get with your Local’s

Mobilization coordinator and find out what’s going on!

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #28

Monday April 09, 2012

The Union met with the Company today in subcommittee meetings and in formal session. The Company provided the Union with answers to some of the Health Care questions we had asked of them. However the Company is unable to explain their own need for cost shifting in Health care and will not move off of their proposal to increase costs.

The Union has made fair proposals to the Company showing a willingness to bargain in good faith regarding Health Care costs as well as our other bargaining items.

We are very far apart on all of the major issues that affect our members. Employment Security, National Transfer Plan, Wages, Pensions, Forced Overtime, Refusal to Bargain over current Retirees, Elimination of paid sick time and other issues that the Company wants to reduce or eliminate.

Mobilization News: This is not business as usual! We stand united! Make sure you tell Management we will not settle for their Take Backs! Get with your Mobilization coordinators and find out what the weeks activities are. Show AT&T you are serious.

Fight for the American Dream

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #27   

Saturday Midnight April 7th, 2012

We have met with the Company all day in full bargaining sessions and sub- committee meetings in an effort to reach a Tentative Agreement prior to expiration. We did not reach a tentative agreement tonight. The Company’s offer is too little too late.

The Union made a series of proposals that would address many of the major issues of concern to our members. Wages, Pensions, Health Care, Employment Security, Successorship language and many other outstanding items are still yet to be resolved.

We will not be extending the contract and have the ability to strike at any time, but for now we will continue to work. Our negotiations are recessed until tomorrow afternoon. Vice President Weitkamp posted the following comments tonight:

“Despite the hard work of your committee over the past weeks, we will not reach an agreement tonight. We are still far apart on most major issues, and I suspect for the company this is more about right wing ideology than it is about dollars. It certainly isn't about justice and fair play and it is near impossible to negotiate in a vacuum of good faith. We will not extend and we will, for the time being, return to work tomorrow without a contract. Mobilization has to rise to a new level of confrontation and resistance so that the bully boys in Dallas start to realize the value of labor peace. You'll get a more detailed bulletin from the committee in the morning. I've sent them to get some rest as we enter the next phase of this fight. We will continue to bargain tomorrow. Please use the time you have this Easter Sunday to talk with your local leaders and mobilizers to make sure our members start letting the company know exactly what they have done to trust, morale and motivation with their disrespect to the work force. This is born of greed, pure and simple and the continuing war on the working class by corporations in this country. As the fight expands into the next phase, what I told you this morning about linking up with others that will stand with us through the 99% Spring movement has to spring to life”.

Mobilization Phase 3- Strike Standby will begin. We will share more detailed information about the unresolved issues and review our strategy. While we made the decision not to strike at this time and report to work as scheduled, it will not be business as usual! We are in the fight of our lives. Management needs to see the difference between last week and this week.

Keep up the Fight! Fighting for the American Dream!

In Unity, Your Bargaining Team

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #26

Friday April 6th, 2012

The Company presented a revised Health Care proposal today, CP #1B. While there was a little movement on their part in the second year, it would still have the members paying 32% of the overall cost by 2015. Currently the contribution is approximately18%. The Company wants to shift Health Care costs to the members, talk about taking the LOW ROAD!

The Company also presented their first Wage proposal, CP# 32, if you want to call it that! Their proposal only provided a 1.25% for the 1st year, a $500.00 lump sum bonus the 2nd year, and 1.5% the 3rd year, applied only to the top step. Premises Techs- to add insult to injury, a $400.00 lump sum each year of the contract! No general wage increase!

You read Bargaining Bulletin #23 outlining Randall Stephenson’s pay, over $22,000,000.00 in overall compensation; well he’s not the only Executive raking in the profits of your Labor! John T Stankey, Group President and CSO – overall compensation- $11,459,959.00, and his Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums-$11,676.00! Benefits and pay aren’t an issue for their Executive Officers.

Let’s see, how did Randall Stephenson start this Company down the LOW ROAD? The TMobile merger, which resulted in a loss of Four Billion Dollars in penalties paid to T-Mobile! The failed Consumer Based Health Care Concept. The fact that AT&T has no Corporate Plan!

According to the Company bargainers, there is no Business plan for AT&T in the future! Yet the Company won’t agree to Successorship language in bargaining! It is time for AT&T to make significant movement!

While there is movement from the Company, it is too little- though it is not too late for them to get serious and present proposals that will address the concerns of our members. We expect fair compensation for our work, and benefits that they offer for their Executive Officers.

This Company has made more than Eleven Billion Dollars in profits last year!

The Union has been meeting in full session with the Company and meeting in  subcommittee sessions making for a very busy day. We will be meeting late into the night preparing for bargaining with the Company tomorrow.

Keep on mobilizing! Pictures from the field show the members wearing red- carrying information picket signs and standing in Solidarity! Keep on wearing your Union colors and Working to the Rule!

CWA is working hard to put AT&T back on the high road. However it appears AT&T chose the Low Road. Clink on the link below to read our preliminary report on AT&T: http://www.cwa-union.org/lowroadreport

Contact your Local Mobilization Coordinator to find out about your Local’s activities leading up to Contract Expiration and beyond.

In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee,

We Are Ready

CWA District 9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #25

Thursday April 5th, 2012

The Union Committee submitted a revised Health Care proposal, Union #39C. The Union is ready to have meaningful conversation on Health Care. Now if we could get the Company on the same page!

Mobilization update: We had a Nationwide Mobilization Call last night with over 7,000 activists from across the Country listening in! To hear last night’s call go the National’s website and click on the link.

Tonight there were two (2) rallies held, one in Tustin and one in San Ramon. Members throughout the District 9 are standing in Solidarity! We’ll post the pictures on facebook and the website. Contact your Local’s Mobilization coordinator to find out about Local events.

With Strike preparations under way, contact your Local Union for your assignment. Strike Sanction is being granted by the Central Labor Councils and the AFL-CIO.

The contract expires at midnight, Saturday April 7th. Are you Ready?!

Your Bargaining Committee is committed to working on getting you a Contract that you deserve! Keep on mobilizing to show AT&T we stand in solidarity.

CWA District 9 ATT West Bargaining Bulletin #24

Wednesday April 4th, 2012

Three Days Left To Go!

With three days left to go, the Company had nothing for us today. We submitted an information request to the Company regarding the Company Medical Plan and the HMO’s to see true facts on what the Company has spent on medical the last three (3) years. We Stand Willing and Ready to meet with the Company to have meaningful discussions on accurate Health Care Costs.

Health Care isn’t the only issue left on the table. The Company has not addressed our issues in any meaningful way! At this stage of the game, this is an insult to the Union and all of you!

We will show the Company we are serious about reaching an agreement that represents the work that we do as Union Members. This Company is totally healthy and must provide wages and benefits that are commensurate with the work we do, making AT&T a Fortune 500 Company!

We intend to meet with the Company in subcommittee to continue to bargain your issues and force substantial movement.

Keep Mobilizing to show the Company we are 100% together! We had members leafleting at the Bay Bridge Games, informing the public of our issues at the Bargaining Table. We had a Nationwide Mobilization Call tonight with all four (4) Districts.

Get involved, YOU make the difference!

Tomorrow we have two (2) major rallies; San Ramon- 2600 Camino Ramon, staging at 4pm, Rally at 5pm; Tustin at the AT&T Edinger Complex, (Edinger and Red Hill Ave) 3:30 to 6pm.

Get Ready to Make Some Noise! Fight for the American Dream!

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee

CWA AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #23

Tuesday April 3, 2012

The Company presented the Union with “an assessment” of Union Proposal #39B and made it clear they were not interested in the Union’s Wellness Plan. The Company would rather shift costs to the workers.

The Union made it clear today that we were not interested in shifting the Health Care costs to the members, the Union is willing to work on overall Health Care costs.

