AT&T WILL PAY HEATHCARE FOR ANOTHER MONTH. THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTION IN YOUR HEALTHCARE.
MORE TO FOLLOW...
There is no cancellation pending of either medical premiums or dues deduction both of which would require prior notice to the union.
Jim Weitkamp
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Please download these flyers to distribute to your friends and neighbors and family. It will help explain the Employee Free Choice Act to them.
With a clear understanding they will see how AT&T lowering wages and benefits can affect them in ways they could not know.
There are documents here that can help you better understand how the Employee Free Choice Act can bring middle class working salaries up to heights that will make contracting out work undesirable. This can add to job security AND level the field of competition between employers.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Click on image to download and print Handouts, leave at stores, give to students.
ABOVE YOU WILL FIND THE FLYERS NEEDED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC. BELOW YOU WILL FIND THE PHONE NUMBER FOR SENATOR
DIANNE FEINSTEIN OFFICE. PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BECAUSE TIME IS RUNNING OUT! THE VOTE IS SLATED FOR JULY 1ST!
EFCA (EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT)
we’re almost there!
This Act will be voted on July 1,2009
Workers need new laws that level the playing field and ensure the freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages and benefits.
With the free choice to form unions, working people can counterbalance corporate power and make our economy work for everyone again, not just the CEOs.
The choice to form unions is made by WORKERS!
Please CALL SENATOR
DIANNE FEINSTEIN’S OFFICE
(even you already called before)
AT
866-632-4160 (call can be made easily at any time or no waiting!)
Leave a voicemail: with your name, your state (CA), your union(CWA) and Local (9510), that you’re a voter and that she needs to support
EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT!
April 18th
MANAGER'S OPINION CORNER (That's right, everybody's got one! You know, a manager.)
This was a pro-AT&T post from a manager who is so misrable he can't see further than getting screwed by his own company...
"Hey union folks.. I know you are saying "We will never give in".. "The company is trying to take our life blood"... yada..yada..yada Get real.. Average US worker pays 34% of their health insurance costs... You.. 8%... You really think in this environment, given what everyone else pays... the downfall of GM partly over legacy costs.. That you are going to get your way on this.. I don't think so.. You had better get used to the thought that you are going to have higher costs.. We all are... I have been paying more and more every year.. Just like most Americans.. My wages were frozen this year.. That's 2009 baby!"
Wow! I bet this guy wishes he had a union. He is probably right with the numbers, but this is what he did not consider. Since Union Workers are only 13% of the American Workforce. There are very few American workers that can fight back against paying heathcare costs. Out of the millions of workers out there, only union workers have been able to push back! Remember, Verizon East's contract with CWA signed last year DID NOT include union members paying their healthcare! Plus, telecommunication companies are not the only industry paying for employee healthcare - big oil, pharmaceuticals, insurance companies and some banking firms do not make their employees pay healthcare!
Since AT&T are in the top 100 of the Fortune 500, here is a short list of other companies in the top 100 that pay 100% of their employee's healthcare. You may have heard of some of them:
Qualcomm; Boston Consulting Group; Nugget Markets; Umpqua Bank; Whole Foods Market; Shared Technologies; Stew Leonard's; SAS Institute; Rackspace Managed Hosting; Station Casinos; Kimley-Horn & Associates; FactSet Research Systems; Perkins Coie; EOG Resources; Russell Investments; Valero Energy; David Evans & Associates; Granite Construction; Stanley; Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network and Microsoft.
Here is one more post...
"Wow. Are you all serious. I can understand what my fellow managers are saying, but i cannot believe that it is just about the health care. As a Manager, each one of us have seen our rights, benefits and job security taken away, even thought the Executive Leadership continue to get huge salaries, bonuses and stock options. att is a in top 50 US performing companies. Corporations need to be more socially accountable when possible. I am not sure what the correct solution should be, but to dismiss the Union's desire to obtain a fair contract thru negotiations is short sighted, as many of the management benefits and rights follow the line of the new contract. I suggest we leave negotiations and opinions to those who are negotiating, as none of us are getting a full story, as all communication is posturing by either CWA and att. Feel free to bash away at my email. just make sure you aren't responding in prejudice."
If only we could chose our CEOs
CWA NEWS
Watch the May 27 CWA AT&T Unity e-Meeting. Click here.
The Website of the Week belongs to IUE-CWA Local 84807 of Jeffersonville, IN. For information on creating or maintaining your local's site, click here.
Some of you have never seen the Technician's Creed before, but for some it will bring back memories of a time when you worked for a company that valued its employees as individuals. You don't have to be a technician to appreciate the following:
Pacific Bell Technician’s Creed
I am a Pacific Bell technician. I service, install and maintain the most advanced communications network on the planet. I am the backbone and the lifeblood of the public network.
I am disciplined and ethical. I am an independent thinker. I do not excel because I have to, but rather because I can. Through hard work and persistence, I have become the best of the best.
I am fallible. My ability to recognize, accept and react to my mistakes defines my ability to succeed. It is easier not to be great. I choose greatness. I do not hide from that which I do not understand. Rather, I challenge my abilities and master them.
I alone am the public’s perception of my entire company. As such, I am honest, reliable and fair. My customers are my livelihood. If my customer has a problem, I have a problem and I will not rest until it is resolved. My service to my customers is so professional and so detailed that they are better for having met me and are compelled to share their experience with others.
I am powered by the glory that comes from personal satisfaction of a job well done. This is a passionate addition that empowers me to excel again and again.
