CWA exec board green-lights strike authorization

You've been brainwashed by anti union rhetoric. What has sucked the life out of AT&T is the executives that screw their lower level management out of their hard earned pay and benefits. You should come down in the trenches for a while and see just how lifeless 1st and 2nd liners are today. They don't even dare disagree wuth anyone above them for fear that they will be the next out the door.

AT&T is in an industry where up time and reliability (99.999) matter. Good friendly service also matters. Unions hurt the company and the customers. I would prefer to use services that don't employ union workers, and that is not because I don't think those workers and good, but because the UNIONS suck the life out of both the employees and the company. Great company, great employees, to bad they have the UNIONS.

Just to let the otherwise unknowing in on the PREM TECH's job.....each of their tickets/jobs take them 4-6 hours of install time at the customers house. Order Uverse for your house and find out! Oh,you must not be an employee if you didn't know that?

So, YES, two installs a day is good!

Hmmm....sounds like someone called AT&T and reached one of the "non-union" employees that AT&T has employed back east. The same employees that are paid based on their sales rather than their customer's satisfaction. The same employees that are calling us union members cry-babies because THEY took a low paying job with no medical or retirement benefits, and KNEW it when they took it.
I am truly sorry you had to speak to one of those employees! Really I am, because that makes MY job all the harder when you call in next time and I have to clean up the mess they left behind.
Just remember, our calls are now recorded and those of us who value our jobs are NOT going to take a chance on losing it just to get a sale or make a hard customer problem "go away".
Next time you call, ask to speak to a representative in California!

CWA will not strike, why? well that is beyond me... lack of public support i would guess.

Should we Strike? imo, yes. Now moreso than at anytime since april4th. Workload was pathetic during the week of the 4th. 1 job per day??!?! lol.

Now as of April 28th, 3-4 jobs per day, multiple installs, maybe a repair... Now is the Time to Stick it to them if they wanna play with our Contracts/lifes/futures.

Your Future, Now.

is the cwa ever going to go on strike? I am tired of waiting for us to strike. Lets strike now. Strike Strike Strike

So when a union employee is on strike they do not get paid at all? I thought as part of your union dues that you'd get paid something? Please help me understand how this works.

Posted by Anonymous | April 14, 2009 - 7:39pm

OMG! So, let me understand this - you want the benefits of a paid disability to be available (free of charge) AND you want to police when people are able to take advantage of it. Does that about sum up your post? Do you see how ridiculous it is that you posted that on a site where union members are being presented as greedy and whiny? I have an idea - why don't you just tell your negotiators to do away with paid disability and paid fmla, that will solve your problem completely

Wow!!! Fantastic finally someone has told the truth. This union has alot of crybabies out there always worrying about others. If they would just shut there mouth and worry about themselves maybe they wouldnt be on medication for stress!

Did someone just now go on disability? If so hopefully the company is looking really hard at this individual for fraud. This is not up to the union but the company since they are the one paying. It would also benefit you to stop worrying about others and mind your own business! This individual is doing nothing to hurt you are they?

I think when someone is out on disability that if the union decides to go out on strike that the tech on disability should not get paid. I am in the Union and this frustrates me that people abuse this policy just so they can get paid why we are on strike. If they are in the Union and we go on strike I believe there pay should stop also. They should not get paid if every other union worker is not getting paid. This is part of what causes some problems in these companies today is that people abuse the policies.

To: Anonymous | April 12, 2009 - 7:51am

It's pretty sad when you have to rewrite history and make judgements about what I meant in my prev posts - just so you don't have to answer any of the questions I posed. Guess you don't have the answers. Oh well. I will admit that you had a lot of rhetoric in that post, though. Too bad you didn't say anything.