AT&T rejected Union Proposal #39B, not a surprise! The Company presented a revised Company Proposal 1A Benefits. The only change they made to their original proposal was the monthly premium was dropped from $70.00 to $40.00 for Individuals for the first year and from $150.00 to $85.00 for Families.

Note: The above amounts will be adjusted at the Company’s discretion to attain a projected 32% cost share in 2014 and to maintain a projected 32% cost share in 2015. This is a moving target!  Here is a Company who pays its CEO Stephenson over 19 million dollars in compensation; $27,000.00 in Auto Benefits; $132,000.00 of Personal Use of Company Aircraft; $18,000.00 in Phone/Broadband; $5,700.00 in Country Club Fees; $14,000.00 in Financial Counseling; $9,000.00 in Home Security; $12,000.00 in supplemental Health Insurance Premiums, for Total Compensation of $22,018,334.00.

The Company rejected Union Proposal #41- Concessions, Union Proposal #27- Saving and Security Plan and Retirement Savings and Security Plan, and Union Proposal #37 Pensions.

The Company accused the Union of not being serious to reach an agreement by the expiration date of the contract, (which is now only four (4) days away).

We made it clear that it was up to them to start making some movement in their retrogressive proposals. We were not going to bargain away the gains we have made in the previous years. Our members fought hard to get the benefits and contract language we have today!

The Company has not moved on anything of any significance to the Union! The Union is contacting the Labor Councils in the areas throughout District 9 to get approval for Strike Sanction. Please keep yourself informed about the progress of Bargaining on a daily basis.

Tomorrow night at 5pm is a Nationwide AT&T Mobilization Call. Please get on the call and listen to the latest updates at the four (4) bargaining tables. We are all Fighting for the American Dream!

Take a Stand Against Corporate Greed!

Your Bargaining Team is fighting to get a contract that you deserve! Work to the Rule and wear your Union Colors. Show the Company you’re supporting your Bargaining Team!

In Unity

CWA AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin # 22

Monday April 2, 2012

Today the Union presented the Company with a revision to Health Care Union Proposal #39 B. The proposal continued to include our Wellness Plan and also included a trigger that would provide additional dollars in  HRA’s, ( Health Reimbursement Accounts), if the Wellness Plan was successful at reducing the rate of Health Care Costs. We have told AT&T that the solution to Health Care costs is not shifting the costs to you, the members.

We let the Company know today that the next moves are theirs to make. The Company needs to get off this LOW ROAD to the race to the bottom!

The Contract expires midnight on April 7th,  and your Bargaining committee is working very hard to reach an agreement. We can’t do this alone. We need every member to take part in mobilization! Stand up and be counted!

Mobilization News: Tonight Members rallied at the Battle of the Bay Ball Game at AT&T Park in San Francisco. An Air Sign was flying overhead which read AT&T = Corporate Greed. Tomorrow night the Rally will be in Oakland for game two! Look to the skies at 6:15pm!

We have a nationwide call Wednesday night April 4th at 5pm for the Districts in bargaining with AT&T. Register to get on the call. Go to www.cwa-union.org/ATTcall, it will take you to AT&T Union Hall Call Wednesday April 4th, click on that and register!

Rallies are planned for April 5th and April 7th. Check them out on facebook and the D-9 website!

Don’t sit on the side lines; show AT&T we don’t want to give back the Contract language and Benefits we have already fought for in years past! Stand up and be counted!

National Day of Action 3-22-12

SPECIAL BULLETIN

CWA D-9 AT&T WEST

SATURDAY MARCH 31, 2012

The Strike vote results are in for the four (4) Districts. More than 93.5% of the voting AT&T members in the combined units approved the strike authorization. 93% of the AT&T members in District 9 authorized a strike. 95% of the AT%T members in District 1 voted to authorize a strike. 92% of the AT&T members in District 4 voted to authorize a strike. And 93% of the AT&T members in Legacy AT&T unit voted to authorize a strike.

We will continue to negotiate a contract with AT&T. Contract Expiration is April 7th at midnight. We have 7 more days to go!

MOBILIZE MOBILIZE MOBILIZE

Please continue to Mobilize with your Local Union. Let AT&T know we are not going to settle for the give backs and take aways. Stand up- Fight Back!

In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee.

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #21

Friday March 30, 2012

Eight Days to Go

Apparently AT&T entered bargaining with the position that it wasn’t going to spend any money on this Contract! They want YOU to do all the spending with their givebacks and take aways on the table!

The Company is not moving off its retrogressive Healthcare proposal. AT&T wants to shift the costs of Healthcare to you. The Company rejected Union Proposal #39 + #39A on Healthcare and the Employee Health and Wellness Program and proposed Company Proposal #30 a Wellness Program, contingent on the Union accepting Company Proposals #’s 1+2 which guts the Benefit plans!

The Union modified Union Proposal #6A to #6B regarding paid time off, and the Company rejected it today. The Company also rejected Union Proposal #32 Successorship. The Union proposed Successorship language to protect the Bargaining unit in case AT&T decided to sell any parts of the Business covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This weekend the Union will meet with the Company in sub-committee and work on Sunday preparing for next week.

 Eight Days to Go!

The District 9 Mobilization committee has been meeting to review the activities for the next week. Mobilization is not a Spectator Sport! If you want a good contract, then be prepared to fight for one. Get with your Local Mobilization Coordinator and help out. Work2the Rule, wear your Union colors and show solidarity for your Bargaining Committee.

The Strike Vote will be announced shortly, Locals are finishing counting ballots. Be prepared and get your Strike Assignment if you have not done so already. Your Bargaining Team is working hard to get you the Contract you deserve. AT&T is a Fortune 500 Company which boasts about its profits on Wall Street, and wants to cry poor mouth at the Bargaining Table. Eleven Billion Dollars in profits last year! Stop Taking the Low Road AT&T and help build the American Dream!

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #20

Wednesday March 28, 2012

The Union met with the Company today for another session of Bargaining. The Company rejected Union Proposal 6A on Increasing Time Off. The Company is “not interested” in adding more contractual time off. The Company wants employees at work.

The Union countered Company Proposal #19 on Paychecks to make additional voluntary options. The Union rejected Company Proposal #9A Illness Absence, stating the Union does not want to see any economic loss to our members.

The Company provided responses to some of the questions the Union had regarding Company Proposal # 29 Appearance- Ban the Razor until we get a contract!

The Company is not moving on any of their retrogressive proposals. Healthcare was the one of most important issues to our members who responded to the Bargaining surveys. The Company has not moved from their “drastic cost shifting” proposal on Healthcare. In an effort to bridge the gulf that exists between the Company and the Union on Healthcare costs, the Union has offered a package that would reduce costs by implementing Wellness Incentives. Not merely shifting costs to you, the members, which is the Company’s answer to reduce Healthcare costs!

Following are some of the highlights of the Union plan, designed to lower the overall healthcare costs. No change to existing HMO’s and their Healthcare plans. The Union proposed to change the Healthcare Network (HCN) to a “Value Based Plan”. That looks at reducing the cost of chronic illness which accounts for 84% of the cost of Healthcare. We are calling our proposal CWA-Represented Employee Health and Wellness Program (EHWP). We have proposed that the Company  contribute $300 dollars into an HRA (Health Reimbursement Account), for each employee that completes three (3) Health and Wellness Tasks. The Wellness Plan calls for employees to do a Health Risk Assessment, provide contact information details and participate in at least one (1) of several defined actions, ranging from having an annual physical or blood work up and other preventative acts.

Value-Based Benefits for Chronic Conditions:

Individuals that participate in defined disease management programs and adhere to prescribed treatment plans would have their co- pays for generic prescriptions eliminated; reduce current brand co- pays by 50% when treatment is for a diagnosed chronic condition such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, hypertension, asthma and COPD. The facts of a “Value Based Plan” are when people with a chronic disease seek and follow treatment the overall health costs are reduced as a result of early and constant treatment. When the costs are too high for the individual, or access is too costly, the individual stops seeking help and/or taking and following their treatment plan. This creates more cost such as emergency room visits or later diagnosis and costlier treatments.