I am a customer service representative. I am a salesman. I am a consultant. I am an engineer. Above all else, I am a Pacific Bell technician and I am proud.
Makes you wonder what happened to the company that you work for. Please pass this along to others who do not have access to this website. We all hope AT&T wake up to what is happening before it is too late. And to our members, please don't do anything that all of us will regret.
APRIL 15TH
THE FOLLOWING WAS A POST FOUND ON THE INTERNET. IT CLOSELY DESCRIBES WHAT A LOT OF US ARE FEELING AT THIS POINT-
The uninformed? Healthcare costs are just one issue. At&t wants cuts and give backs in just about every area. Reduced pay (by as much as 40%) trim 401k contributions, THEY want to schedule our vacation time, eliminate sick pay (for employees with less than 8yrs), just a few of the givebacks at&t seeks. As an at&t tech. for 16yrs I spent 5yrs working and training to get to top pay and it would take 5yrs to replace me! Most people could
not meet the standards our techs and reps meet every minute. At&t made $13B PROFIT because we have the BEST trained people in the industry and earn every bit of what we got!
This whole entitlement thinking comments thing is crazy. You're right we do feel something. We feel that the company should stand behind the promisses they make. We are not asking for more, more, more. We just don't want to give back what we have. If the company was in finacial trouble this would be another matter. Hell most of us would be ok with paying a little more for health care. Or taking smaller raise to keep it like it is. But the company is not budging on anything
To the person who said "You guys are not getting the big picture." Get real. Without union members, they have no shares. Who do you think does all the work? The Executives? The Shareholders? No! The union members do all the work. With out our hard work and dedication to this company there would be no company.
I'm sadden from the comments that I have read thus far. The idea that healthcare expense shouldn't be shared is far from what the union is upset with. I ask you to consider these things first before you post comments with biased thoughts. I am a union member and I agree that we should look at cost factors and ensure that monies will be allocated to make AT&T a profitable company. But, if the monies are taking away to spend on lavish concerts," The final four games", then what message is given. I take from my employees -managers and union worker to sell a well self known product. If any of you have children think about this; In todays society we educate our children that they need a college degree to even be consider for a corporate american career. We all know that there is a differances between a job and a career. A job is a means for income with little or no benefits. A career is benefits building families and trusting in a company name that you are proud to be a part of. What AT&T is offering now is higher paid jobs. NO benefits after retirement, can we or should we allow companies to set these standards for our youth
Verizon was able to give there guys a fair contract why cant att? Maybe they should let go of some off there 32 board members. If anyone knows economics, put money in the workers hand and he will use it to buy things. Take money away he wont. If you relay want to help the economy you want to put money in the hands off the people that spend it. We are not asking for the world here. I am just asking to stay in the standard off living that I am use to. Give backs by the union will end up more house foreclosed less spending and prolong this mess were in. What the att is offering will be equal to a 10k pay cut. How many off you can live with that. I don't want a raise. I don't want a bonus. I just want to keep what I have.
Below is a post by the wife of an AT&T mgr. This is an example of the ridiculous amount of money AT&T has used to attempt to prepare for a strike. With all of the money they are spending, you can call it AT&T's stupidity stimulus package. On a separate note, has anyone noticed that the market is up for the 4th week in a row? Just thought it should be mentioned:
at&tworker
duluth, ga
Posted 04:07 PM, 04/04/2009
"I'm angry that my husband, a non union white collar worker, is being forced to be a scab for the company. We were not given a choice. He was forced to do more than 100 hours of training ON TOP of his normal work duties, then they sent him to Dallas for "on the job" training where he learned to climb telephone poles, and go into man holes installing cable lines."
"His normal job is in an office in cubicle as business architecht (computer programming and development) and any day now could be sent to Oshkosh Wisconsin for an undetermined amount of time?!?!? I, for one, did not sign up to be a single mother while my husband is away being a low life scab."
"I'm very angry."
AT&T Mobility Contract Ratified
CWA members covered by the AT&T Mobility"Orange" contract ratified a new agreement that provides real gains for workers, including improvements in the retail store compensation plan and the creation of a new career path for customer service representatives.
CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill said this contract broke new ground, especially in the areas of compensation for retail store workers and expanding career opportunity in customer service, two top priorities for Mobility members.
"For customer service workers, this first-ever career path shows that skill and experience will begin to be recognized and rewarded by AT&T Mobility. For retail sales workers, a new, minimum at-risk monthly commission payout provides a floor for earnings," Hill said. "Mobility workers will be building on these gains as we go forward," she added.
The proposed settlement provides for a compounded wage increase of 8.8 percent over the four-year contract term, along with a $500 bonus. More than 11,000 retail sales consultants now will earn a minimum monthly commission of $1,000 if targeted sales goals are met. In addition, some 500 consumer care workers will receive job upgrades and additional pay increases, as will 50-70 wireless technicians. Other important improvements addressed monitoring and quota relief.
Mobilization by Mobility workers throughout the "Orange" territory – Districts 1, 2, 4, 7, 9 and 13 – made a tremendous difference as did support from CWA Mobility members in the Southeast and Southwest covered by separate contracts and CWA members at the core AT&T company.
MAY 3rd
As you have read in bargaining report #49, our team is hard at work negotiating with AT&T representatives. It would seem AT&T is finally getting serious about bringing this to an end. However, only your continued efforts have brought them to this point.
As with any negotiations, items talked about can be tabled to talk about at a later date. AT&T has put off the healthcare item for too long.
