CWA Dist. 6 negotiators leave bargaining table

CWA of Virginia
If we were so easy to replace you would have already done so. Furthermore, the more cuts you make to the front line employees (techs, call center, people who actually have contact with the customers), the less productive you shall be. Have a nice day.

Hey D6 - News Flash-- Lockout is coming, due to CWA's unwillingness to negotiate lately. YOu can't string this along forever, and AT&T is ready to force the issue. Good luck finding new jobs, as you WILL be easily replaced. You all knew nothing about your jobs when you started, and there are plenty of willing replacement workers out there who need a good job with the kind of benefits you are being offered.

I cant belive that you guys fell for that weak contract had you waited for a few more days or months you could have gotten a better deal...

What you need to do is contact your chief steward and tell him that your not getting the rep that you need if he doesnt help you call your president, if that doesnt work call me, managers are doing what they want, these write ups are unjustified and if you have a strong enough steward you should not have to go throiught that.. stand up for your self, vote out the old steward and get you new ones....

they can hire people to do our job for less but they will get what they pay for and the will not get the same service and right now they cant afford thatif uverse goes down for 48 hours at7t would lose their mind cause none of the managers know what they are doing and cant train anyone fast enough not to loose billions of dollars, and before the fcc gets involved

If you were part of a union you may have a job right now and have that house, without being raped by big companies like at&t. I worked hard to get what i got, but while i have my house, all my hard work and efforts are paying for Stevens to fly around in his jet, and his kids to go to private school while mine are in public, for me to deal with this rising economy and not get a raise in two years , but at the smae time let Steven live the life! I want my fair share, and what you need to do is join the fight ao that one day you will get what you want.

Prior post:

""There are over 70% NON PAYING (occupational)MEMBERS ready and willing to work OT to cover your jobs when you walk!!!"""

I'm Not a union member.

Do not know where people like you get numbers like that with the verbiage “willing”... This is not a “please help us”, this is “you have no choice”.

Why do companies/unions/LEADERS continue to use the work force on both sides to continue gaining their own power and increased monies, leaving the American working in the hole.

Yes both provide some gains to workers – but always take much more away to gain more for the Organization(s) and ...... in the end the American worker lose. And yes we have the option to leave the USA, but whom in the pile of workers can even think of such a costly move. To say the least this mind set of money only matters, is world wide.

Sorry being so bleak – but these days not much left for those who need a job, pay the bills and want to try to peruse a dream, like buy house, some much worse off, like buy food, medical supplies and so on.

Let me guess, you voted for Obama.

I do believe the CWA leadership has a plan. Maybe D4 agreeing to the "tentative" agreement is all part of that plan, sort of a way to lull AT&T into thinking they have one less district to worry about then right before the August 8th contract expiration for D3, D4 will vote down the awfull contract that their "leadership" "tentatively" agreed to. Then CWA will call the nationwide strike and let the fun begin.

It appears the company is stepping up with their disciplinary steps to make the district 6 employees pay for not accepting the contract. Union people are getting written up, for any reason. So sad it's all come down to this.

Good luck to the union and their fight. I was on the union side for a while and really didn't see a need for it. I came to work, did my job and got paid. What I saw of the union was that they were trying to protect the screw-ups. Now that I am management and see what the union is getting (Distrct 4 tentative contract) I would think that the union reps got a great thing for all of you. They make mang't pay a boat load of money to be insured without COLA, pay raises and everything that goes with the new tentative deal. Good luck and congrat's. On a sour note here, be prepared for 3rd Qtr personnel cuts...on both sides. I might even be able to unpack my "strike gear" soon...

I can't wait until I am fired, surplused, locked out, whatever. I seriously hate that place. But it needs to happen correctly, therefore, I can be a leech on the managements tax paying wages, and plan on using all the government resources I can. Sorry, my fellow union reps, I might be taking advantage of your tax dollars also, but.....

Posted by Anonymous | July 14, 2009 - 1:50pm
Man I wish AT&T would just start cutting union positions, reclassify craft jobs, and let those that want to work get back to work.

Hopefully, yours will be the first position cut!

Man I wish AT&T would just start cutting union positions, reclassify craft jobs, and let those that want to work get back to work.

you r right they would disolve us. if 70% of the non union members would be willing to strike in my office alone of approx 150 ppl....lets see approx 4 ppl would be willing to cross the line. the other 146 ppl could be replaced by the strike training AT&T gave their managers??...lol that is funny as hell!

News flash. If 70% of the members are non union members,then at/t could file a request for the union to be dissolved.

"I'm occupational , in a right to work state...never paid union dues and never will ! Cause I don't have to !"