The Union has provided the Company with data and with a presentation on how “Pitney Bowes” successfully kept Healthcare costs down after implementing their “Value Based Plan”. Pitney Bowes is just one of many Companies that have found a true way of decreasing Healthcare costs rather than gutting the Healthcare plan and shifting costs to the employees.

The Company is just “not interested” in our Healthcare plan. They say Take Back, we say Fight Back! Fight Back, take a Stand. Let the Company know we are not going to settle for their crumbs!

Keep on Mobilizing! United we Bargain, Divided we Beg!

In Unity Your, Bargaining Committee

CWA D-9 AT&T Bargaining Bulletin #19

Tuesday March 27, 2012

The Union presented the Company with a revision to Article 6 Time Off. The proposal is now numbered UP# 6A. The Union submitted a new proposal UP# 41 Concessions. The proposal would provide improved concessions for current and future retires. The Company let the Union know they have no interest or desire to bargain over current retirees.

The Union and the Company Tentatively Agreed (TA’d) Joint Proposal #1 on AUTS. This is an improvement for our members.

The Company rejected Union Proposal #4 Seniority. The Company feels the current seniority provisions are sufficient.

The Company rejected Union Proposal # 32 on Successorship. This is important to us in case the Company tries to sell off any of the wireline business. The Company stated they are not interested in making this change. They don’t appear to be interested in many of our proposals.

The Company also rejected Union Proposals 11A- Language differential, 12A- Class A Driver’s License Differential, 14A- Relief Differentials, 15A-Shift Differentials, 16AOvertime and Call-outs and 18A- Standby Pay.

The Union countered Company Proposal #22 Contract Distribution.

With 11 days left until Contract Expiration there are still a lot of open proposals left on the table.

Let the Company know “We are not interested in their Take Backs”!

Keep on mobilizing and wearing your Union Colors and red on Thursdays if you can!

This Thursday evening all the Strike votes have to be completed. Please VOTE. Contact your Local Union if you have not voted and require information.

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee!

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #18

Monday March 26, 2012

Fighting for the American Dream

The Union and the Company met in full committee today. Over the weekend we met in subcommittee to discuss Overtime and the MOA’s.

In today’s session the Committees discussed AUTS and have developed Joint Proposal #1- AUTS. The Joint Proposal on AUTS is an upgrade from the existing AUTS process.

The Company provided answers to the Union on Marketing scheduling, pay checks and cash awards. The Union presented revisions to the following proposals and replaced the existing numbers by adding the letter “A”. UP# 11A Language Differential; UP# 12A Class A Driver’s License Differential; UP# 14A 5.02 Relief Differentials; UP# 15A 5.03 Shift Differentials; UP# 16A 5.04 Overtime and Call-Outs- Appendix B; UP# 18A Section B2.05; UP# 22A 5.06 Standby Pay- Appendix C Employees loaned to a higher wage zone be paid the higher wage zone; UP# 39A Health Care. With 13 days left until Contract Expiration we need to turn up the heat on Mobilization. Stand Strong with Your Union Brothers and Sisters Coast to Coast to show the AT&T we are UNITED against their take backs!

Mobilization News: Have you voted yet? Get your Strike Vote done. Fill out your Member Relief Fund Form.

Where’s the Fairness Stickers, are you wearing them? Remember those Union Shirts on Thursday. If you’re in an area to wear Red, then wear it in Thursdays! The more you do, the more it helps at the bargaining table.

In Unity, Your Union Bargaining Committee!

“They have waged class war on us. It is time for our class to fight back. It’s time for us to reach out to one another to

fight for the right to organize, to fight corporations that would fight us, to demand that trade agreements protect

workers and workers’ rights, children, our environment, and our quality of life, and to fight for human dignity!”

Stewart Acuff

“Fighting for the American Dream”

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #17

Friday March 23, 2012

CWA Nationwide Solidarity Day Coast to Coast

The Company and the Union met in full committee today. The Union presented two bargaining demands today,Union Proposal #39 Health Care and Union Proposal #40 Leverage Title. The Health Care proposal strengthens our current health care language and reduces deductibles and premiums. We let the Company know we are not interested in Healthcare Tiers for our members as reflected in our proposal. The Leverage Title proposal would relieve the quotas due to extreme conditions/ emergencies and change the commission base. It would also provide that the Company would negotiate all incentive pay plans with the Union.

The Company presented the Union with a revision of CP#9 Illness Absence, now numbered Company Proposal #9A. This revision is woefully inadequate regarding the payment of illness absence benefits. The Company presented the Union with a revision to CP#16 Vacation Accrual, now numbered Company Proposal 16A. The accrual of Vacation Time and PDO’s is still at issue. The Company rejected Union Proposal #13 Wage Schedules and Payments. The Company stated that the current provisions regarding pay increases are fair and reasonable. The Company is going the other way; they are looking to reduce costs associated with illness absence and improve attendance. The Company rejected Union Proposal #31 Service Recognition stating that the current policy is sufficient in recognizing prior AT&T service. The Company rejected Union Proposal #33 Metro Pass. The Company currently offers a pre-tax commuter benefit to employees. Lastly the Company rejected Union Proposal #34 Parking Tickets. The Company sees no need to change this long standing policy.

Mobilization News: The Union is currently conducting a Strike Vote. So make sure you vote. Contact your Union Local if you have not been contacted. Member Relief Fund forms are also being collected. Talk to your Union Steward for more mobilization news. Wear Your Union Colors!

Coast to Coast Mobilization! April 4th there will be a Nationwide AT&T Mobilization Call!

Details to follow!

In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee.

Special Bulletin

March 22, 2012

CWA District 9 ATT West

 

Today in Bakersfield, Prem Techs took a stand! They engaged in concerted activity and wore CWA shirts as they have every Thursday for months. Local management told them they couldn’t wear the shirts and they stood fast!  Management docked them an hour’s pay and gave them an attendance occurrence, asserting the Techs did not show up prepared for work.

Elsewhere throughout the company, Prem Techs and others wore CWA shirts, AS WE HAVE FOR YEARS, with no repercussions.

It is outrageous that the company would pick this fight 16 days before contract expiration, on our National Day of Solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Verizon and on the first day of 99%Spring.

Unfair Labor Practice charges are being filed today and we need ALL of you to stand in unity with your brothers and sisters in Bakersfield and keep up the concerted activity. SHOW YOUR UNION COLORS and let Matt Hickey, Prem Tech Boss, mh6009@att.com, know what you think of the weak attempt to divide us.

Knock off the nonsense and get serious at the table!

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #16

Wednesday March 21, 2012

The Union and Company met in full committee today. The Company rejected the Union’s counter to their Company proposal #21 Home Dispatch. They presented a modified Home Dispatch proposal, Company #21A. The Union rejected their proposal #21A out of hand and told the Company that we have no interest in a proposal that the Company controls and the Union has no input on behalf of its members!

The Company rejected Union proposal #12 Appendix C Class A Drivers License Differential and also rejected Union proposal #28 Company Stock Plan.

The Union presented two (2) proposals today. Union proposal #37 Pension; this proposal provides better pension benefits to all Cash Balance #2 plan participants, increases to the pension bands and would provide a pension cola for current and future retirees.  The Company immediately rejected the proposal stating that “the Company has no interest or desire to bargain over current retirees”. The Union replied on behalf of the current retirees, “the retirees have been the vital reason for the success of AT&T and the Union will continue to seek improvements with the hope that the Company will change its mind”.

The Retirees built AT&T!! Randall Stephenson’s compensation in 2010 was $27,341,628! In hourly wages that is $13,145.01 an hour! But AT&T rejects outright a proposal to increase current and future retirees a cost of living allowance!

Union proposal #38 Article 4.03B added language to clarify that Term Positions are not intended to supplant Regular Requisitions.

Your Bargaining Team is prepared to fight for you and for the American Dream.

