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CWA 6201 Bargaining Updates

These pages will contain bargaining updates once the bargaining begins Feb. 20, 2004

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

National Table Update, 3-31-04  



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Table Update for March 31, 2004

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Report from the National Table

Discussions between CWA and SBC negotiators resumed today under the auspices of the federal mediator. In a four-hour session, the parties reviewed the status of the talks and discussed how to proceed on key bargaining issues.

The CWA team continues to meet this evening and will resume discussions at the mediator's office tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Where the Jobs Are


How do CWA members get employment security at SBC? By gaining access to the new work and new technology that is a big part of the growing areas of the company. Right now, technical work that CWA members have done and can do is being contracted out or given to workers the company classifies as "managers." This work, for the most part, has been deemed "off limits" to our members, and this is unfair.

Let's take a closer look at some SBC operations.


SBC's DataComm operation ties together network services with DSL and Internet capabilities, wireless, and more, to meet the needs of business clients. Of the 1,500 workers in DataComm, 448 are union-represented.

However, SBC claims that 1,033 positions at DataComm are held by managers, although it's difficult to figure why DataComm needs two managers supervising the work of every one worker.

Sterling Commerce is another example of work in a growing part of the company that has been blocked off from union members. This operation provides a full slate of "business to business" services. Again, nearly all the tech work--programming and Internet related--is done by "managers."

Over the years, CWA members have developed and expanded their skills to meet the demands of a changing industry and technology. From bargained training programs with SBC to CWA's own partnership with Cisco, CWA members have the tools to get the job done. Now, we need access to these kinds of jobs. That's a big part of the improvement we're seeking in employment security.

Mobilization Report


Locals are holding rallies, informational pickets and workplace actions as CWA members count down to contract expiration. Just a few of the events:

* Today, Local 9430 has a big rally set outside the SBC Construction Yard in San Bruno, Calif.

* Local 6310 in Maryland Heights, Missouri, has three noon rallies at different SBC locations planned for April 2.

* In District 4, CWA members of Local 4034 in Grand Rapids, Mich., are wearing countdown to contract stickers every day and have an informational picket planned for April 2. Local 4032 members wear red on Thursdays and are covering up SBC insignias on work clothing with tape marked "CWA."

* Local 1298 members are holding informational pickets at locations across the state.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/31/2004 07:33:00 PM

Press Release 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA Calls SBC Health Cut Announcement 'Inflammatory,' Says Sides Remain Far Apart as Contract Deadline Approaches


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the deadline looms for mediated contract talks covering over 100,000 SBC employees, Communications Workers of America President Morton Bahr stated: "We're disappointed that SBC chose to issue an inflammatory press announcement about plans to shift hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs to its retirees."

The company's proposal to cut health benefits and raise costs for both active and retired workers is "the most contentious issue in these negotiations," and was cited by Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director Peter Hurtgen in urging the parties to move national bargaining to Washington under the FMCS' auspices.

Four regional contracts covering the SBC employees expire on April 1 and April 3.

Citing recent news reports that SBC wants to raise retiree costs by as much as $600 million a year, Bahr said, "Media statements like this can only stir anger in our ranks and cloud the atmosphere surrounding these talks."

"Our members also are well aware that SBC's Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre received a jump in his pay from $10.1 million in 2002 to $19.5 million in 2003," he said. "In justifying that generous increase, the company spokeswoman said that 'SBC had a great year operationally and his (Whitacre's) leadership had a lot to do with that.' But she made no mention of the role of our members, active and retired, in building SBC's success and contributing to that operationally great year."

Bahr also noted that SBC has yet to respond to CWA members' other major concerns over strengthening their employment security by gaining access to job growth areas as SBC moves into new ventures and technologies.

"We will only reach a settlement when SBC management is willing to discuss not just its own business concerns, but also the needs and interests of the frontline workers who build and maintain its network and generate the profits," Bahr stated.