To Posted by Just Me | April 11, 2009 - 8:44pm

I guess you have never attempted to better yourself. You could have changed a few words in that post and stayed loyal to the crown(there were other countries to go to)we never would have become an independent country with your line of reasoning. Blacks would still be sitting at the back of the bus (I mean really think about it no one was making them take the bus) if they didn't have to stand. This place don't need no stinking union I'll do yah thinken for ya. I could go on and on but you get the drift.
You will post that "I wasn't talking about that""you misrepresented me" but hold on. I have seen this type of thinking my entire life and it is always used to keep someone(s) "in their place". The difference in our thinking is where "in their place" resides. Those who join/form UNIONS are seeking to improve their life. Basically all improvements in life come about through this type of behavior...not accepting the thinking that this is as good as it gets.
Why would anyone attempt to exclude the greed of the upper management from this discussion? The management greed is what has brought this to a head. Your right about the contract not covering management greed it is only concerned with the UNION members. One of the reasons it exists the way it does is because of the management greed. I love the way you excuse and defend the management greed and when a lowly craft employee attempts to protect their family you deride them.
Exactly how much of this 12.9 Billion dollars is going to be reinvested for our future? I tell exactly...what ever is left over after management satisfies their greed.

to: Productive employee ... a prem tech only does TWO installs a day and you consider that productive? ::shakes head:: amazing.

to: ATTSPOUSE ... the company recognizes how hard its employees work. the problem is that there seems to be a disagreement about the definition of the word "fair". SOME of these employees (and their spouses) think they're entitled to more than the company should pay.

Explain to me why AT&T (or any company for that fact) should pay more for employees than what their competitors pay? Do you pay more for milk or gas or electricty than your neighbor does? Maybe you do. Maybe that's the problem.

One more thing: When did the rising cost of healthcare become AT&T's problem to solve? WHY should they foot the bill for their employes? And try to say it without mentioning Randall Stephensen's paycheck (yes, it's obscene, but the contract isn't going to change that and, believe it or not, to some people - the wages being paid AT&T union employees are obsecene, too), or the $12billion in profit made last year. Because a lot of that $12Billion is to keep the network running, updating equipment, and rolling out new techonology.

ummmm....WAKE UP EVERYBODY !!! " A freaking 5th grader has the SAME customer service skills as you AT&T "trained" union workers do. Customer service at AT&T SUCKS !!!! I'd much rather talk to a real child than an adult that acts like one. You guys are pathetic in customer service. You won't be missed one bit when you go on strike.

lol...I love Candyland.Seriously, I have read all to many comments demeaning the intelligence and human worth of the men and women working hard, and fighting for a fair contract. It is time the company recognizes (even if they do not want too) the importance of these people. And stop viewing them as a bunch of dumb throwbacks, that should be thankful they wear an ATT logo. These comments from who I am guessing are upper management only verify ATT has bad business skills. As an employer I would not hire people that are worthless in my firm. Nor would I continue to employ my upper management, who with the display of ridicule and false accusations clearly have no business in the position they are holding. I support the working people in their mission to get a fair contract.

ha ha, Somebody's been playing the candyland gameboard!! I like it though, good comeback. GO CWA!!

This is to Anonymous...Regarding your education. You may want to contact that college that you believe you attended, and get your money back. It is clear in your message you can not spell, or type. I could be wrong, but when I went college in the late 90's spelling was required, typing a must. I have no idea as to why you have no clue. Just because an employee does not wear a tie, somehow classifies them as beneath you? These workers are not uneducated, nor do they need the likes of you putting them down.Only so you can make yourself feel better about your dead end, miserable job. You know the one that you have to try and build up with making bank, and having perks and benefits. Have you convinced yourself that your world is perfect, and that one day you and the lollipop princess will have mani/pedi's in your own little Candyland, too? The only thing that you have convinced me of is that you are miserable, and the only way for you to feel powerful is to insult the very people that have help build the corporation that you now call your employer. Without those men and women and their hard work you would probably be unemployed. The last time I checked it would be really hard for you to find a job. There are not many equal opprotunity employers that will take on a file clerk with poor spelling, typing, and people skills.