It’s not a slogan; it is a reality we must all fight for. What are you willing to do to fight for the American Dream?!

Your Local mobilization Team is always looking for a hand to help out. Show up at a Rally, distribute literature in your workgroup, send a letter to your legislators and bring your bargaining bulletins to work.

This week is Health Care mobilization. The URL for the Healthcare stories is:

www.cwa-union.org/nolowroad

(It was misprinted in BB#14, apologies for the inconvenience).

Continue your mobilization activities; remember that Thursday is Union shirts and Union Red Shirt Day. Stand United!

In Unity, Your Bargaining committee,

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

Bill Demers

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #15

Tuesday March 20, 2012

The Union started off today’s session with letting the Company know that our Members have a right to join in concerted activity, like wearing red shirts. Seems that some managers have taken exception to the Techs wearing red shirts on Thursdays even though they have been wearing them for years…..Keep up your concerted activity including wearing red shirts!

The Union rejected Company proposal #22 Contract Distribution; we want our members to have a copy of the Contract readily available. The Union rejected Company proposal #27 Charge for West Region Parking. We told the Company that we are outraged that the Company wants the members to pay to come to work, it’s just overly greedy! We rejected Company proposal #29 Personal Appearance MOA. Our members are clean and professional, if the Company had issues they should have brought them forward. This proposal is just a smokescreen!

The Union presented five (5) bargaining demands today. Union proposal #32 Successorship, this language protects the bargaining unit in case of a sale, conveyance, assignment or transfer which involves bargaining unit work or employees subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Union proposal #33 Metro Pass provides for the reimbursement of employees for any public transportation expenses incurred by employees traveling to and from work. Union proposal #34 Parking Tickets, the employer will pay for parking tickets the employees incur while performing any work for the employer during their shift. Union proposal #35 Term and Loan Positions which would provide that the Company issue Regular Requisitions for all current term positions and issue Regular Requisitions for all jobs that have been filled with “Loans” for six months or longer. Union proposal #36 Quality of Work Life establishes a Quality of Work Life program.

The Company did not offer any proposals today, they did reject four (4) of the Union’s proposals.

The Company rejected Union proposal #7, Upgrade the Premises Tech to (WS12). The Company feels the proposed wage increase is not reflective of the current market; however they are willing to work together on a comprehensive proposal for the Premises Techs. We will keep you posted on the facts! Union proposal #16 Overtime and Callouts, the Company stated “the employees are highly compensated and increasing costs would put us at a complete disadvantage”. Union proposal #25 Monitoring was rejected because the Company is not interested in accepting the limitations of the Unions proposal. Union proposal #26 Movement of Work, the Company is not interested in giving up its rights to move work as they determine. Additionally the Company maintains they must retain the flexibility to have work performed where they deem it necessary. So much for AT&T taking the high road to keep good middle class jobs in America. Our concern for the continued outsourcing and off-shoring jobs is falling on deaf ears. AT&T is a profitable and successful company, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the employees who do the work and are the “front line” providing quality service to the customers.

We have been in bargaining with the Company for four (4) weeks now with 18 Days to contract expiration! We have had no significant movement at the table! You have to support your bargaining team and get out there and mobilize at your work places.

The Locals across the Four Districts bargaining with AT&T are conducting Strike Votes. Your Local will be contacting you soon. A strong Strike Vote sends a clear message to AT&T that we will do whatever it takes to fight for a good contract! We are not interested in concessionary bargaining. A Strike Vote does not mean we are going on Strike. A strong Strike Vote helps your bargaining team at the table to achieve a better contract. Vote “Yes” and support your bargaining team!

We are fighting to keep the American Dream Alive!

Keep current on the Bargaining information by going to the District 9 website, facebook and the National Union website at CWAatATT.com.

In Unity, Your Bargaining committee,

Bill Demers

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #14

Monday March 19, 2012

The Union Bargaining Team met today with Vice President Weitkamp to go over each and every proposal that is currently on the table. The Company has a lot of retrogressive language on the table that your Bargaining Team will have to deal with. We will meet with the Company tomorrow and reject some of their outrageous proposals. We’ll keep you updated.

Vice President Weitkamp announced to the Local Presidents today via conference call that the Union will be conducting a Strike Vote. Your Local will be in touch with you regarding the information on conducting the Strike Vote. The vote will be taking place during the next two (2) weeks and must be completed by March 29, 2012.

On Mobilization news, Healthcare is the topic of the week. Send your pictures to the District to be posted on facebook and the District website. Many Locals had members wearing costumes to let AT&T know we are not interested in gutting our Healthcare, and we are not interested in their proposal!

KEEP AT&T OFF THE HEALTHCARE LOW ROAD

Keep up the Mobilizaton!

Share your healthcare story at www.CWAatATT.com/healthcare. We’ll share your stories and remind AT&T that those who made the company a success need to stay healthy to build its future.

In Unity, Your Bargaining Team

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

“The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor”

Thomas Donahue

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin # 13

Friday March 16, 2012

Countdown to Expiration- 22 Days!

Today the Union and the Company committees met in full session. A sub-committee meeting was also held today on Health Care.

The Company presented 2, (two), proposals today; Company proposal 28- Combination Technician who may perform the job functions generally performed by the Splicing Technicians (WS12), Company Telecommunications Technician (WS12), Services Technician (WS11), Systems Technician (WS12), Systems Technician- Data Communications (WS12), Facilities Technician (WS9) and Communications Technician (WS12) titles. Currently the title is used in Nevada, and the Company wants to expand it throughout the West Region.

Company proposal #29 West Region Network Personal Appearance MOA, which predates the 60’s in appearance standards. Cleanliness is the most important; I think we can all agree to that. Let’s continue: Shirts will be wrinkle free and tucked in; hair will be well groomed and visibly no longer than shoulder length, including the length of the pony tail; odd coloring or alternating patches of shaven and long hair and dreadlocks will not be worn. Facial hair will be well groomed and trimmed. Normally clean-shaven areas will remain clean-shaven. Beard stubble will not be worn. (George Clooney watch out)! New beards or mustaches must be grown only during vacation periods. Excessive jewelry will not be worn on the job. Excessive is defined as, “anything other than normal, simple wristwatches, ID bracelets, wedding bands or class rings”. For safety reasons rings and watches could be further limited. Stud post earrings may be worn, but due to safety reasons no dangling or hoop earrings will be allowed. Visible body piercings with jewelry should be limited to the ears. No facial piercings or tongue studs will be allowed. Tattoos- no visible offensive tattoos. Offensive is subjective, nothing that a customer or an employee would consider inappropriate. (Profanity, nudity, offensive statements or offensive pictures/ images).

The Union proposals today were simple demands- Union proposal #31 Service Recognition, Company wide recognition for all prior service with ATT Inc. Union proposal #30 Donating Vacation and PDO, allows members to donate vacation and PDO time to other members. Other Labor agreements have similar language which helps out a co-worker in a time of need.

Looks like AT&T is stuck on the Low Road. Let them know we are sticking to the High Road and show them the way! Mobilize and keep on Fighting for the American Dream!

Our next formal session with the Company is next week, so enjoy your weekend and get ready to Mobilize for a contract. Twenty-two days to go, show the Company you’re serious.

In Unity, your Bargaining Committee.

Our movement is of the working people, for the working people,

by the working people.

Samuel Gompers

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin # 12

Thursday March 15, 2012

Countdown to Expiration- 23 Days!

The Union and the Company met today at the Bargaining table and in sub-committee meetings. The Union rejected Company proposal #20 Branded Apparel, which mandated wearing Company clothing and the Company’s unilateral right to modify or change the requirements.

The Union rejected Company proposal #6 Sunday Plus Four. The Union countered Company proposal #21 the Home Dispatch Program. The counter proposal includes making Home Dispatch voluntary and provides for a 60 mile distance from the employees home to their headquarter location. It also allows employees to make stops for personal business that are generally en route from their job site and their residence, and allows the employees to attend membership meetings in the Company vehicle.

