November 14, 2005
The Union and the Company met today to begin negotiations for a new bargaining agreement.
The Union made an opening statement, followed by a brief presentation by the Company. The Union provided the Company its initial agenda and demands dealing with items such as: Wages, pensions, healthcare, incidental reimbursements, and numerous others
The Company subsequently presented the Union its proposals, primarily housekeeping items. The Union and the Company agreed to resume negotiations on Tuesday, 11/15/05.
If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything!
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November 15, 2005
The Union and the Company resumed the negotiations this morning.
The Union provided responses to the Company’s proposals presented the preceding day. Mostly housekeeping items, the Union agreed with most of the proposed language changes. A few of those Articles were: Union Security, Non-Discrimination, Grievance Procedure, Allocation of Work, Inclement Weather, Vacations, Board and Lodging, and Meals.
The Company provided responses to the Union’s demands presented the previous day. They encompassed 15 occurrences of the Company stating they weren’t interested. Several of the issues involved were: Health and Safety, Tools, Vacation, Pension, Sick Benefits, Overtime, Excused Absences, 401(K) Plan, Wages, and CSR title restructuring.
The Company then presented the Union three new proposals. One would result in the erosion of Seniority rights. Another would place further restrictions on Holiday scheduling. The final one would afford the Company unbridled, forced overtime opportunities.
The Union and Company agreed to adjourn and resume negotiations on Thursday, 11/17/05.
Unions = The anti-theft device for working people!
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November 17, 2005
The Union and the Company resumed the contract negotiations this morning.
The Company asked, again, if the demands presented by the Union on 11/14/05 were all the proposals it intends to submit for the duration of these negotiations. The Union replied, again, the initial package submitted to the Company was comprehensive; however the Union reserves the right to add, delete or modify its agenda. The Company stated additions to the Union’s agenda wouldn’t be weighted as heavily. The Union replied failing to bargain in good faith was a chargeable offense.
The Company and Union then reviewed every Union item passed across the table on 11/14/05. This enabled the Company to ask questions for clarification purposes. Several Articles discussed were: Allocation of Work, Health and Safety, Holidays, Tools, Vacations, Pension, Sick Leave, Board and Lodging, Meal Allowance, Overtime, Differential Payments, Excused Absences, 401(K) Plan, and CSR title restructuring.
The Union and the Company reviewed the 3 of the 4 Company proposals passed across the table on 11/15/05. The Union asked the Company to explain its intent. The 3 Articles discussed were: Seniority, Holidays, and Overtime. It was agreed to hold the On Call proposal for a future session to allow for sufficient discussion.
At the next session, the Company will provide a health care cost and benefits presentation. The Union and Company agreed to adjourn and resume negotiations on Monday, 11/21/05.
Some chose to ignore that Labor creates all wealth!
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November 21, 2005
The Union and the Company resumed the contract negotiations this morning. Prior to the Company’s presentation on its unilateral, July 2005 health care plan changes, the Union made a related, opening statement and defined its expectations. The Company then presented a timeline of key events leading up to and including the implementation of their new health care plans, as well as specific costs.
During and immediately after the Company presentation, the Union asked pertinent questions regarding the costs referenced and the hypothetical comparisons made. After a brief, Union Bargaining Committee caucus, the Union asked its remaining questions pertaining to coinsurance, copay, and deductible amount determinations.
The Union then asked the Company to elaborate on their On Call proposal, the reason(s) they believe it’s necessary, and how they perceived it would be administered. There was a significant amount of Union and Company discussion about this topic, as well as the previously covered and related, Company forced overtime proposal.
The Company had nothing more to present to the Union at this time, including responses to most of the Union’s demands, initially presented on Monday, 11/14/05. The Company was informed it would receive replies to their 11/15/05 proposals on 11/22/05.
The Union and Company agreed to adjourn and resume negotiations on Tuesday, 11/22/05.
Inside + Outside: yo U a N d I = ON e
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November 22, 2005
The Union and the Company resumed the contract negotiations this afternoon.
The Union responded in writing to the Company’s proposals presented on 11/15/05. With the exception of 1 Company, housekeeping item, the Union informed the Company it isn’t interested in their proposed Seniority, Overtime, or On Call changes.
During a Company caucus, the Union was presented copies of a “sampling” of reports they believed supported their justification for On Call. The Union reviewed them. When the Company and Union reconvened, the Union pointed out specific examples throughout their “sampling” substantiating the norm is there are responses. There was considerable discussion, once again, on this topic without any change in positions.