U ARE A IDIOT!! WHO DO U THINK FILLS OUT THE FORMS MICKEY MOUSE IT'S A REAL DOCTOR IDIOT. I HOPE U NEVER GET SICK AND HAVE TO USE IT. i WOULD RATHER BE HEALTHY AND WORKING.

If managers can do my job, why is it that they always have technicians call me verses answering the questions themselves???

Management didn't get a raise this year so they post childish comments like "I make bank" (Clown)& "your strike will be weak" . The fact of the matter is that the average prem-tech does 2 installs a day which creates a thing called revenue & it's time for the company to pay. If your temp techs are going to do so good , why did you let them go in the first place?

I trained as a replacement CSR for SW. Over 100 web-based courses and 10 days of classroom training. Even with all of that, I KNOW that I cannot do your job. Not even close.

Here in the Midwest we made it through Monday, yes can feel and see the stress, but pat yourselves on the back you did it.I have been a csr for 9 years, which has changed many times over, I don't just sell landlines, I have a list of many options to sell. won't name them all but will group them telco/pots 3isp options, 2tv options 2 wireless options, data connect, I not only place orders of all kinds we handle billing/collections/ repair tool, and more Yes I am paid well, and not just for 1 state either I have 5 that I take calls from need to make sure all legal and right discloures given meet my handle time, adherence now no call work make sure I get my par and crift scores, etc use the systems that don't work have the time or information in arc that never gets updated, so that is why we will strike if need be to keep pur pay I wouldn't do this job with a 40% cut,and jack my insurance up which I do pay every pay peroid a monthly preminum, I feel if we settle for less then guess what we lose because anyone who is at top pay watch out we may work for a while but the company's goal is to have us all make 10-15 per hour if that and won't make the requirments for bonus have you seen your bonus check latley sadly decreased. So if a walk out is called I will walk, this is my future and my family's. Most mangers won't be able to do this correctly. Wonder will they have surveys of the calls to see how satisfied our customer was with them, same ? asked about them as our about us like to see that one. So here in the Cold Midwest put winter boots and coats and hats were going to need them when we walk.

FAKE MEDICAL LEAVE ABUSERS! Thats a good one! Yes I will profess to that one, now when someone who really needs it, they are not able to. And on top of that they get a check why we are out on strike.

"We encourage all members to work safely and with the highest possible standards of quality. We want you to comply with all rules and procedures the Company has ever taught you - if they conflict, stop and notify a manager of the conflict so that it may be resolved. Ensure all tools, equipment, furniture, and materials are ergonomically proper, safe, and in proper condition before use. Additionally, ensure all plant and equipment complies with every safety, quality, and regulatory rule. Make certain that vehicles are properly maintained, inspected and safe."

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There are A GOOD AMOUNT OF EMPLOYEES who abuse the system: for example. F.M.L.A MY ACRONYM THIS IS
FAKE MEDICAL LEAVE ABUSERS
They do not come to work for a long time and the company pays them, for lying and being lazy. just as soon as they are about to finish their fmla time they come in for a couple of weeks then when they get hours back they leave.. these type of lazy good for nothing fakers are the one putting jobs on the line.. the company has to pay them, and they are not even at work to produce........CWA SHOULD GIVE ATT THE OPTION NOT TO PAY THESE GOOD FOR LAZY NOBODIES ...... I Know there are occasions when it is needed but i rather att not pay them than loose our jobs here in CALIFORNIA.... THERE IS ALWAYS AFFLACK. IN the benefit of jobs stop payment of fmla for the fakers ------------------------------------------------
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Its amazing to me how both parties can go back and forth and exhibit such unprofessional behavior. I am reading some of the comments posted by both management and union and I had no idea I was apart of a company that supported such ignorant behavior! Everyone needs to consider both sides and pray to God that we all keep a job! Grow up and stop making things so personal.