The Union presented 3 (three) proposals today. Union proposal # 27 AT&T Savings and Security Plan and AT&T Retirement Savings and Security Plan, which provides for the Company to match 100% of the first 6% saved by the employee and provides for additional investment choices. Union proposal #28 Company Stock Plan establishes an ESOP- Employees Stock Ownership Plan and a LESOP Leveraged Employees Stock Ownership Plan. Union proposal #29 Success Sharing Plan increases employees Success Units to 1000.

The Company rejected Union proposal #22 Appendix C, eliminating all but the top wage zone. “The Company is not interested in adding costs to the business”. They also rejected Union proposal #21 Recognition, no subcontracting without Union concurrence. “The Company has no interest in expanding the provisions of Article 1 as put forward in this proposal”.

The Company proposed #26 Tuition Aid. The Union committee has many questions and we are still reviewing this proposal. The Company also proposed #27 Charge for West Region Parking.

Yes you read this right; the Company wants to charge a parking fee to 177 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena effective Jan 1, 2013. A $34.00 monthly fee! $408.00 a year! And the Company wants the right to expand this to other locations and to change the amount at their discretion.

“The Union let the Company know that WE have no interest in adding costs to our members to come to work at this company!”

Your bargaining committee is working hard on presenting your demands and countering or rejecting the Company proposals.

AT&T is clearly choosing the Low Road.

You need to let the company know we are not interested in a RACE to the BOTTOM! Get involved with your Local and Mobilize. Show the Company that you’re Standing Strong with the Union! STAND UP, FIGHT BACK.

We’re Fighting for the American Dream!

In Unity, Your Bargaining Team

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #11

Wednesday March 14, 2012

The Union and the Company met at the Bargaining table and in sub-committees today. The Company started off the session today with rejecting Union proposal #11 Language differentials; Union proposal #15 Shift differentials; Union proposal #18 Standby pay; and Union proposal #19 Remove the restriction to arbitrate the Plans for Employees’ pension,disability benefits and death benefits.

The Company’s new mantra in response to our proposals is-“The companies are not interested in adding cost to the business”.

That is all they had for us today.

The Union proposed upgrades to Article 9 Occupational Safety and Health-(UP# 23); we proposed to include Mobility into the National Transfer Plan-(UP#24); Monitoring- (UP#25) We proposed that all forms of monitoring: electronic, voice or GPS be used for coaching and development only. The Union also proposed (UP#26), that all contracted work be returned to the bargaining unit, and all work that has been transferred to other AT&T regions subsequent to April 5, 2009 returned to the bargaining unit.

The Union rejected Company proposal #23 on Monitoring. We let the Company know that the current monitoring under the MOA negotiated last contract has been abused and our members are suffering in the workplace due to fear and intimidation. We are not interested, nor do we have the desire to expand the problem to other areas.

MOBILIZATION NEWS:

Get involved and keep in touch with Mobilization news by checking the websites and facebook. Get on the Mobilization list for automatic updates! Talk to your Shop Steward or call your Local Union Hall. Contract Bargaining is not a spectator sport, so join in! Keep fighting for the American dream

In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee

“Labor cannot stand still. It must not retreat. It must go on, or go under. The most important word in the language of the working class is solidarity”.

Harry Bridges

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #10

Tuesday March 13, 2012

The Union and the Company met in full committee today. The Union rejected Company proposal #17 Religious Time Off and Company proposal #18 Holidays. We let the Company know we had no interest in removing fixed Holidays and make them Floating holidays. It is hard enough for the members to get time off as it is.

The Union presented the Company with three, (3), proposals today.

Union proposal #20, Article 3 Company-Union Relationship dealing with improving Union Activities and Union Security; Union proposal #21, Article 1 Recognition strengthening the recognition language; Union proposal #22, Appendix C- eliminate all but the top wage zone. Hold on Technicians; wait till you read this one! Company proposal #25 The Company kept a straight face while presenting this piece of #*#*!

Their proposal would eliminate work rule protections for Core employees surplused to Prem Tech; add the paycheck language; eliminate 48 hours notice of schedule change; eliminate the penalty for change and cancellation of hours; eliminate double time; eliminate Sunday premium pay; remove the day after Thanksgiving and make it a floater; eliminate carryover vacation and payment in lieu for vacation not used during the calendar year; eliminate carryover PDO’s, payment in lieu of PDO’s will be made for PDO’s not used; employees leaving the payroll will only be paid for VT accrued; eliminate illness absence payments except as required by State or Municipal law; cancel Prem Tech benefits and leaves of Absence MOA’s; cancel Prem Tech MOA’s 09-24 and 09-25 which allows Service Techs and Systems Tech Data Comm employees to volunteer for a Prem Tech position in their CHQ in case of a surplus- MOA’s 09-26 addition of job duties beyond the scope of the current job description, Prem Tech’s and 09-27 required overtime for Prem Techs.

Additionally the Company proposed to add the following job duties for Prem Techs: *Perform all work from and including the Service Terminal up to the Network Interface Device (NID), including any drop work, for all IP enabled products and services *Test and transfer from a defective facility(s) to a good, clean or available facility(s).

We told the Company we were very unhappy with this entire proposal, and we are appalled! The workers will be disgusted when they hear what the Company wants to do. This is a work force that has built this product, delivered this product and maintained this product with exceptional service and quality! There is no recognition for the dedication these workers put forth. The Company needs to look at what is truly right for these members.

Where’s the Fairness!

Countdown to Expiration- 25 Days

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #9

Monday March 12, 2012

Countdown to Expiration- 26 Days!

The Union and the Company bargaining committees met today. The Company rejected Union Proposal #6 that provided for additional time off for the workers.

The Union rejected Company proposal #9 Eliminating Illness Absence Payments;

Company proposal #3 Overtime, (forcing workers to work overtime); Company proposal #4 “49 Hour Rule”/ Double time, (eliminate double time after 49 hours); Company proposal #5 Eliminate Sunday Premium Pay.

The Union proposed in today’s session, Union proposal #11- Language differential for all titles; Union Proposal #12 Differential for “Class A Drivers Licenses”; Union proposal #13 Remove restriction for receiving a pay increase and eliminate the waiting period for sickness absence benefits; Union proposal #14 Increase Relief Differentials: Union proposal #15 Increase Shift Differentials; Union proposal #16 Overtime and Callouts (For AT&T Video Services, Inc-(appendix B, section B2.05) increase premium pay for Saturday and Sunday- increase minimum time for immediate services- Add UA to count towards the 49 hour rule; Union proposal #17 Expense Allowance- change per diem to IRS Rate- increase meal allowance; Union proposal #18 Increase Standby pay; Union Proposal #19 Remove restriction on arbitrability for the Plan for Employees’ pension, disability benefits and death benefits.

Your Union committee will continue to present the bargaining proposals that you, the members, sent to us via your bargaining surveys. The Union and the Company are still at polar opposites on most of the issues on the table thus far. We have a long way to go to reach a contract and need your support and solidarity out in the field.

Fight for your Rights! Fight for the American Dream!

Mobilize- Mobilize- Mobilize- Mobilize- Mobilize

In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Let the workers organize. Let the toilers assemble. Let their crystallized voice

proclaim their injustices and demand their privileges. Let all thoughtful citizens

sustain them, for the future of Labor is the future of America.

John L. Lewis

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #8

Friday March 9, 2012

The Union and the Company met this afternoon in full committee. The Union started the session with presenting the Company four, (4), proposals concerning upgrades.

1-Upgrade Premises Techs (all) to WS12

2-Upgrade Outside Plant Technician (all) to WS 12

3- Upgrade Facilities Technicians (all) to WS 12

4- Upgrade Staff Associate (all) to WS 6

The Company presented two, (2), proposals today:

1- Monitoring and Recording of Calls- this proposal would cancel the previous MOA’s regarding monitoring that provides guidelines for monitoring and employee protection. The proposed MOA would allow the Company to monitor all calls without warning without any notice. This MOA applies to all departments and all calls involving external customers and calls between employees.