The Union suggested breaking for supper and then reconvening immediately thereafter. The Company stated it would prefer to just adjourn for the evening. The Union and Company agreed to resume negotiations earlier on Wednesday, 11/23/05.
We work to live, not live to work!
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November 23, 2005
The Union and the Company resumed the contract negotiations this morning.
The Union noted the Company received recognition for the lowest, customer complaint rate for the eighth year and that contract improvements is the appropriate vehicle to acknowledge that repeated, high level of employee performance.
The Union informed the Company their proposal to incorporate an existing Memorandum of Understanding into Article IX – Allocation of Work, by adding a Section, is an unnecessary housekeeping item and therefore not interested in it. The Union inquired whether or not the Company had additional proposals to those presented so far or if there were any the Union had failed to respond to. The Company replied no.
The Company asked the Union for its interpretation of the contract language pertaining to employee birthday/personal day administration and the Union responded with its position. The Company also asked if the Union had any questions regarding their 11/21/05 health care presentation. The Union replied no and reaffirmed the Company violated the contract by unilaterally implementing the significant changes.
The Union and Company agreed to resume negotiations on Thursday, 12/01/05.
Rock the Boat – Learn to Swim
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December 1, 2005
The Union and the Company resumed the contract negotiations this morning.
The Company’s opening statement was a repeat of the faster, better, cheaper mantra from the presentation they made on the first day of bargaining. The Union responded if they were as concerned about the employees needs as the shareholders’, they could achieve that goal.
The Union presented a considerable number of examples of executive compensation to the Company to reinforce the Company’s financial well-being and its ability to properly compensate the employees for their contributions to its economically, sound position.
The Company asked “What is important to your Membership?” and the Union reaffirmed there were issues listed in the first “package” they’d received from the Union on the first day of bargaining. The Company replied they weren’t questioning the validity of those issues
Following a caucus of the Bargaining Chairs, the Union suggested each Committee caucus to determine if there were any ideas or common ground that could be used to start meaningful negotiations. The Bargaining Chairs reconvened and agreed to review all existing proposals
Late in the afternoon, the Company Bargaining Chair contacted the Union’s to discuss the merits of reconvening prior to taking the time necessary to properly review all of the existing proposals and/or prepare responses. The Chairs agreed to meet independently the next day.
The Union and Company agreed to resume negotiations on Monday, 12/05/05.
Educate > Agitate > Mobilize
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December 2, 2005
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees met independently to review all of the existing proposals that have been exchanged since the negotiations started on 11/14/05.
After adjourning on Thursday, 12/01/05, the Union and Company Bargaining Chairs met briefly and agreed to resume the joint negotiations on Monday, 12/05/05, in the morning.
A pot fills drop by drop.
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December 19, 2005
The Company Bargaining Committee continued their caucus from 12/14/05 to work on the Union and Company Bargaining Sub-Committees off table discussions and a new “package.” During that same period of time in the morning, the Union and Company Bargaining Chairs met for approximately 1 hour to review information requested by the Union on 12/13/05.
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees reconvened in the afternoon, when the Company presented a new “package” for the Union to consider that encompassed 8 topics. Those topics were Union Security, Seniority, Leaves of Absence, Health and Safety, Inclement Weather, Holidays, Pensions, and Wages. Those with a monetary value were woefully short. The Union Bargaining Committee advised the Company it would need caucus to consider all aspects of their new “package” and prepare replies and/or counterproposals as warranted.
The Union and Company agreed to resume negotiations on Tuesday, 12/20/05.
You’ve been put on ignore.
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December 20, 2005
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees reconvened negotiations today and the
Afterwards, the Union presented the Company its updates and counterproposals to the Company “package” received the preceding day, followed by a statement that it’s evident how the Company’s chosen to negotiate, so the
After reviewing the Union’s submission, the Company requested clarification on the
The Company requested a caucus. Shortly thereafter, the Union and Company reconvened. The Company stated the
The
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees adjourned, subject to the call of the Chairs.
C hristmas Time Contract Offer = Scrooge-like
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January 22, 2006
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees have not reconvened negotiations since the
Tentative negotiation dates of 01/18/06 and 01/19/06 were discussed, but subsequently ruled out after there was additional discussion about health care. The Company Chair stated she would need time to prepare in order to have further dialogue to try and come to a solution. The
Strike authorization votes have recently been conducted by all 4 Locals and those results left no doubt the members are well aware the Company’s workplace “thank yous”, are not being reflected by corresponding and appropriate, contract improvements at the bargaining table.