CWA has told AT&T to get serious about bargaining. We told Randall Stephenson personally by voting on executive compensation at the stockholders meeting. The company rarely treats us like stockholders. However as stockholders want a greater voice in all executive compensation. The proposal to allow a vote by stockholders for or against compensation for executive officers was defeated by a vote of 53.0 percent against to 47.0 percent in favor. We lost, but the message was received.
The National Labor Relations Board has told AT&T to get serious about bargaining. The NLRB is an independent Federal agency that investigates and remedies labor practices. The NLRB has ruled in favor of the union citing AT&T "has been failing to bargain collectively and in good faith" with its union representatives. The tide is turning against AT&T.
The Public Utilities Commission has told AT&T to get serious about bargaining. Because of your efforts to reduce overtime, the P.U.C. is on AT&T's backside for customer neglect issues. This also forces AT&T to stop dragging their feet.
Soon it will be time to change our tactics in an attempt to continue to give our bargaining team the upper hand.
Thank you all for working together and joining with your union brothers and sisters across the country in delivering a message of Unity to AT&T.
May 1st
The newest rumor gathering a small bit of steam is that on Monday the company will declare impasse and impose conditions. This is absolutely not true. We are not at impasse or anywhere close to it.
The unilateral change in working conditions ULP on overtime refusals triggering attendance occurrences was filed this morning, very appropriately on May 1. We are still gathering information that will be necessary for the hearing and possible additional charges. We will continue to assess the facts for any job actions that may be warranted.
District 9 will pay the time lost to any of the members suspended for overtime refusals pending the final resolution of this situation. Currently, members have been suspended out of 9000, 9400 and 9416.
Once again, I want your members to know we support their actions and we cannot achieve ultimate victory without them.
Jim Weitkamp, President District 9
MAY 3rd
We want to thank all of the people who are continuing to be safe while working. We understand how hard it is to work ONLY 8 hours SO WORK MORE OVERTIME when you are being HYPER-SAFE!
We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep up the participation. The next time you are asked to do something to show solidarity, please ask yourself, "Would it be better to make this small sacriface now, or be on a picket line later." STAY STRONG
No April Fools Day for Local 9509!
Members and stewards alike participated in an informational picket line in downtown San Diego, America’s finest city, on April Fools Day. Passersby wanted to know the issues and picketers were quick to explain. AT&T made almost 13 billion dollars in net profits last year. AT&T should be a leader in helping turn the economy around by providing good middle class jobs and not cutting benefits or lowering the standard of living for employees.
PAGE 2
Welcome to
CWA LOCAL 9509
7548 Trade St. San Diego CA 92121 Toll Free: (800) 559-1509
Local Calls: (858) 695-1509
Fax: (858) 695-2074
AUGUST 26TH
Since our contracts expired, CWA members have been working in good faith to continue to provide service to AT&T customers while we negotiate for a new contract. It's up to AT&T to show us the same respect.
Instead of exploiting the economic downturn to squeeze its workers, AT&T should do what's right and agree to the fair deal we deserve. We know the company can afford it -- last year it achieved a record profit of $12.9 billion, and this year it's already made $6.3 billion.
With continued growth despite the poor economy, AT&T has no excuse for denying the fair contract we've worked so hard to earn.
Join your brothers and sisters in calling for Randall Stephenson to do what's right. Send him a letter today: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/
stephenson_respect/x8x7dx4z7eje5m3?
Even though some districts have reached agreements with AT&T, we won't rest until all CWA members at AT&T a fair contract. As long as we stick together, we can make that happen. Districts 4 and 9 are still in the fight and will keep mobilizing until every AT&T bargaining unit has a fair contract.
CWA Members Concerned About Salary & Healthcare Changes
MIAMI (CBS4) - The Communications Workers of America have threatened to strike at AT&T is some sort of accord is not reached by Sunday night at midnight when their contract expires.
On Saturday, about 50 union workers picketed in front of the company's facility on Northwest 70th Avenue in Miami, according to CBS4 news partners The Miami Herald. There are about three thousand CWA members in Miami who work for AT&T.
The contract negotiations began in July as negotiators met to hammer out union concerns including salaries, healthcare and jobs lost overseas in outsourcing.
Some of the changes AT&T representatives are proposing call for salaries to be based more on commissions, with a lower base pay, and increased out of pocket expenses for their healthcare. They claim CWA workers pay the lowest rates for healthcare benefits in the company.
If an agreement cannot be reach by the midnight deadline, local union officials said a strike could be called for 7 a.m. Monday.
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - The deadline is fast approaching for AT&T workers to find out whether or not they will go on strike.
AT&T employees who are part of a local union are holding what they call a strikewatch party. They are grilling while they wait for word from negotiators.
Members of the 3511 Communications Workers Assocation say they'll go on strike if AT&T does not extend their contract by 10:59 Saturday night. That's when the workers' current contract expires.
Union members say they've been at the bargaining table for a month. They say they'll strike if nothing happens within the hour. A strike could affect those using AT&T landline, DSL and Broadband services.
AUGUST 9TH
Union members tell WLBT strikewatch parties aren't uncommon. They say they have done this before in times when their contracts have been in question. On the possibility of a strike an AT&T spokesman said Thursday that even if a strike occurs AT&T is confident the region will remain unaffected.
Marty Richter said quote, "We don't really expect one, but we've been planning for more than two years to handle that contingency."
THE COMPANY HAS MOVED BACKWARDS ON NEGOTIATIONS AND IS TESTING OUR RESOLVE! GET READY TO PARTICIPATE IN JOB ACTIONS THAT WILL SHOW THEM JUST HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE!