2- The Company proposed “Additional Cash Awards” with the selection of employees and amounts of the cash awards paid, at the discretion of management.

We asked the Company if they have ever paid out cash awards to employees, because we were not aware of any, so they’ll get back to us with that information.

Sounds good on paper!

The parties will meet tomorrow in sub committees to discuss Article 2. We will put out the next bargaining bulletin after our next formal session with the Company on Monday.

WE ARE FIGHTING FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM. THIS

IS NOT A SLOGAN. THIS IS OUR FIGHT AS AMERICAN

WORKERS.

In Unity, Your Bargaining Committee,

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

ONCE SOCIAL CHANGE BEGINS, IT CANNOT BE REVERSED. YOU CANNOT UNEDUCATE THE PERSON WHO HAS LEARNED TO READ. YOU CANNOT HUMILIATE THE PERSON WHO FEELS PRIDE. YOU CANNOT OPPRESS THE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT AFRAID ANYMORE. WE HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE AND THE FUTURE IS OURS.

CESAR CHAVEZ

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #7

Thursday March 8, 2012

The Union and the Company committees met today in full committee. In another effort for the Company to save money, the Company proposed that the Collective Bargaining Agreement would be posted on line rather than furnishing a paper copy of the Contract to all employees. They really don’t want you to carry a copy with you- they would rather you not know your rights.

The Company proposes to cancel the current Memoradum of Agreement on the Home Dispatch Program and replace it with a new MOA on Home Dispatch, that would allow the Company to implement mandatory Home Dispatch at their discretion and change the program at their discretion.

The Company proposes to implement a mandatory branded apparel program at their discretion. Employees would be required to wear the apparel while on Company time.

The next proposal is rather interesting, not well thought out. It is regarding Pay Checks. The Company proposes that employee’s can voluntary participate in direct deposit, or receive reloadable pay cards with the employees earnings loaded on to a pay card.

This is the interesting part: the Company could not answer any questions about how the cards would be tracked for the amounts, (like a gift card), who would track employees purchases, what about putting the money in the bank to make a house payment or pay other bills. Watch out Big Brother is Watching! Now if you don’t want direct deposit or a reloadable card your paychecks will be delivered to your home address.

How much money do you think they’ll save by the reloadable card trick and the electronic contracts? Makes you wonder what’s next, doesn’t it!

The Union Committee presented the Company with a proposal to increase employees’

time off in an effort to balance family, life and work. The Union also proposed to add Martin Luther King Jr, Cesar Chavez and Veterans Day as fixed Holidays. An additional PDO was proposed after 30 years or more of service, as well as changes in the payments for jury duty. Planned time off minimums for employees were also increased.

We did reach an agreement for the Telecommunications International Union, (TIU).

They will be merged with the CWA. The TIU is located in CWA Locals 9400, 9408 and 9415. The TIU contract language will be moved into Appendix F in the CWA contract.

The TIU contract expiration date will be moved to coincide with the CWA expiration date of April 7, 2012.

The Union rejected the Company proposal #1 on Benefits, Company proposal #2 Benefits on Appendix D and Company proposal #16 on Vacation Accrual.

The Union reminded the Company of a statement Vice Pres Weitkamp made in his opening statement: AT&T is a very successful, profitable company. This is not the time for lowering the standard of living for our members. A Quality Workforce needs Quality Benefits.

These proposals do not deliver that.

Keep fighting for the American Dream!

In Unity Your Bargaining Committee

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #6

Wednesday March 7, 2012

Thirty Days To Contract Expiration

The Union and Company met in full committee today. Thirty Days to contract expiration and the Company came to the table with more proposals to see how quickly they could race to the bottom!

The Union presented to the Company a proposal on Appendix A4, to improve working conditions: Posting a five week schedule, Improve Time Off/ Saturday Scheduling, Start times for tours to remain the same, Scheduled Close Key Time, Improve Seniority, Early Start Premium, Premium Payment for Off Shifting.

The Company presented the Union with six proposals today to gut employees’ rights under the contract. First one, Eliminate Employment Security Article 2 section 2.01-gone! This proposal guts Employment Security. The next proposal changes the surplus work group definition from Presidential entity to Director Level entity or  higher, as determined by the Company. The Company claims they need greater flexibility for their business units when there’s a need to reduce force.

The next proposal is Carry Over Vacation and Vacation Accrual. The Company wants to eliminate carry over vacation and carry over PDO’s. And the Company wants to change the way employees are granted Vacation to an accrual process that will affect employees when they leave the payroll and new hires.

The Company proposes to eliminate paid time off for religious observances. And their last proposal of the day in the race to the bottom is to eliminate Presidents Day and the day after Thanksgiving as paid Holidays and provide two, (2), additional Personal Days off in lieu of these Holidays. We let the Company know it is hard enough for the workers to get PDO’s and we had great concern in taking away fixed Holidays.

AT&T’s competitors have used the excuse of a changing industry to slash service standards and mistreat workers.

So we have a question:

Will AT&T take the high road, protecting good middle-class jobs and the American Dream- or will it follow competitors down the low road, with layoffs, cost shifting, and outsourcing?

Your Bargaining Team hopes you let AT&T know that you’re not interested in a RACE to the BOTTOM!

This is your fight for your future- the American Dream!

In Unity Your Union Bargaining Team,

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Art Gonzalez

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #5

Tuesday March 6, 2012

The Union and Company committees met today. The Union presented the Company a proposal to strengthen and approve Seniority and language on “tie breaking” when employees are hired on the same date.

In contrast to the Company’s proposal on Art 7, Grievance Procedure, (which would make a sham of the process), the Union committee presented a proposal to the Company that includes meeting with actual decision makers in an effort to resolve disputes at the Local level, thus expediting settlements. Additional language was proposed involving time limits in the process and adding Union Representatives to the procedure.

The Company came back today with more retrogressive proposals in their effort to save money and put more money in their CEO’s pockets. The Company proposes to eliminate illness absence payments in their entirety. That’s right, eliminate all illness absence payments. Unless as required by State or Municipal law, such as in San Francisco.

The Memoranda of Agreements: the Company has proposed to cancel some of the Memorandums, such as ERB, Employment Security, GIIT, Horizons, Principles for Sales Incentive Programs- ( it restricts the Company from implementing discipline for sale quota), the Bixler- Beck letter on forced overtime and many others. We will meet insub-committee to go over each and every memorandum to bargain for the best language for you, the members.

The Company’s next two (2) proposals zero in on the Incentive plans. The Company wants to automatically implement incentive plans at their discretion, group or individual incentive plans related to sales, service, productivity and/or other business related standards. The Company would “share” the plans with the Union prior to implementation. “Share” big difference from negotiate! The next proposal to cancel Principles for Sales Incentive Programs would allow the Company to create sales quotas at their discretion and to discipline for failure to meet sales quotas for Service Reps and Sales and Service Reps- Bilingual (Service Representatives).

The Company masks these retrogressive proposals as an effort to improve customer satisfaction, “great customer service must also include sales”. Sales quotas that the Company wants to set and have the ability to change whenever they see fit, and of course discipline employees for not meeting the quotas. What an incentive to sell!

Tom Runnion – Bargaining Chair reminded the Company that from the Union perspective, the Customer experience is one that is predicated on quality service, which is short changed when sales is the focus. We have numerous examples. The Company has actually been fined by the PUC for their Sales Practices.

Tomorrow is the March 7th, 30 days away from Contract Expiration. Get out there and show AT&T how you feel about their proposals.

AT&T are you going to take the High Road or the Low Road?!

We made AT&T the successful Company it is today. AT&T should be helping to rebuild the American Dream in this Country. Be a responsible corporate citizen!

Let’s keep fighting for the American Dream!