Other issues being negotiated nationally in Washington, D.C. are wages and pensions. Meanwhile, bargaining over other issues is taking place in Pleasanton, Calif., (SBC West), Austin, Texas, (SBC Southwest), Chicago (SBC Midwest), and New Haven, Conn., (SBC East). The contract at SBC West expires April 1 and the others expire April 3.

posted by Howard  # 3/31/2004 06:45:00 PM

CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #18 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #18

3/30/2004

Tuesday, March 30, 2004

The Full Committee on local issues met Friday in Austin Texas with the Company and presented a counterproposal package in response to the Company's earlier package. The Union continues to emphasize the importance of our issues and the need for the Company to make considerable movement if we are to reach an agreement on the local issues by the April 3rd contract expiration. The Company does not seem concerned with our local issues. They continue to demand considerable changes in the contract language that would negatively affect our members. We continue to see proposals that would drastically affect how surplus employees are treated, the elimination of carry over vacation and excused work days, negative changes in employee monitoring, and a big change in night differential.

The Company also continues to send out propaganda through their internal SBC Intranet website in an attempt to justify their position on many of their retrogressive proposals. Do not let that information fool you. As we have stated all along, SBC is a very profitable company, making $8.5 billion in profits last year. The CEO's compensation package nearly doubled to 19.5 million last year. Our members deserve the same recognition for a job well done in helping the Company achieve those results.

The Full Committee met again this morning with the Company to address the Company's announced changes in the telephone concession plan for active employees. As stated in an earlier report, the telephone concession is not currently a contract item, but we are attempting to negotiate improvements in their announced changes for 2005. We are anticipating the Company will be presenting another package response on Wednesday to address all proposals. It must be noted that as of this late date, we still have not reached an agreement on any major issues that are being bargained at the local table in Austin.

The contract expires in just a few days. We must send a message to the Company that we are serious about our demands.

Mobilization is critical to our success at the Bargaining table. Continue your efforts in those workplace activities. We will prevail in these negotiations.

posted by Howard  # 3/31/2004 07:37:00 AM

National Report March 30, 2004 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Report for 3-30-04

Employment Security Update

A key priority, of course, for CWA members at SBC is employment security. SBC has been contracting out thousands of jobs and sending many of them offshore.

For example, in DSL tech support work alone, SBC has contracted out more than 3,000 jobs. This is a shortsighted move by a company that is counting on DSL to be a big part of its future success. DSL tech support workers are the first line of contact with the customer, and they are critical to solving customers’ problems -- and keeping customers satisfied. Skilled CWA members can provide the competitive edge that SBC will need to be successful, in DSL and all its new ventures.

And CWA members who have helped make SBC a success deserve access to these jobs in the growth areas of the company. This means tech and customer service work associated with Internet services, DSL, data networks, including WIFI, and long distance service and other areas.

What’s Up with Health Care?

Does SBC want to bargain with CWA members over the Intranet? That’s the impression one could get, reading SBC’s March 24 communication to workers.

In that bulletin, SBC wrongly described CWA’s position on health care.

SBC says that CWA has made no response to its proposal. That’s just wrong. CWA clearly told company negotiators that the union was proposing no changes in our current health care benefits program. We also made it clear to SBC that maintaining health care for active and retired members was a key bargaining priority for our union.

Since the company monitors our website, for the record, let’s say it again: CWA will not accept the massive cost-shifting that SBC has proposed – including shifting premium costs – to workers and retirees.

CWA members at SBC, including retirees, have paid our health care benefits over the years, foregoing larger wage increases in exchange for maintaining quality health care for themselves and their families. But SBC wants to shift millions of dollars in new health care costs to our members, and we say no.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care



posted by Howard  # 3/31/2004 07:33:00 AM

Tuesday, March 30, 2004

National Report March 29 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Report for March 29, 2004

Monday, March 29, 2004

CWA locals are ratcheting up mobilization activities across all SBC districts with just a few days to go before contract expiration. Our members want SBC to get the message loud and clear: We deserve a fair contract!

Here's a look at just a few of the activities planned by our locals. Check with your local or retired members' council to learn what's going on at your workplace, and join in.

Local 4202 in Ottawa, Illinois, has planned quite a schedule, with a week's worth of activities that start today with a one-on-one distribution of calendars and flyers. For the rest of the week, members have lots of activities planned. Here are a few:

* Distributing and wearing band-aids on Tuesday, March 30, for CWA Healthcare Protection Day.