AUGUST 9th
AT&T workers ready to go on strike
Members of the Communication Workers of America say they are ready to strike if their representatives and AT&T can't negotiate a contract by midnight.
Their red shirts read: ``We'll fight till hell freezes over -- Then, we'll fight on ice!''
Armed with picket signs and a megaphone, about 50 unionized AT&T employees rallied in front of the company's facility on Northwest 70th Avenue in Miami. Their contract expires on Sunday.
At stake, say Communication Workers of America members: their salaries, healthcare, retiree benefits and jobs lost to outsourcing.
The Miami demonstration is one of many the union organized in the southeastern United States, where contract negotiations began July 20.
The union represents 3,000 AT&T workers in Miami. About 32,000 members overall are affected by the contract being negotiated, AT&T spokesman Marty Richter said.
He said on Saturday that the company was ready to handle any work stoppage.
``We don't expect a strike. But we're a customer-oriented business, and we take very seriously the need to be prepared,'' Richter said. The company has been planning for the possibility of a strike for two years, he said.
Richter said current proposals would preserve wages and benefits.
``We're not asking for more than we already have,'' said Osmany Cabrera, 36, who has worked as a small business and customer service representative for the company for five years. ``Don't take what we have.''
Cabrera said he opposes proposed changes to compensate employees more on commissions and less on base pay.
``We have to support our families,'' he said.
Karen Leon sat with her 11-month-old son under the shade of trees. She said she showed up to fight for healthcare benefits.
Her son is at the doctor's office once a month, said Leon, 24, a sales associate for more than two years.
Don Abicht, president of the local CWA, said AT&T wants to increase the out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. But AT&T's Richter says local CWA workers pay the lowest rates among all AT&T employees.
Employees were also rallying against outsourcing, which Abicht said has claimed 22,000 jobs.
If union representatives can't agree on a contract by midnight, Abicht said employees will go on strike starting at 7 a.m. Monday.
``We'll be here,'' Cabrera said.
AUGUST 8TH
Three days ago...
BellSystem wrote:
As a retiree, I look back at all of the wage increases and other major items that we (as union members) agreed to give up over the years in order to retain the benefit levels that AT&T is currently erroding. AT&T is in an excellent financial position for the future right now, but is twisting the facts of their own proxies to reflect a "downturn in wireline".
Lest we forget that the landlines which feed those towers that allow you to view this comment on your iphone or blackberry and so on are maintained by the CORE WIRELINE Employees. The "DRY LOOPS" and DSL connections also ride on a landline connection.
I'm sick to hear that CWA District 4 bought into the corporate proposal. They should be ashamed of themselves for caving, while the rest of their union districts continue to negotiate, not to mention the IBEW at a Nationwide table.
The membership needs rapid education to prevent this from happening to the rest of the "Bell" employees. Really - NATIONWIDE NOW!
AT&T is using the current economic state to feel justified in shifting health care costs to their employees - Including their own managers. Even in the Great Depression - AT&T paid dividends to their shareholders.
This is absolutely sickening.
STAND UP PEOPLE! - FIGHT BACK! YOU are your Union!
Our blood, sweat & tears were not produced from "laying down" and "rolling over" - We stood solid - TOGETHER - AS ONE.
Mindful deception & misinformation campaigns are not what is best for your employees, Randall. I will see you at the next appearance that you make. I will be there and everywhere else no matter what the outcome of these negotiations are. I will be there with my vaules and my historical knowledge (which you apparently do not posess) to share with your board of directors and the rest of the media on hand - Retiree Thoughts
KSDK -- Dozens of CWA members took to the streets Thursday afternoon to voice their displeasure with AT&T.
CWA members have been working four months without a new contract with AT&T and said they are worried about their job security. They say AT&T has shipped tens of thousands of jobs to countries like India and they are worried their jobs will be next.
Negotiations continue between the two sides.
A spokesperson for Fleishman Hillard gave NewsChannel 5 a written statement on behalf of AT&T. In it, AT&T said its core union employees continue to work under the terms of expired contracts. The communications company says it is the largest private employer of full-time union employees and is proud of its relationship with the CWA.
In the statement, AT&T said that the employees covered by the contract in question work for a part of the company that continues to shrink -- wired voice services. AT&T says its growth areas are now wireless, video and broadband.
An AT&T spokesman addressed the concerns about outsourcing and said the company has returned 5,000 jobs to the United States in the last few years. He said the contract being offered the workers includes job offer guarantees to workers to ensure job offers for them in their area of work within the company.
JULY 28TH
The House of Representatives will be voting soon on H.R. 3200 -- America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. This landmark legislation would provide quality, affordable health care to all Americans.
Finally, health care reform is within our reach. But there are powerful interests fighting this legislation with everything they've got. The insurance industry and their right-wing backers in Congress are trying to kill or weaken this bill -- and it's up to us to make sure that doesn't happen.
This week is a week of action for CWA and our allies at the AFL-CIO and Health Care for America NOW! We're asking CWA members across the country to call their representatives and make sure they support America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
Your Member of Congress is Rep. Ed Royce. Please take a moment to call 1-888-580-0792 and urge Rep. Royce to vote YES on H.R. 3200.
When you dial, you will be automatically connected to your Member's office. Click here for more detailed instructions and a form so that you can report your results: http://www.healthcarevoices.org/script
America's Affordable Health Choices Act would help millions of Americans who are struggling with the high cost of health insurance -- or who have no coverage at all.