In Unity,

Your Union Bargaining Team

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #4

Monday March 5, 2012

The Bargaining Committees met today in full committee. The Company continued with their retrogressive proposals and presented your Union Committee with 4 proposals that would eliminate premium pay, 1 dealing with Service Representatives scheduling and 1 dealing with the Grievance Procedure.

The Company presented a proposal that would allow the Company to force workers to work Overtime. The Company believes they have always had that right and have never surrendered that right. They propose to cancel the BIXLER/ BECK Letter which required the Company to ask for volunteers and work with the union to get volunteers. To quote the Company, their proposal is intended, “To make it crystal clear that the Companies have the right to require overtime as they deem necessary, without any precondition of seeking volunteers”. The Company proposes to add language to Article 5.04 that states-Employees may be required to work overtime subject to the needs of the business.

The Company proposed to eliminate the 49 hour rule.

The Company proposes to eliminate Sunday premium pay.

The Company proposes to eliminate the “Sunday Plus Four” requirement so that the mandated O-days associated with Sunday scheduling may be spread across the remainder of the normal work week.

The Company proposes to cancel the AAA Flexible Scheduling Settlement and schedule Service Representatives, Sales and Service Representatives-Bilingual, Collection Representatives, and Collection Representatives- Bilingual as they see fit. With start times varying from day to day.

The last proposal in today’s session, in the downward spiral in a race to the bottom has to do with the Grievances Procedure, Article 7. The Company proposed to shorten the length of time the Union has to file grievances from 60 days to 30 days. Add delegation language to Step II disciplinary grievances, so Higher Level Managers won’t be bothered. Limit the number of paid Stewards to two (2) at the Step II grievance and limit the number of Stewards at all steps to two (2). Move the Video/ Teleconference Grievance Meeting language to Article 7 and modify it to include all grievance levels. And remove the penalty to the Company for allowing a Step II or Step III grievance to time out.

***REALLY, NO PENALTY WHEN THEY SCREW UP! ***

There are two days left before we are at 30 days to expiration. Let’s STAND UP and show the Company we are all UNITED against their race to the bottom!

*STAND UP *FIGHT BACK * STAND UP * FIGHT BACK*

WE ARE FIGHTING FOR THE AMERICAM DREAM!

In Unity, our Union Bargaining Team,

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Bargaining Report #3

Click here

Bargaining Bulletin #2 Thursday March 2, 2012

The Union and Company met today in full committee. The Union started off the session by proposing to incorporate the titles in Appendices B, D and E into Appendix A. This would provide for uniform working conditions and overtime rules. The Union‟s second proposal today was changes to Art 2 "Force Allocation". The Union is seeking language to improve employment security- training, transfers, force balancing and other employment security language changes.

The Company presented the union with a presentation – "AT&T Compensation in a Competitive Marketplace". The Company presentation outlined the loss of access lines to their competitors, the drop in traditional wireline service and competing with the non union cable companies as a reason for employees to pay for, quote, "their fair share of benefits". In spite of the fact that AT&T posted profits in September 2011 of $11.71 billion on revenues of $126 billion. Not to mention that as a result of the concessions, you, the members made to Healthcare at the last round of negotiations, AT&T saved $43 million in Healthcare. Apparently that is not going to be enough! They're coming back for more!

HEY AT&T, HANDS OFF OUR HEALTHCARE!

Healthcare is not the only benefit AT&T is looking at. Overall Compensation is being compared to the non union competitors. AT&T wants a "competitive cost structure reflecting current market realities". Whose realities?!

We are meeting tomorrow with the Company and will keep you informed of the progress made.

Meanwhile, keep mobilizing. Keep Fighting for the American Dream!

In Unity, Your Union Bargaining Committee,

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Art Gonzlaez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Tom Runnion

NOTE: John Himm Labor Relations was left off the Company committee in yesterday‟s bulletin.

CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin 1 Wednesday February 29, 2012

All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the District 9 website, (www.distirct9.cwa-union.org), CWA Facebook at AT&T CWA District 9 Unity, Local websites and email lists. CWA Bargaining Committee 1

CWA District 9 began contract negotiations today with AT&T West for 17,000 core employees in California and Nevada. Negotiations also began today for 30,000 members in Connecticut- District 1, Legacy-T- Nationwide, and the Midwest- District 4.

CWA District 9 Vice President Jim Weitkamp opened negotiations in San Ramon, California. The Union Bargaining team will be chaired by Staff Representative Tom Runnion. Also present at the table will be Area Director Ellen West and elected bargaining committee members Bill Demers President Local 9400, Art Gonzalez President Local 9511, Marisa Remski Executive Vice President Local 9003 and Pam Suniga Representative Local 9416.

AT&T West is represented by Doug Flores- Chief Negotiator, and Labor Relations Representatives Jennifer Mulcahey, Joanne Chan, Tom Paholski, Jennifer Luttrell, and Kimberly Gibson- Recorder. Melba Muscarolas, Vice President Labor Relations joined the committee to give the Company’s opening remarks today.

Vice President Jim Weitkamp delivered the following opening statement at the bargaining table:

CWA/AT&T West Bargaining Opening Remarks

Jim Weitkamp, Vice President – CWA District 9

February 29, 2012

As we open bargaining in the West, CWA understands that both the union and the company face difficult issues to resolve. Even in these difficult times of economic crisis and changes in the industry, AT&T is a very successful and profitable company. We believe that AT&T has a responsibility to help America by being a leader for economic growth, continuing to provide good, middle class jobs. This is not the time to be lowering the standard of living for employees, diminishing benefits, or putting jobs or secure retirement at risk. It is the middle class that is the engine of growth in our economy, and a strong middle class will help make companies like AT&T even more successful in the future. The American dream that built the world’s first middle class created good jobs and strong communities across the country. AT&T should be helping to rebuild that American dream.

In these negotiations with we must make sure AT&T addresses our members’ key issues. Perhaps the most important question is: Will AT&T work with CWA and its members as it develops strategies to meet a changing competitive and technological environment, or will it take the low road of layoffs, cost shifting, and outsourcing?

The communications industry has grown rapidly over the last decade and CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin 1 Wednesday February 29, 2012 All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the District 9 website, (www.distirct9.cwa-union.org), CWA Facebook at AT&T CWA District 9 Unity, Local websites and email lists. CWA Bargaining Committee 2

continues to grow in many areas. The landscape continues to change with major

developments, like the Verizon-Cable deal, reshaping the industry. The wireless, broadband, and video segments of the industry continue to expand significantly and, thus, add significant value to the network infrastructure that our members built and maintain. In recent years, the explosion of "over the top" video services has further enhanced the value and importance of high speed wired networks.

AT&T is the most successful company in the industry, in large part because it has chosen a strategy which depends upon products and technologies which can best be brought together in bundled offerings, relying on union members to provide the highest quality customer experience. This is in contrast to the low road taken by some of its competitors. A quality workforce needs quality benefits, pension, wages, and employment security.

Critical issues in this coming round of bargaining will be: reducing outsourcing and offshoring of jobs, instead providing regular full-time employment in the United States, elimination of unfair working conditions, including discriminatory and unobtainable management expectations, unrealistic work rules, unfair discipline by managers, and commission-based pay plans that ignore the delivery of top shelf customer service.

We need to improve our employment security language and work to move all employees into the main body of the CORE Agreement.

We need to protect employment by expanding opportunities to work in those areas which our members created, built and paid for that continues to grow. Our labor enables new business ventures on which ATT may embark, and we must continue to protect the benefits, pensions, and wages we have earned over many years.

Our healthcare benefits have been established through many years of deferred wages yet Member bargaining surveys reflect continued frustration when attempting to utilize the benefits that the union has negotiated in good faith. This can best be addressed by clear contract language that protects our right to utilize the benefits that we have negotiated. Our intent is that benefits, once bargained, will be available, without question, to our members.