“Without labor nothing prospers.”
*****
February 16, 2006
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees reconvened negotiations today and the Union’s first order of business was to introduce Mr. Charles (Chas) Burns to the Company’s Bargaining Committee. Mr. Burns is an attorney that joined the District 13 staff on 01/01/06.
The Company then stated they had a response to the Union’s 12/20/05 package and answers to the two questions raised at the same bargaining session, regarding the Company’s pension plan. As of 12/31/04, there was $85,574.224 in the plan and the funding level was at 92.5%.
The Union thanked the Company for providing the requested information and then asked whether or not the Company has done any recent workforce projections, increases or decreases, for the next three years or close to that time frame. The Company responded no.
The Company then distributed a joint, proposals package, which was a compilation of the Company and Union bargaining agenda items and again inquired if all the Union’s proposals were presented. The Union replied it reserves the right to add, change, or modify its agenda.
During the Company’s review of each item in their compilation, they stated all pertinent Articles of the contract were followed when it implemented the 07/01/05 health care plan changes. The Union went on record to vehemently disagree and dispute that representation.
After the Company concluded its review, the Union stated it only contained rejections, no net monetary worth to counter, and that it has no intention of bargaining against itself. The Union advised the Company, after next week, it’s willing to meet 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Company Bargaining Committee members took a brief caucus and returned to the table. The Union then requested the dollar amount associated with the Company’s 02/16/06 package. Not a line item explanation, just the difference between the old contract and their last package.
The Company then caucused, during which the Union and Company Chairs met off table. When the parties reconvened, the Company indicated it would take some time to put the information requested together and that they weren’t in a position to continue into night.
The Union and Company agreed to resume negotiations on Friday, 02/16/06.
Do unto others.
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February 17, 2006
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees reconvened negotiations today and the Company informed the
The Company stated the last packages they presented included responses to the
The
The
The Company stated they’ve been trying to address what they feel are the most important items to the employees. They also indicated they’d discussed certain title restructuring, but decided it might not turn out the way the
A Company misunderstanding regarding healthcare, brought to the
The Company took a brief caucus and returned to the table to suggest the parties adjourn for the day. The Company further proposed both Committees come back prepared to kick off the conversation with healthcare. The
The Union and Company agreed to resume negotiations in two weeks, due to major conflicts in both parties’ schedules the following week. The Bargaining Committee Chairs will notify their respective members when future bargaining dates have been coordinated and finalized.
Fortune favors the brave.
*****
February 28, 2006
The
Streets First - Neighborhoods Second.
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March 10, 2006
The Union and Company agreed to and have scheduled negotiations on Monday, 03/13/06, and Tuesday, 03/14/06. If needed, additional consecutive days will also be scheduled.
Union Bargaining Committee members cancelled their plans to attend the CWA’s Legislative Conference next week, to make themselves available for all possible negotiation opportunities.
El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido.
*****
March 15, 2006
CWA and Commonwealth Telephone Company 2005 Contract Negotiations – Day 23
The Union and Company Bargaining Committees reconvened negotiations today and the Union presented its counterproposal to the Company’s 03/14/06 package, again addressing the areas of Health and Safety, Holidays, Vacations, Healthcare Costs, Pensions and Wages.
After the Company finished its review of the Union’s counterproposal, the Union inquired if there was any merit to the subcommittee that had been working on the Company’s Overtime and On Call proposals reconvening. The Company replied no. The Union elaborated further.
Addressing the Union’s Healthcare Costs counterproposal, the Company stated everyone has to work together to get costs down and that they’ve looked into wellness programs. The Union replied it’s willing to consult and confer, but the Company needs to address the correlation of its aging workforce, who are unable to retire due to the insufficient pension and wage levels.
The Company caucused for several hours, followed by a Company request for an off table discussion of the Bargaining Committee Chairs. Shortly thereafter, the Union and Company Bargaining Committees reconvened and the Company presented its final offer for settlement.
The Union reviewed the Company’s 03/15/06 package, which contained further, positive movement in the areas of Pensions and Wages. The Union then briefly caucused. Afterwards, the Bargaining Committees reconvened to make final comments and discuss certain logistics.
The Bargaining Committee Chairs agreed to reconvene tomorrow, 03/16/06, to review a synopsis of an old/new contract language, comparison document for accuracy and prior to its distribution in the field. Other Union Bargaining Committee members will also be present.