This legislation meets CWA's four priorities for health care reform:
It requires all employers to contribute to their workers' health care costs. This would let CWA workers keep their hard-won benefits, while making sure all workers are able to get coverage. It levels the playing field between responsible employers and those who don't pay their fair share of workers' health care costs.
It includes a strong public health insurance plan as an option to private insurance. This is essential to driving down costs, promoting competition, giving people choices, and protecting those with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage.
It protects retirees. This legislation would strengthen Medicare while providing employers with assistance to provide coverage for pre-Medicare retirees, who are particularly vulnerable to losing their health insurance.
It does not tax workers' health benefits. Expanded health care shouldn't be funded out of the pockets of America's working families. Instead, this bill would be financed by a modest tax surcharge on the wealthiest Americans -- recouping some of the lost revenue from the Bush tax cuts.
Help show Congress that the American people are behind this bill. Call 1-888-580-0792 to participate in our National Call-In Week -- and do your part to help achieve health care for all: http://www.healthcarevoices.org/script
Health care reform has been a long time coming. We're so close right now -- we must do everything we can to see this through to the end.
JULY 24TH
There have been many questions about the ATT D4 agreement and bargaining process. As a result we have prepared new factsheets describing the D4 settlement. Here is the web link for them http://www.cwa-union.org/att/factsheets/
JULY 20th
AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR TOMORROW TUESDAY, JULY 21ST HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO TUESDAY, JULY 28TH.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.
JULY 16TH
IT'S NOT OVER YET!!
Tentative Agreement in Midwest; Fight Goes On
The AT&T Midwest (District 4) unit has reached a tentative agreement with the Company. Negotiations continue at all other AT&T tables. Our fight goes on. Our energy and determination remain focused on standing one day longer until we get the quality agreements all of our members deserve.
There are unique issues in each of our AT&T contracts. The timing and terms of an agreement at each table depend on a combination of factors: the complexity of their issues; how willing the company is to address those issues; the consistency of their mobilization; and more.
We will use the power of 90,000 members and 100,000 retirees in the rest of the country to fight for what’s right for each unit. District 4 will add its weight to the fight and continue to mobilize along with their brothers and sisters.
District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen reiterated that CWA remains in ONE FIGHT. “Even though we have reached a tentative agreement in the Midwest, we will continue to support our sisters and brothers that have not yet reached an agreement. Our fight is not over until every AT&T unit has a fair and just contract.”
"As of about half an hour ago, I became the co-sponsor of my first piece of legislation in the Senate. And it's something called the Employee Free Choice Act."
That's what Al Franken said last night ... just hours after being sworn in as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota!
Today, Senator Franken is heading to the U.S. Capitol for his first full day on the job — and to thank him for his support, we're putting together a huge welcome card. Will you add your name? Take a minute to sign our welcome card to Senator Al Franken!
It's been a long road for Senator Franken. After a close vote, his opponent fought in court for months to stop him from being seated. Today, the people of Minnesota finally have their next Senator. Tell him that we're thrilled to have him here, standing up for America's workers. Senator Franken has already taken a strong stand for workers. Just hours after being sworn in yesterday, he signed on as a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act.
But Senator Franken is up against some serious opposition, so he needs our support and encouragement. As our economy continues to slide, an army of Big Business lobbyists continues to fight relentlessly against workers having a fair shake. Take a moment to welcome Senator Franken — thank him for being a leader on this issue and remind him how important it is that he keep fighting. Sign the card!
Together with Senate champions like Al Franken, we can restore the middle class and get our economy back on track.
Thank you for all you do,
Liz Cattaneo
American Rights at Work www.americanrightsatwork.org
P.S. Here's what the welcome card looks like:
JULY 3RD
TO WEAR... OR NOT TO WEAR! (BRANDED APPAREL)
Prem Techs Exempt
Our bargaining committee is hard at work trying to breakthrough AT&T'S resolve to screw you over.
Since AT&T wants to take away what we fought for in previous contracts, we need to send them a “strong” message:
"NO! YOU DON'T OWN US!"
"WE ARE NOT SLAVES TO YOUR CORPORATE GREED!"
"WE WILL NOT WEAR YOUR BRANDED APPAREL BECAUSE WE HAVE NO CONTRACT!"
Your Union is calling upon you to help AT&T “SEE THE LIGHT" and let them know we will REJECT ANY STINKIN’ CONTRACT that would be retrogressive.
Bring all of your branded apparel to the union hall by Tuesday to be shipped back to the negotiation table (no you don’t need to wash it, let AT&T smell the sweat of your hard work and whatever else you get on your clothes).
So toss your hats, pants, shirts and t-shirts into the negotiation ring! Make them aware that we are still watching them closely and we want the great contract we deserve!
If you can’t get the trash bags full of your branded apparel to the Union Hall by Tuesday, call the hall for pickup at your location. BEFORE 12:00pm THURSDAY!
You don’t have to strike to send a message of how AT&T makes you feel… dirty or not!
JULY 4TH
This weekend, our families will join millions of others in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.
Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition that all of us were created equal.
Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty -- a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union. And in every generation, another courageous group of patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.
Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or background, to help set our nation's course. America's greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with it.
As free people, we must each take the challenges and opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be fully content. And as America comes ever closer to achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.
So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward all we can still become.
JULY 3RD
When you are with your friends and family celebrating our Nation's freedom tomorrow, please think of the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom and say a prayer for the safe return of those who have been called upon to guard the gates of our Democracy.
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform;
so young, so tall, so proud.