* Wearing red for "SBC, Stop Fooling Around Day," on Thursday, April 1.

* Wearing black or a union shirt on Friday, April 2.

* Bringing a "Job Security" blanket to work on Saturday, April 3, Solidarity Day.

#####

Local 4039 in Kalamazoo, Mich., is collecting pennies from members to send to SBC CEO Ed Whitacre, because "he is trying to penny pinch our health care." The local also has members and retirees lined up for information picketing outside the customer care center.

#####

District 9 members have been rallying in lots of locations, pressing SBC hard on maintaining quality health care and providing access for workers to job growth areas in the company. Among these events, members of CWA Local 9400 rallied for jobs and health care at the Rohnert Park location.

#####

Members of Local 6402 in Wichita, Kansas, held a sign painting party to get ready for the countdown to our contract.

#####

Members of Local 1298 are turning up the heat at SBC East, with informational picketing today and other actions set for this week.

#####

We're counting down to a fair contract. Join in your local's mobilization activities and stay tuned to www.cwa-union.org/sbc and to your district bargaining reports from the regional tables for the latest updates.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/30/2004 01:08:00 PM

Monday, March 29, 2004

National Table Report 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Table Report for 3-26-04

CWA is totally focused on the critical issues and needs of the 100,000 workers we represent at SBC, and on what must be accomplished in the very few days left before contract expiration.

To that end, CWA President Morton Bahr has asked the vice presidents from CWA districts representing SBC members to remain in Washington following CWA’s Legislative-Political conference. CWA and SBC will meet on Wednesday, March 31, at 10 a.m., at the offices of the FMCS.

We will engage in intensive negotiations, as all parties are aware that there is substantial work to be done as the expiration dates near. CWA is determined to resolve our members’ concerns and to reach an overall settlement on time.

Bargaining at the regional tables continues and the mediator has asked both parties to press hard to resolve the issues.

We are determined to work to remove all of SBC’s retrogressive demands, and bargain for our members the contracts they deserve.

SBC Plan Hurts Fixed Income Seniors

CWA’s Retired Members’ Council is playing an active role in mobilizing SBC retirees and getting their stories told. Retirees on fixed incomes are most vulnerable to SBC’s demand that they pay premiums for their health care coverage.

Retirees interested in joining in mobilization activities can contact their locals or their local chapter of the Retired Members’ Council.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care




posted by Howard  # 3/29/2004 04:51:00 AM

Friday, March 26, 2004

Friday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #17

3/26/2004

Thursday March 25, 2004

The Full Committee met again on Wednesday afternoon, March 24, 2004, in Austin, Texas. The Company presented its second package to the Union. This package was still far from adequate and was another slap in the face for the employees. There was very little movement on the Company's part.

The Bargaining Committee worked well into the wee hours of the night combing through the Company's package looking for improvements. Early this morning, the Committee met for an intense strategic planning session, agreeing that the company has yet to prove their willingness to move on the subjects of Force Adjustment, Vacations, Night Differential, and Monitoring.

The Committee is diligently trying to address the concerns of the members of District 6 to the Company in a manner SBC can easily understand. Apparently, SBC has yet to realize how important their employees, our members, are to their success. With the paltry $19.5 million compensation package CEO Ed Whitacre received last year alone, SBC apparently views this as a financial downturn. That same $19.5 million would go a long way to ensuring payments for night differentials, carry-over vacations and additional jobs to help our members working toward retirement.

The Union team is working late into the night to prepare another formal package to present to the Company on Friday. We are holding firm on our demands. The Company is aware of all your mobilization activities throughout District 6.

Mobilization is critical to our success at the Bargaining table. Continue your efforts in those workplace activities and remind your managers that YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO THEIR SUCCESS.

BE SEEN! BE HEARD! BE PROUD!

posted by Howard  # 3/26/2004 01:49:00 PM

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

National Table Report for 3-24-04 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Table Report for 3-24-04

There were no formal talks today, but the parties discussed issues with federal mediators at the FMCS offices.

Meanwhile, SBC was spinning hard to sell its position on health care in a communication today, but the real story is that SBC has made a health care proposal that will cost individual workers thousands of dollars per year in premiums, plus more in co-pays and prescription drug costs.