And the sad part is. Every dollar you earn, every benefit you get, is now, and will be in the future, tied to the CONTRACT between the CWA and AT&T. Workers like you are the reason District 6 got a last, best, and final offer. (Notice that the districts didn't get one?) AT&T perceives that district as weak and non-unified. You can pay for your healthcare, get a minor wage increase, and continue to be forced to work all kinds of ungodly overtime. While the rest of stand united in solidarity and keep up our mobilization efforts to gain better working conditions, low cost healthcare and a decent wage from a company that continues to profit year after year.

Posted by Anonymous | July 3, 2009 - 3:34pm

Why do you assume that someone who does not pay union dues is management ? I'm occupational , in a right to work state...never paid union dues and never will ! Cause I don't have to ! And I'm not the one complaining about AT&T.

Everyone keeps saying that if CWA goes on strike, AT&T will be without ALL of their occupational employees...that's not true !! There are over 70% NON PAYING (occupational)MEMBERS ready and willing to work OT to cover your jobs when you walk!!!
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WOW, 70% of the occupational Union Members don't pay union dues? Where are you getting this information from? Please give a link or let me know how I can verify that information, because I don't think that is true at all. Also if what your saying is true then CWA leadership is genius for not already going out on strike! Thank you for pointing out how well they have handled negotiations up till now.

Why do you assume that someone who does not pay union dues is management ? I'm occupational , in a right to work state...never paid union dues and never will ! Cause I don't have to ! And I'm not the one complaining about AT&T.

Everyone keeps saying that if CWA goes on strike, AT&T will be without ALL of their occupational employees...that's not true !! There are over 70% NON PAYING (occupational)MEMBERS ready and willing to work OT to cover your jobs when you walk!!!

Posted by Anonymous | June 30, 2009 - 11:13pm

Why are you complaining? You don't pay union dues anyway.

Posted by Anonymous | June 30, 2009 - 11:06pm

"I have one question. How many jobs do you think you could save if you offered to pay $100 a month for health care? It doesnt matter because you refuse to. Oh wait, you shouldnt have to. The govt should pay for your healthcare. Yall are pathetic welfare recipiants. I hope you got it when the getting was good. There is a new sheriff in town and he aint no welfare giving democrat."
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First off, if AT&T had just wanted a 100.00 a month premium and left the rest of the contract alone I believe this contract would have been settled long ago. If AT&T needs to cut jobs that is fine as long as they are not doing it to outsource jobs to India or anywhere else, and they are not contracting jobs out. AT&T has been completely dishonest in this whole process, they have been advertising how they are this great American company that is helping America get through this tough financial downturn, but in reality they have been outsourcing more jobs, treating their existing employees like crap (union and lower-level management) and trying to cut wages and benefits on every existing lower level employee. That is what is really pathetic.

Is it me, or has anyone noticed that the union reps that went to Washington, last week are totally mum. It's insulting enough that we have no contract, no update, NO NOTHING!!!! but they can probably tell us about the hotel lobby, restaurants, etc. And did they happen to thank anyone for their nice trip to DC, on our union dime - hell no. How many people got written up, last week, and we have no union representation, arbitration, meanwhile, nice little summer vacation, and we didn't even get a postcard. No respect here.

I have one question. How many jobs do you think you could save if you offered to pay $100 a month for health care? It doesnt matter because you refuse to. Oh wait, you shouldnt have to. The govt should pay for your healthcare. Yall are pathetic welfare recipiants. I hope you got it when the getting was good. There is a new sheriff in town and he aint no welfare giving democrat.

I heard today that maybe the company is stalling, not just the union being the only one stalling. They are stalling to see what the outcome of Obama and his healthcare overhaul plan is. They are trying to see if the government will be shouldering some of the healthcare costs or not.

Apparently District 6 and AT&T are back at the bargaining table. What are they bargaining if AT&T isn't budging from it's last best final offer? Did AT%T ever bargain in the first place with District 6?

check out the website ATTgreed.org

The most profitable companies are those whose employees are happy to be at work everyday. It's sad that the executives at ATT don't know this. I know very few employees, weather they are management or craft that are happy with their jobs today with ATT. The pressure on all employees is incredible, and what is so hysterical is that management implements work policy that makes no sense, they don't have any idea how any of the jobs work, then they implement some new way of doing things that will take an extra hour or two. I have too many years with the company to do anything but sit back and laugh at their stupidity, when they want to streamline the work...then just add extra hours when the old tried and true way was good enough. Hey, I get paid by the hour, and I've just learned to play their games.
I actually hope that those in Texas, who sit in the "Ivory Towers" read these posts...there by pulling their own heads out of their butts.
Regarding ATT wanting to take away medical benefits from all retirees. This happened to my dad when he retired from his company. The retirees got together and collected about $500.00 from each retiree, then they hired and awesome legal team which began a class action law suite. It wasn't long before my dad's company figured out how much it was going to cost them to go to court, not to mention bad press, and they left the medical benefits in place for the retirees.