In addition, increased health care costs have led many employers, including AT&T, to shift more and more cost to their employees. In our last round of negotiations, we made significant changes to the costs that employees paid. That, combined with significant reductions in the size of the workforce, had reduced the total health care costs that AT&T pays for employees under this contract over the last three years. We believe that this sets the stage for a different approach to health benefits in these negotiations. An approach that focuses on reducing total costs through values-based programs targeted at specific chronic conditions that account for 84% of health care spending in America. We feel strongly that this will be a more effective way to bring total costs down than more cost shifting. CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin 1 Wednesday February 29, 2012 All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the District 9 website, (www.distirct9.cwa-union.org), CWA Facebook at AT&T CWA District 9 Unity, Local websites and email lists. CWA Bargaining Committee 3

We feel so strongly, we’d be willing to bet on it.

We also need to improve the quality of benefit delivery through additional union oversight and authority over health plans, building on the mechanisms that are already in place, including arbitration.

Pensions are a critical concern in this round of bargaining, as many of our members are nearing the age of retirement eligibility. We need significant pension improvements to ensure that all of our members, regardless of their job title, can retire with dignity. The lump sum pension option is selected by the vast majority of our members when they retire. Therefore, we must continue to assure that our members can choose this option. We must be sure the savings plans offered to our members incorporate effective options and protections, which will ensure that savings are there when members retire. We must continue to guarantee retirees will have the health benefits they have earned without additional cost.

Meaningful employment security requires access to high quality job opportunities in the new communications industry, including broadband, wireless, and video.

We must also eliminate obstacles that exist when exercising our rights under the employment security provisions in the contract. We need access to the jobs of the future and improved voluntary transfer rights to all entities within AT&T with seniority, benefit, and pension protection. However, increased voluntary opportunities should not in any way diminish the employment security provisions that have been negotiated over decades. The transfer systems must be strengthened to assure it provides opportunities to every employee.

We must eliminate subcontracting, outsourcing, and temporary hires as replacements for regular full-time employment opportunities.

AT&T is the largest and most profitable company in the communications industry. In 2010, AT&T recorded profits of $19.86 billion on revenues of $124 billion. For the twelve months ending September 30, 2011, profits of $11.71 billion on revenues of $126 billion.

As the dominant force in the industry, AT&T is unsurpassed in market value and revenue. AT&T’s profitability and standing in the industry is a result of our hard work and productivity. We deserve our fair share in the form of a significant base wage increase for all CWA members commensurate with company profits and executive compensation.

AT&T/West has approval to offer video services to the region’s customers. In addition, the increasing value of high speed broadband for "over the top" video services creates even more opportunities for proving services to customers. This should provide additional regular full-time job opportunities and allow the company to effectively compete with the cable industry and their new partner Verizon. The critical link between AT&T’s strategy and its success is the workforce of CWA members. CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin 1 Wednesday February 29, 2012 All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the District 9 website, (www.distirct9.cwa-union.org), CWA Facebook at AT&T CWA District 9 Unity, Local websites and email lists. CWA Bargaining Committee 4

Hiring has been stagnant far too long resulting in onerous overtime demands on our members creating undue stress on them and their families. Elimination of

such overtime would also create additional job opportunities assisting the communities we serve as well as restoring the level of quality service they have come to expect.

The misuse of performance management plans in all departments is a serious problem. Unreasonable overtime, inflexible schedules, pressure to sell, monitoring, GPS, harsh attendance and adherence policies, continue to plague our members. When attempting to resolve on the job problems through the grievance procedure, we are frustrated by delays and managers lacking the authority to resolve problems or settle grievances.

These are difficult and complex issues. Fortunately, we have an outstanding Bargaining Committee that, under Tom Runnion's leadership is experienced, dedicated, and smart. We pride ourselves as being problem solvers here in the West and have a track record to prove it. This committee is the best group of problem solvers that we have in District 9, and they have my complete confidence and support.

We also have a strong and united membership that is prepared to stand behind this bargaining committee through thick and thin. Our members will be well-informed, engaged and mobilized throughout the negotiations.

We are in tough and changing times. However, we believe that if companies like AT&T do their part by taking the high road of good middle class jobs, we can rebuild the American dream of good jobs and strong communities in the west and across the country. CWA and AT&T have a long-standing relationship. While we don't always agree, we are here, ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work at solving the problems we face together in order to negotiate a contract that moves all of us forward. Thank you.

Melba Muscarolas gave the Company’s opening remarks that gave the clear indication that the Company wants major concessions in this round of bargaining.

The Company is looking to make changes to the paid absence policy. According to Muscarolas, California employees take an average of 18 days off a year, besides the negotiated paid time off.

Medical- the Company wants employees to pay their fair share of medical costs.

According to Muscarolas, there are 335,000 retirees and dependants on the Retiree Medical plan. Retiree Medical is not offered by their competitors.

The Pension Plan and the ERB are also in their sights. Quote, "34% of Fortune 500 Companies do not offer Pension Benefits". A cynical example the Company used was the bottom feeding tactics that American Airlines is using to get out from under their pension obligations to their employees. CWA D-9 AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin 1 Wednesday February 29, 2012 All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the District 9 website, (www.distirct9.cwa-union.org), CWA Facebook at AT&T CWA District 9 Unity, Local websites and email lists. CWA Bargaining Committee 5

Prem Techs and U-Verse; according to the Company the Prem Techs are not performing as well as the rest of the Nation, too many double dispatches. Customer Service Reps are the least competitive of all the regions. The Company is looking for more flexibility in Sales targets, monitoring and compensation.

It is clearly evident by the Companies opening remarks today that they are in a RACE to the BOTTOM!

The Committees will be meeting tomorrow to begin exchanging proposals.

Your Union Bargaining Committee is relying on you to make sure you let AT&T know we are serious about bargaining a good contract. One that is reflective of the hard work and dedication and quality service you as workers have delivered and made AT&T the profitable company it is today!

Mobilize Mobilize Mobilize

FIGHTING FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM

These bargaining reports will come out on a regular basis, with the frequency dictated by the pace of bargaining.

In Unity, Your Union Bargaining Committee,

Tom Runnion

Ellen West

Bill Demers

Art Gonzalez

Marisa Remski

Pam Suniga

Silence never won rights. They are not handed down from above; they are forced by the pressure from below. Roger Baldwin

AT & T

 

Here is the current AT & T / CWA Agreement.

 It is in PDF Format and will open in a new window.

 

Contract Logo

CLICK HERE

to get the ATT / CWA  Contract

(You can right click on the link and select the "Save Target As" option to save to your local computer)

KIN CARE Supreme Court Decision

AT&T Bargaining Unit

Stewards Structure Contact Info.

 

Vice President: Frank Arce

E Mail: union_frank@yahoo.com

 

Chief Stewards/ Director

Avaya: Charles Anderson

E Mail: charlesanderson@cwa9400.com

Southern California- Maurice Washington

E Mail: mw1966@att.net

Northern California- Penny Leytem

E Mail: Wytwter@pacbell.net

 

Assitant Chief Stewards / Southern California:

Khalif Jibri/at&t/ Inland Empire, San Bernadino County

E Mail: Ksjibri@sbcglobal.net

Ray Fields/at&t/ L.A. Metro

E Mail: rayfields@cwa9400.com

Jason James/at&t/ L.A. Metro

E Mail: james1229@verizon.net

Michelle James/ at&t  Mobility

E Mail: mjames@cwa9400.com

 

Assistant Chief Stewards / Northern California

Linda Mason / a.t.&t  San Ramon

E Mail: Lindamason@cwa9400.com

Tarrina Woodson / a.t.&t  San Ramon

E Mail: twoodson@cwa9400.com

Shelly Konopa  / a.t.&t  San Ramon, Rohnert Park

E Mail: shelly-cwa9400@prodigy.net

Bob Ferri /a.t&t  Santa Rosa, Clear Lake, North Coast - Redwood Empire

E Mail: bobferri@cwa9400.com

Napoleon Melara/ / a.t.&t  San Ramon, Concord, I-80 Corridor

E Mail: nmelara@cwa9400.com

 

 

  

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