With hair cut square and eyes alert,
he'd stand out in any crowd. I thought how many men like him
had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil;
how many mothers' tears? How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free. I heard the sound of Taps one night,
when everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant 'Amen.' When a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
of the mothers and the wives,
of fathers, sons and husbands With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard At the bottom of the sea. Of unmarked graves in Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.
Enjoy Your Freedomand
God Bless Our Troops.
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JUNE 13TH
THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES: 19 DAYS TO JULY 1ST
WHILE OUR BARGAINING TEAM CONTINUES TO NEGOTIATE WITH AT&T, ALL EYES ARE FOCUSED ON CONGRESS AND THE UPCOMING VOTE ON THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT. THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL CAN BE SEEN AS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR UNIONS.
AT&T ONCE ASKED US TO HELP THEM GET INTO LONG DISTANCE IN THIS STATE WITH THE PROMISE OF JOB SECURITY. WE TOLD OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS TO SUPPORT THEM AS WE ALL DID AND AT&T WAS BROUGHT INTO A NEW MARKET.
NOW THE UNION IS ASKING YOU TO PROMOTE A LAW THAT CAN AND WILL PROTECT YOU AGAINST THE SAME COMPANY YOU HELPED THAT IS NOW TRYING TO ABANDON YOU.
THEY ARE SAYING YOU ARE A BURDEN TO THEM AND YOU MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN TAKING A MASSIVE PAY CUT OR PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE ON YOUR OWN FROM SOME OTHER SOURCE.
DON'T LET THEM THROW YOU AWAY. DOWNLOAD THE FLYERS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS PAGE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE JUST BY TAKING A FEW MINUTES WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR DAILY TRAVELS AND LEAVE THE FLIERS ON CARS OR HANDOUT TO THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU ALL FOR GETTING INVOLVED.
JUNE 12TH
WE ALL KNOW GETTING A GOOD CONTRACT IS VERY IMPORTANT IN SECURING OUR FUTURE. HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY OTHER FORCES AT WORK THAT AFFECT ALL OF US AND CAN PUSH US ALL TO THE BRINK.
BY NOW MOST OF YOU HAVE HEARD THE NEWS THAT OUR FORMER CEO OF SBC, ED WHITACRE, Jr. HAS BEEN NAMED THE NEW CEO OF GENERAL MOTORS. ED LEFT US WITH A GOOD CONTRACT. EVEN THOUGH HE WAS TELCO LIKE US, SOME OF US DID NOT CARE FOR HIM. THIS BEING THE CASE, THERE IS NO DOUBT MANY OF US WISH HE WERE STILL AROUND INSTEAD OF...
YES IT IS IMPORTANT WE GET A GOOD CONTRACT, HOWEVER, IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT WE CONVINCE OUR POLITICIANS TO BACK US AND HELP SECURE OUR FUTURE. THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT CAN DO JUST THAT.
IF YOU LOOK TO THE LEFT OF THIS PAGE, UNDER THE LINKS MENU YOU WILL FIND A PLEA FOR HELP. THIS PLEA IS NOT JUST TO HELP US GET THE GOOD CONTRACT WE ALL DESERVE, BUT TO HELP MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME. THIS IS A DESCRIPTION THAT MAY ALSO FIT YOU.
THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT CAN BE THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO THE MIDDLE CLASS SINCE THE "NEW DEAL" HELP AMERICANS IN THE 1930'S. IT CAN ALLOW US TO "PULL OURSELVES US BY OUR BOOTSTRAPS". YOU KNOW, THAT IS AN EASY THING FOR POLITICIANS TO SAY, BUT WHEN THE WEIGHT OF CORPORATE GREED IS ON YOUR BACK, YOU WON'T BE STANDING FOR LONG IF YOU CAN GET UP AT ALL.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN RECENT HISTORY WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS MOMENT TO PASS US BY. WE NEED TO GET THIS BILL PASSED TO SECURE OUR OWN FUTURE, OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE, AND THE FUTURE OF THE PROSPEROUS AMERICA WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE.
READ THE FLYERS. IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE "LIARS CAN FIGURE, BUT FIGURES DON'T LIE", READ THE STUDY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AND THE OTHER SOURCE MATERIAL I HAVE GATHERED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS WEBSITE.
1. CLICK ON THE IMAGES AND PRINT OR DOWNLOAD THE MATERIAL.
2. TAKE THEM TO A COPY CENTER TO MAKE ALL OF THE COPIES YOU WILL NEED TO LEAVE IN AS MANY PUBLIC PLACES AS YOU CAN I.E. PUBLIC MESSAGE BOARDS AT APARTMENTS, COLLEGE CAMPUSES, LAUNDRYMATS OR SUPERMARKETS.
3. EMAIL THE FLYERS TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND GET THEM INVOLVED TOO. IT IS AN UNDENIABLE FACT THAT UNION WORKERS ARE PAID HIGHER WAGES SO HELP THEM OUT BY PASSING ALONG THE INFORMATION TO THEM.
4. THE IMPORTANT THING TO DO IS TO DISTRIBUTE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND DON'T FORGET THIS IS SOMETHING YOUR COLLEGE AGE CHILDREN CAN HELP HANDOUT ON CAMPUS.
5. SINCE CONGRESS WILL BE VOTING FOR THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT WILL TAKE PLACE ON JULY 1ST, WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME. OTHER WAYS OF GETTING THE WORD OUT FAST WOULD BE PLACING THE FLYERS ON CARS IN PARKING LOTS, GOING DOOR TO DOOR, PASSING THEM OUT AT GAMES.