When someone tells you they got rich through hard work, ask them: “Whose?“
*****
March 16, 2006
CWA and Commonwealth Telephone Company 2005 Contract Negotiations – Update
The Union Bargaining Committee reconvened first today to review an advance copy of a synopsis of an old/new contract language, comparison document for accuracy. Shortly thereafter, the Union and Company Bargaining Chairs reconvened and made 2 corrections.
The Company Bargaining Committee Chair agreed to send out an internal, e-mail to management that did not contain any of the specifics in the corrected synopsis, in order to give the 4 Locals the opportunity to hand-deliver them to members in the various workplaces.
The Company Bargaining Committee Chair was then advised that each of the 4 Locals will conduct a vote on the Company’s final offer for settlement throughout next week as follows:
· Monday, 03/20/06: Local 13570 - Ballots cast at the end of their Membership meeting
· Tuesday, 03/21/06: Local 13572 - Ballots cast at the end of their Membership meeting
· Thursday, 03/23/06: Local 13571 - Ballots cast at 4 sites and returned to Local’s office
· Thursday, 03/23/06: Local 13573 - Ballots cast at the end of their Membership meeting
Prior to the Company Bargaining Committee Chair’s departure, the Union Bargaining Committee Chair stated the vote results, whether it’s accepted or not, will be communicated.
The Union Bargaining Committee then finalized its plans to start distributing the synopsis to all 4 Locals’ Memberships immediately upon adjourning to synchronize maximum coverage, in order to minimize miscommunications or rumors about the final offer settlement specifics.
Any member who hasn’t received a synopsis by Monday, 03/20/06, should contact their Local.
Words without actions are meaningless.
*****
March 19, 2006
CWA and Commonwealth Telephone Company 2005 Contract Negotiations – Highlights
As a result of 23 days of collective bargaining, the Union Bargaining Committee succeeded in negotiating several, key improvements in the previous contract that expired on 11/30/05, prior to the Company’s presentation of its final offer for settlement last Wednesday, 03/15/06.
Any Local 13570, 13571, 13572, or 13573 Member who hasn’t received a copy of the synopsis of the proposed changes by Monday, 03/20/06, should contact their Local immediately. Locals started hand-delivering the documents to members last Thursday and finished on Friday.
Following are highlights of several key, proposed changes that will be voted on this week:
Ø Article X Leaves of Absence
Increased number of Union representatives granted Leaves of Absence to attend to Union business.
Ø Article XIII Health and Safety
Cap removed on difference between regular and CDL, PA Driver’s License reimbursements and an increase in safety shoe reimbursements.
Ø Article XVI Holidays
Day after Thanksgiving replaces Good Friday and asterisked restrictions removed from Thanksgiving Day.
Ø Article XVII Vacations
Full compensation for all unused, personal holidays when retiring directly from active service.
Ø Article XVIII Hospital, Medical/Surgical, Major Medical, HMO and Dental Plans
Aggregate sum of money to be distributed equally among members that meet defined, eligibility requirements.
Ø Article XXI Pension
Increases across the board in Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 of the contract.
Ø Exhibit “B” Wage Progression Schedule
Increases across the board in Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 of the contract, plus a Year 1 only CSRs, Inventory Clerks and Storekeepers additional increase.
Ø Signing Bonus AKA Recognition Incentive - Contingent on ratification on or before 04/07/06.
Ø Retroactivity Back to 12/01/05 - Contingent on ratification on or before 04/07/06.
Any Member who has not yet completed an eligibility form for Defense and Strike Fund monies is strongly urged to do so before the Locals’ vote results are tabulated on Thursday, 03/23/06.
Outcomes and your future are decided by those who vote.
*****
CWA and CTCo 2005 Contract Negotiations – Final Offer For Settlement Vote Results
March 23, 2006
Following a week of materials distribution, mailings and Membership meetings, the two remaining, Local Memberships cast their ballots earlier today, Thursday, 03/23/06. Their votes were tabulated and added to those cast earlier this week, which determined whether or not Members would accept the Company 03/15/06, final offer for settlement.
District 13 Vice President James Short, the Asst. to the Vice President Terry Tipping, and the Presidents of Locals 13570, 13571, 13572 and 13573 have all been notified by the Union Bargaining Committee Chair that the final offer for settlement has officially been ratified by a majority of eligible Members who cast their ballots over the last four days.
The Union Bargaining Committee previously approached the Company and asked them to verify whether or not Payroll has the ability to make specific, related payments separately, as a means to reduce the tax consequence, rather than include them all in a single payment. As soon as we receive a reply, the Locals will communicate their answer.
Democracy and Unionism are synonymous. They use the same foundation.