First let me say to anonymous, You are not the only one that has been educated nor are you the only one here trying to provide for their family. The mere fact that you made the comments that you have makes me question if your degree was from a real school or some university that you have made up in your mind. I graduated with honors from a Top ten university and am quite able to cut it an more than likely can drop you out of the bucket. Before you make comments find out why people do what they do and the cirmstance. Please don't speak out of ingorance, especially in things you have no knowledge in. Next time lets not have a battle of the minds, that's not fair to you.

Mgmt>Labor - Union is just pissed that we are smarter, better, earn more, and are better able to provide for our families. If union was in a position to bring more skills to the table, they wouldn't need to organize to bring all members down to the lowest denominator. I went to college, got at advanced degree, and bring more to the table than a bus full of craft workers. That is why I make bank, get great benefits, perks, etc... the company needs me more than they need you. And if the S hit the fan, I could land job anywhere in any condition. You are all just pissed you are a bunch of failed dropouts who never were good enough in life.

Why are you mad at managers this morning? Grumpy this morning because your union is failing you?

i don't understand why all these cocky managers get on here and say what a terrific job they can do replacing the outside forces. i don't know where they work,but here in the midwest, you wouldn't last. With the conditions we work in it takes a certain type of person to be able to cut it. on top of all the pressures to keep up that gj8, no more "fixing" just band-aids. if all these managers are so great, why are they managers? if its a money issue, well then maybe they make too much. let's cut your pay, increase your health care costs and put you up a pole in 20 below temps trying to clear a 911. Oh, yeah and try to be a real phone man and NOT use your ladder, Panzy. Or is all your work buried? Don't speak about someone else's job unless you can do it. As they say, those who can, do, those who can't, MANAGE.

Well the union will work without a contract. I knew they had no balls. AT&T has won - no need to move on a contract until the union accepts what the company is putting forward.

Thanks, I hadn't check my email. Waiting to know about West then I can go to bed.

"Negotiations between AT&T Inc. and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) for a contract covering 112,500 Core wireline employees of the company will continue in the Midwest and Southwest after the scheduled expiration of the current contracts at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Saturday, April 4.

Union-represented employees covered by these contracts will work under the expired contracts. Negotiations are continuing in the West and an update will follow.

AT&T stands ready to negotiate at any time in a continuing effort to reach an agreement."

An eralier update said the same for the Eastern unions.

Posted by Anonymous | April 5, 2009 - 12:46am
So it looks like the Union will work without a contract

What district sre you talking about?

So it looks like the Union will work without a contract. I think that's a good approach. Hopefully they'll come to an amicable agreement and we can all just move on with our lives. I hate to see the Union people and the so called Management people bicker on this site because we are all just trying to make our way through this life as peaceably as possible. Let's do away with the hostility folks - we may not see eye to eye but let's not misdirect our anger at each other.

When CAT tried to cut 700 jobs in a French factory the workers barricaded the corporate offices and took the managers physically hostage. In America that would be considered terrorism but in France that this is a fairly common negotiation technique and it works. Totally different worlds. You can't just take someone's livelihood away in the name of corporate profit and not expect some type of revolt. Corporations are only ALLOWED to exist to serve the public good not the other way around. Corporate responsibility is something that is never even talked about in America and it is a real shame

cwa is alive and well in central New Jersey, AT&T country. We are in the land where AT&T had headquarters in Basking Ridge and many other offices......union maybe quiet but it is here.AXZE

I'm a manager at the company, and believe me your strike will be weak. I've heard several employees say that are crossing the line, that they cannot afford it...look at the economy. We let temp technicians go in November, those folks are on stand=by and ready to come back. The company is ready, make no mistake. It will be a little bumpy, but take my word...with the amount of folks coming to work, I think you (CWA members) are the one's that are in for a suprise.........the company is ready to get rid of employees with (25+ yrs) who think the company owes them something...people will come in and work for half of what you tech's make...and be happy....