"Posted by Anonymous | June 28, 2009 - 3:58pm "

I think maybe you've taken too many anti-depressants. Do us all a favor. Take a few more and drink plenty of alcohol with them too. Then lay down and go to sleep.

"I am sure that nobody wants a strike but if one does occur and it forces a company like ATT to hire cheaper labor to do your job and the massive effort that would take what makes you think they are going to call you back?"

Went back to work on every one of the last seven strikes I've been on over the last thirty years. They don't call you back from a strike. The union returns to work when the strike is over. Have you ever been involved in a strike? At AT&T, SBC, Southwest Bell, PacTel, Or Ameritech?

Your post makes no sense though. I'm trying to figure out why you attached it the other post. What's the problem? Can't come up with any gain by bashing the union?

Doesn't matter if we go on strike and have to worry about getting our jobs back....we are getting written up so much, we're just worried about keeping our jobs. Either way, it doesn't look like we're going to have a job with AT&T. With the managers constantly on our backs, and the union not there to help stating we have no contract can't do anything, both the company, and the union, whom I am supposed to support don't have my back, at all. Why should I care anymore? I've seen two account managers quit and go to work for one of our agencies, the pay is almost the same, but absolutely no pressue and they are making big $$$ in bonuses. Plus, if many of us loose our jobs, how many of us can go off anti-depressants?

Posted by Anonymous | June 28, 2009 - 1:27pm

I am so glad that the company has people like you warning union members of the horrible things that will happen if the CWA goes on strike. That tells me that AT&T really doesn't want a strike.

To all you Pro-AT&T/Anti-Union people. What is your gain by bashing us? What is your motive behind telling us to take the offer and be happy we have a job? How does this help you? The way it stands right now. We can continue to work under old contract. Why wouldn't we do that? Randall has said they will not implement the "last, best, and final offer." Why not? Because he knows he would force a strike. Apparantly he doesn't want a strike either. Lockout? Why lockout? When all they have to do is implement the final offer. They are allowed by law to do that.
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I am sure that nobody wants a strike but if one does occur and it forces a company like ATT to hire cheaper labor to do your job and the massive effort that would take what makes you think they are going to call you back?

Wow, your understanding of labor law is very different from reality. Can you tell me the precedence you basing this on?
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Speaking at the union's first ever e-meeting Thursday, CWA President Larry Cohen said a strike against AT&T remains a "tactic we may yet use" against the company. However, the union and its members need to "act strategically" and plan several moves ahead, while understanding the consequences of each move.

Sounds like a chess game. What I do understand is you should not play games with your future because you could lose.

Thats easy, because you will all have to reapply for your jobs if you go on strike and if they don't like you your toast and your CWA leadership is going to real popular when they force you into that.
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Wow, your understanding of labor law is very different from reality. Can you tell me the precedence you basing this on?

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All I will say to that is I hope you realize when you go on strike you have abandoned your job and there is plenty of precedence to support that, one example would be my father who spent 25 years at the Chicago Tribune only to have their union call a strike and guess what happened? Look it up there are plenty of examples of over-demanding unions taking themselves right out of jobs rather than making any sacrifice because their definition of sacrifice was going without a paycheck while on strike instead of finding true resolutions that keep people working and in their homes. If you are that embittered towards ATT and management in general how much more is that going to be when you face real financial hardship because you walked off your job? You are replaceable and so am I so think before you act.

"Can do math fine, do you know what Calif. properties rent for along the beautiful Pacific Ocean?....currently am banking all rents, and will live on rental income if there is a strike....Plan ahead............"

Because anonymous is being squeezed hiked California property taxes which are just going to get hikier, insurance companies raising rates on his coastal properties and tenants going deadbeat.

Too bad these gems are underwater and no one bank is willing to refi them and no one is willing to buy them.

Oh well, he can always demand his employer give him a raise or he'll sabotage fiber cables feeding hospitals and e911.

"Can do math fine, do you know what Calif. properties rent for along the beautiful Pacific Ocean?....currently am banking all rents, and will live on rental income if there is a strike....Plan ahead............"

Why do you work if you can live off your rental income?

From The IBEW website.

Greetings,

BREAKING NEWS

June 28, 2009 at 12:15am

Based on progress on some significant issues, the parties have agreed to stop the clock and continue the negotiations towards agreement. The current contract provisions are still in effect. You are not on strike.

All IBEW members should report to work as scheduled and stay informed. Mobilization efforts must continue to keep the pressure on the company. Massive turnout at rallies tonight throughout the jurisdictions was heard loud and clear at AT&T headquarters in Hoffman Estates. Great job brothers and sisters!

This is encouraging. If they settle, we will settle.