6. DON'T FORGET TO CALL YOUR CONGRESSPERSON YOURSELF TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE. EVEN IF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ARE FOR THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT, CALL THEM AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE SUPPORTIVE OF THEM AND THAT THEY ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING.
WE NEED MORE MEMBERS TO STEP UP AND GIVE POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS WE MAY HAVE MISSED TO HELP ALONG THE ENORMOUS TASK.
JUNE 5TH
CWA 9505 WILL DO AN INFORMATIONAL PICKET AT THE LAKER GAME ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH AT 4P.M. DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF STAPLES CENTER. ALL OF YOU AT 9509 ARE INVITED TO BE THERE FOR THIS HIGH PROFILE EVENT.
THANK YOU CWA LOCAL 9505
JUNE 5TH
The BIG March on Feinstein’s
Los Angeles Office
On June 3rd the Los Angeles Central Labor Council had a rally and march to Senator Feinstein’s office in Los Angeles. The purpose of the event was to tell the Senator that she needs to support the Employee Free Choice Act, which would be federal legislation that would help workers earn better wages, health care and retirement benefits, by signing a card to join a union.
Hundreds of union members sang songs and carried signs with their message that working families need an opportunity to earn better wages that will help lift them out of this recession.
JUNE 4TH
NOT ALL CEOs HAVE THEIR HEADS UP THEIR ASSETS!
HELP THIS MAN HELP YOU. An open letter from Roger Smith, representing the Business Leaders for a Fair Economy:
As the president and CEO of American Income Life Insurance and National Income Life Insurance Company, I run a company with more than 4,000 employees and associates, and I firmly believe the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to turning around our economy and rebuilding our middle class.
More than 1,000 business leaders like me have publicly endorsed the Employee Free Choice Act, but that is not enough because actions speak louder than words.
I realized I needed to organize responsible, worker-friendly business leaders in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. It’s amazing what some of my fellow CEOs are willing to say in an effort to stop this important piece of legislation, and it was time to fight back.
A group of us have formed a new coalition, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy, to make it clear that it's possible to be both pro-business and pro-worker. We are a national group of employers, entrepreneurs and business leaders who understand that good jobs that pay well create demand for the goods and services we provide. We support the Employee Free Choice Act as an integral part of our nation's economic recovery.
I’m honored to be a part of this great new coalition and to serve with my fellow committee members, Darren Horndasch, president of Wisconsin Vision, and Diana Ortiz, president and CEO of Ortiz Enterprises LLC and Ortiz Accounting and Tax Services.
As CEOs, we are challenging other responsible business leaders to support this landmark legislation because we know what is good for workers is good for business.
Thank you,
Roger Smith
Chair, Business Leaders for a Fair Economy
President and CEO, American Income Life Insurance and National Income Life Insurance Company
P.S. Marc Laitin at the AFL-CIO wanted to make sure I reminded you to call your senators and tell them about this new organization. Help amplify our voices today. Here are the numbers for your senators:
Sen. Boxer at (202) 224-3553
Sen. Feinstein at (202) 224-3841
MAY 27th
YOUR UNION LOCAL CWA 9509 ATTENDED A PROTEST AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER LOCALS WITHIN DISTRICT 9?
WHY THE FOUR SEASONS? AT&T CEO RANDALL STEPHENSON WAS THERE PLAYING GOLF! HIS TEE-OFF WAS INTERRUPTED BY 130 CWA MEMBERS DEMANDING THE FAIR CONTRACT HIS EMPLOYEES DESERVED!
THIS TIME, MORE THAN JUST ASSET PROTECTION SHOWED UP. THE NEWS BLACKOUT ON OUR PLIGHT HAS BEEN REPORTED ON TELEVISION AS DEMONSTRATED BY SAN DIEGO'S CBS 8 NEWS COVERAGE ABOVE.
MAY 27th
HERE IT IS FOLKS!
THE 2ND AT&T UNITY e-MEETING
MAY 27TH
AT&T Unity e-Meeting TONIGHT! Wednesday May 27 9pm EDT
CWA District 9 Vice President Jim Weitkamp placed a ROBO CALL today to all CWA members. Did you receive yours? If you did not get your call, let your local know and leave a phone number you can be reached.
He thanked everyone for their efforts and let everyone know that they are making a difference. However, everyone must (DOUBLE) their efforts in taking their TIIIIME to work SAFELY!
Don't be afraid to do your safety checks. DOUBLE check your work as OFTEN as neccessary to do a QUALITY JOB.
May 19th
From the Mobilizing Committee:
Don't forget to sign the bargaining support petition if you haven't already, and be sure to get your friends and family members to sign. We can get more than 100,000 supporters on record with an additional push.
There has been a last, best and final offer from AT&T in CWA District 6 which is the old Southwestern Bell Telephone. So far it is just an offer.
Bargaining continues at all other tables including ours, District 9. Bargaining report #54 implores everyone to remain patient as bargaining continues.
Thank you
MAY 9th
PART OF OUR STRENGTH IS OUR GOODWILL TOWARD THE PUBLIC. LET US NOT DO ANYTHING TO DAMAGE THAT RELATIONSHIP. WE ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AND WE SHOULD ALWAYS CONDUCT OURSELVES AS SUCH.
THE PUBLIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON OUR SIDE WHEN WE FACE DOWN CORPORATIONS WHO THINK THEY CAN PUSH ITS EMPLOYEES AROUND WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES. WE AS AMERICAN WORKERS ARE NOT BROKEN BY THE ILL WILL THAT HAS BEEN VISITED UPON US BY OWN CORPORATIONS.