I understand what the union stands for and what it is trying to do and I am all for it but the union and all of its stewards have the mentality that AT&T is trying to fire us all. Wake up people, the economy is horrible and yes ATT made $12 billion in profits but remember that this is a business and they are not going to budge, why not ask for them to keep exactly what we have or maybe consider paying a small monthly premium for insurance, I would rather do that than to lose my job!!! And all you union stewards need to stop trying to scare employees, if the company really wanted to, they would get rid of all the union and be done with it, then they would rehire a bunch of people and pay them close to nothing, yeah the company would suffer short term loses but the company would eventually jump back, and you all know this!!!!! wake up people

You forget that POTS is a small portion of our business. I have many (10+) test sets on my truck, one of which is a protocol analyzer. I work all special circuits, DS3 on down to the lowly metering stuff. That includes 911, FAA, Homeland Security and other specials. Uninformed people don't realize that we are the transport for all the other wireless providers. If X wireless company has a span problem we dispatch to clear it. Last time I looked I had about 15 PAGES of training behind me. So yeah, I'm marketable. ($100 says you couldn't pass the initial TKT we give that allows you to even APPLY for my job) And while my mgr is a great guy- I'll bet he won't be effective at my job. (nor I his)

for those who kep saying that Unions are no longer needed. Let me enlighten you...I'm a nurse and its b/c of the nurses unions that nurses where able to establish safe ratios in california, fair wages and safe working environments. Even hospitals who are not unionized raise their standards b/c they know if they don't, the nurses will unionize and get what they want.

Unions do the same thing for these telecom workers. how much do you think a large company would pay their workers if not for negotiated contracts? What do cox, time warner, and qwest pay their employees...not much I guarantee it!

All you haters out there who are angry and saying that these workers are ungrateful should perhaps look inward. Ask if your anger comes from lack of representation and jealousy. When your employer says he's going to cut your wages you have no choice but to take it or leave your job that you love. These workers have negotiated and paid for their right to sit at a table and write up a fair contract. You too can do this, but you have to stop being angry at what others have and start working together to save your jobs.

CWA morons - Landline business has been on the decline for decades. 99% of the profits AT&T is currently earning is from mobility/wireless business. Only old farts and grannies have a landline these days. Do you really think that AT&T is going to continue to allow the cost of health insurance and other benefits to increase for the union employees while they have reneogatiated/eliminated many the benefits of the non-union employees? Time are changing and you are not entitled to sh*t in these times. It was eventually going to happen. The merger is speeding things up because AT&T knows the business is at stake unless union contracts are negotiated or eliminated and union employees are replaced by open-ended contractors or employees that are not going to jack around with the company during these competive times.

I am looking forward to downsizing and hopefully the elimination of the union at AT&T. Unions no longer serve a realistic purpose any longer (labor laws) and it is about time they die.

Does anyone here really know what AT&T has offerd or what CWA has received? I heard is simalar to what mobility got.

I don't want to strike but I will for about 5 days only. After that, I hope some of my "bothers and sisters and family" will give me a loan to help feed my family.

LOOK WHEN YOU HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING ELSE, TRY WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE IN THE 1ST PLACE....

PRAY THAT EVERYTHING THING COMES TO A REASONAL AGREEMENT FOR BOTH SIDES.........

PRAY TO GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS!!!

well put riley, we too are children of the light.

Well put ATT Tech!!!

Let's get our facts straight:

I am not "lucky" to have a job. I have a marketable skill the company wants to use.

This is not extortion- it's a legally recognized tool used in collective bargaining.

Unions have good and bad points. Do a little research and find out some of the good things: 40 hr weeks, no child labor, safe places to work. The unions fought for those and more- what would your job be like if they had not?

Saying I'm biting the hand that feeds me is repulsive- like saying I'm an animal in a cage?

Sympathy? Don't want or need it. It would be nice if people paid closer attention to the big picture. Once unions lose their benefits, the rest of you stand alone workers don't stand a chance in hell of making a decent living.

I'm constantly amazed at the number of people who don't like unions, yet come Monday morning will grumble about going to work to a job they hate with no benefits and get treated like dirt. Amazing! Lift yourself up and work for a better workplace- unions are.