To all you Pro-AT&T/Anti-Union people. What is your gain by bashing us? What is your motive behind telling us to take the offer and be happy we have a job? How does this help you? The way it stands right now. We can continue to work under old contract. Why wouldn't we do that? Randall has said they will not implement the "last, best, and final offer." Why not? Because he knows he would force a strike. Apparantly he doesn't want a strike either. Lockout? Why lockout? When all they have to do is implement the final offer. They are allowed by law to do that.

Are you calling AT&T liars? Did you not read the statement they made on their own Bargaining website?

Yes. Where do you start? The lies they tell customers when they have complaints, the lies they told the FCC (when they were buying Kevin Martin) for mergers and changes in regulations,the lies they told their managers about their bonuses, the lies they have told during this negotiation trying to sugar coat a regressive proposal package, the lies you managers keep posting here as representatives of AT$T. I mean, you don't have to look far or hard to find the lies. AT$T has an outstanding track record when it comes to deception to feed their greedy needs.

Posted by Anonymous | June 27, 2009 - 6:02pm

Thats easy, because you will all have to reapply for your jobs if you go on strike and if they don't like you your toast and your CWA leadership is going to real popular when they force you into that.
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Are you calling AT&T liars? Did you not read the statement they made on their own Bargaining website?

Posted by Anonymous | June 27, 2009 - 6:02pm

Thats easy, because you will all have to reapply for your jobs if you go on strike and if they don't like you your toast and your CWA leadership is going to real popular when they force you into that.
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Thank you for the heads up! I am so glad CWA didn't go on strike! Now it all makes sense!

Posted by Anonymous | June 27, 2009 - 5:55pm

Believe me, idiots like yourself are not responsible for AT&T's standing in the fortune 500 and you might want to consider what you are going to make and your benefit package when you no longer work there. I am sure your skill set is highly sought after. Be thankful, not vengeful or reap the course of your actions.
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So AT&T hires idiots? What does that say for their Management?

Posted by Anonymous | June 27, 2009 - 6:02pm

Thats easy, because you will all have to reapply for your jobs if you go on strike and if they don't like you your toast and your CWA leadership is going to real popular when they force you into that.
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Wow, your understanding of labor law is very different from reality. Can you tell me the precedence you basing this on?

Can do math fine, do you know what Calif. properties rent for along the beautiful Pacific Ocean?....currently am banking all rents, and will live on rental income if there is a strike....Plan ahead............

Its amazing how people enjoy the victories of the labor movement such as 40 hr workweek,holiday pay,paid vacation time, 8hr tours, lunch & breaks etc.etc.etc. these were all UNION victories fought buy some of your parents & grandparents, read some labor history you may windup wishing you were in a UNION so you would stop getting so screwed by being management I feel sorry for the way they treat you & underpay you as well, they are taking advantage of you because you are'nt UNION atleast we don't have to cut each others throat to succeed financialy or to the next level, What a shame ;{

I think that the CWA officers should cancel the convention and keep negotiating until we have a good contract. Also, I think that it was wrong for them to make everyone ready to go on strike if there was no contract by the deadline and then ignore the fact that we voted to go on strike. I don't understand why they did this
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Thats easy, because you will all have to reapply for your jobs if you go on strike and if they don't like you your toast and your CWA leadership is going to real popular when they force you into that.

Thats easy, because you will all have to reapply for your jobs if you go on strike and if they don't like you your toast and your CWA leadership is going to real popular when they force you into that.

Of course we are gonna fight to keep what we have...who wouldn't? You would be stupid if you said "oh, I will take a pay cut or let you take my benefits to do what I have been doing for years". If the Company had lost money (which it did not) or was on the verge of going under (which it is not) I might be willing to help out by allowing such drastic measure. The fact is ATT is profitable. Isn't going anywhere. Ranks high in this that and the other fortune 500 etc etc. They have no negative crutch to qualify such drastic changes except they want MORE profits than they are already making which makes me ashamed to be associated with ATT sometimes, when other companys really are having poor returns and HAVE TO lay off, cut spending, cut pay, etc etc.

Believe me, idiots like yourself are not responsible for AT&T's standing in the fortune 500 and you might want to consider what you are going to make and your benefit package when you no longer work there. I am sure your skill set is highly sought after. Be thankful, not vengeful or reap the course of your actions.

In response to the post, thinking I'll get paid more while we are on strike...Your're correct, I will.
I have not relied on ATT 401 stock investment, instead investing in California properties, paid for, and all properties rented out
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How is that getting paid more ? You'll be without a paycheck....soooo, that is your rentals MINUS your paycheck that you're use to getting. Get it ? Oh, you probalby don't. You obviously don't know how to do the math!

Although it is true that ATT's lobby will outspend CWA, let's remember who is in power, a democrat president and cabinet, who are pro union, and more likely to turn a deaf ear to Big business politic-------------

Turn a deaf ear to Big businesses? Are you kidding me ? I didn't vote for Obama, but I do know, he's not a total idiot!