YOU HAVE BEEN PATIENT. OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES BUT NOT WITHOUT PROGRESS TO AN ACCEPTABLE RESOLUTION. BARGAINING REPORT #53 INDICATES THAT THE PROGRESS MADE IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY! YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO SHOW YOUR "ORGANIZED WILL" CANNOT BE IGNORED.
MUCH HAS BEEN DONE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT EVEN IF IT IS JUST THE CLOTHING YOU WEAR: THE BLACK ON MONDAY; RED ON TUESDAYS; THE BUTTONS; WRISTBANDS; T-SHIRTS AND OTHER SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT THE BARGAINING TABLE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT,
YOUR UNION
CWA Local 9509 in San Diego, CA attended the LAFoL/AFL-CIO's Townhall on Veterans and Good Jobs. We then marched from Union Station to an AT&T C.O. downtown for a rally hosted by Local 9000.
Remember: One Union, One Fight, One Future!
May 7th
We stand together at this rally to remind AT&T of what is right, because they are quickly becoming a symbol for what is wrong with our country!
Protest March To AT&T From Union Station to Downtown L.A.
Our streets
One fight or no future
Happy to see us
Why we fight
Our strength
The Arrival
Jim
We are CWA
Hates us all
We built this city
The boys
4/24 RALLY RANDALL THE RAT WAS THERE TO GREET THEM ON ARRIVAL.
Beat The Rat
Save our future
Together
Randy
Kick 'em
April 29th
Don't forget this war is being waged on all fronts and IT IS WINNABLE IF WE ALL DO OUR PART! If the Employee Free Choice Act was law right now, we would have had a contract by now! Do your part by CALLING YOUR CONGRESSMAN TODAY! Tell them, "I am tired of corporate greed and I want you to PASS THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT TODAY!" YOU can do this.
We need your help to get out the truth about the Employee Free Choice Act through the Turn Around America Fund. As leaders of today's labor movement, our role in turning around America's economy is absolutely critical--because we know that whatever economic recovery measures our country may need, we will not achieve balance and broadly shared prosperity unless we restore workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Click here (pdf) to download a form if you'd prefer to contribute offline.
We have reached the moment in our fight for America’s workers when it will come down to a few key individuals, including Sen. Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania. Specter was once a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act and a vocal public supporter of labor law reform. Earlier this year, Specter switched positions and opposed the bill. Today, he announced he is switching political parties but maintaining his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act.
Lets be clear, Sen. Specter’s decision to join the Democratic Party is welcome news, but what really matters is whose side you are on. Help us keep ads on the air letting Pennsylvanians know that while Specter may have become a Democrat, what really matters is whether he sides with Big Business or America's workers.
America’s workers deserve the freedom to form unions and bargain for a better life. Contribute to the Turn Around America Fund today.
April 24th
If you missed the 1st Unity@AT&T e-meeting broadcast, here it is represented for you.
Click Play Video to watch
"All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing."- Edmund Burke
CWA District 9/AT&T West
Bargaining Bulletin #76
Tuesday,
August 4th, 2009
We have reached a major breakthrough on the items that separated us.
We will be working around the clock to bring bargaining to a successful conclusion.
Thanks for your support-your efforts have made this possible.
Think positive-stay vigilant. We will continue to keep you advised as events warrant.
CWA Local 9510’s Response to the District 6 “Offer”
The offer AT&T presented to District 6 is not “last, best or final.” The small print at the bottom of each page of the offer brochure says so itself, “This highlights package…is for illustrative purposes only, is not an offer and does not replace, modify or constitute a formal proposal.”
Also, you need to remember we’re bargaining on five tables, so what’s being offered in District 6 does not necessarily apply in District 9. While there are common issues across all tables, there are issues specific to us, such as job security and health care.
Because AT&T can reach you instantaneously with an irrelevant and bogus offer, we need to respond. The following are the “lowlights” of the District 6 offer in no particular order of merit:
Pay – A 6.5% pay raise over the three years of the proposed deal split as follows:
Year one – 2% plus $500 ratification bonus, Year two – 2.25% pay raise, and year three – 2.25% pay raise.
Premiums – Under their health care proposal by year three of the contract, we would pay 20% of our health care costs as premium.
Deductibles – A stiff annual deductible ranging from $500 for a single person to $1,000 for a couple to $1,500 for a family. This would mean a family would have to spend $1,500 in a year before ANY medical insurance would kick in.
Coinsurance – If you are in network, your coinsurance rate is 10%. If you are in a non-network plan, your coinsurance would be 40%.
Prescriptions – You pay for all prescriptions until you breach your deductible, after that, its co-pays.
Outof Pocket – This is the amount of money you would have to spend before 100% coverage kicks in. For an individual it is $2,500, for a couple it is $4,000 and for a family $5,300. Therefore, if a family had any major health issues befall them in a given year, they would have to pay the first $6,800 ($1,500 deductible and $5,300 out of pocket) worth of coverage.
As AT&T’s blurb says, “We expect only a fraction of our bargained for population will reach the out of pocket maximum.” The question you need to ask is, “Could you or you family afford to be sick?”
No April Fools Day for Local 9509!
Members and stewards alike participated in an informational picket line in downtown San Diego, America’s finest city, on April Fools Day. Passersby wanted to know the issues and picketers were quick to explain. AT&T made almost 13 billion dollars in net profits last year. AT&T should be a leader in helping turn the economy around by providing good middle class jobs and not cutting benefits or lowering the standard of living for employees.
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