And that's just for openers. SBC wants to cap its own costs but leave workers and their families exposed to rising health care costs now and in the future.

SBC complains that its health care costs increased from about $1 billion to $1.5 billion a year over the past three years. But the real story is that even after paying these health care costs, SBC still earned $8.5 billion in profits last year alone.

Under SBC's plan, family coverage would cost operators, service reps and techs at least $2,400 or more in yearly premiums, plus higher co-pays and deductibles. And that amount would continue to escalate as costs go up, while the company's costs are capped.

Let's compare the situation for two Texans at SBC. An operator in Texas would pay 6.26 percent of her annual salary for family coverage. Applying the same plan, the CEO would pay just one-hundredth of one percent of total compensation. (that's 0.01 percent.)

Bottom line: CWA members and retirees know that this proposal is not fair and not acceptable. Your bargaining team has delivered the message: keep quality health care today and in the future.

Talks will resume tomorrow.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


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posted by Howard  # 3/24/2004 06:10:00 PM

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

National Table Update, 3-23-04  



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Table Update, 3-23-04

The pension subcommittee met today, and again, CWA bargainers faced the same unwillingness by SBC to get serious about this issue as we encountered in previous sessions on health care and job security.

SBC seems to want to hold many key issues hostage - like lump sum pension benefits, for example - in a bargaining ploy to force through its agenda to shift hundreds of millions of dollars in health care costs to workers and retirees.

CWA bargainers have made it clear: We will not accept this massive health care cost shifting to active workers and retirees, particularly from a company that boasts of having had "a great year operationally" in 2003. [Full story, NY Times, 3-7-04.]

CWA has been equally forceful in reminding SBC that it must address workers' other major concerns, including access to job growth areas in the company, and other issues. So far, SBC has been unwilling to do so.

At the bargaining table, SBC says that company revenues have declined. But let's look at what SBC has said to investors and shareholders in its recently released 2003 annual report.

"As 2004 unfolds, we have good reason to be optimistic, which is why the board of directors increased SBC's dividend by nearly 16 percent."

"By year end, we expect revenues to begin growing for the first time in three years. We also expect operating margins throughout 2004 to be higher than fourth-quarter 2003 reported margin levels, paving the way for increased profits in 2005."

"Our subscriber growth in all these consumer businesses was exceptional in 2003 and we expect another strong year in 2004."

"SBC remains financially very strong and well-equipped for the long term to seize opportunities in this dynamic market. Strong cash flow allowed us to cut debt from $26 billion two years ago to $18 billion at the end of 2003 and we maintain the lowest debt ratio in our industry."

And executive compensation, particularly for CEO Ed Whitacre, has never been so good. He was rewarded with a nearly 100 percent increase in total compensation from 2002 to 2003, from $10.1 to $19.5 million. Why? Because, again, as SBC tells it, "SBC had a great year operationally and that his leadership had a lot to do with that."

Our members know that their work and productivity has a lot to do with making SBC a success and positioning it to successfully move forward in a competitive business. We deserve better than attacks on our health care, on the retirees who built this company and live on limited incomes, and our employment security.

As of today, the bargainers and subcommittees are on call. CWA met this afternoon with Deputy Director Gary Cantwell of the FMCS, to discuss SBC's inflammatory statements in the media about health care, a clear violation of the ground rules that both sides agreed to abide by. This is not helpful.

What's the next step? Yesterday, we called on SBC to get serious about our key issues. Today, and every day until contract expiration, it's time to show SBC that we mean business. That means stepping up our mobilization activities, keeping track of every contractor, wearing red, talking to co-workers and joining in the fight for a fair contract.

#####

More from Employment Security Action Day...



Operators from Local 4340 in Cleveland stand up for employment security.



Members of Local 9430 in Burlingame, on Employment Security Action Day.



CWA Local 9423 members rallied in front of SBC's San Jose Business office for employment security.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/23/2004 07:44:00 PM

See What SBC is Saying and how CWA is Responding!! 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



Here is What SBC is Telling CWA …

On Health Care:

Employees must pay between 15-20% of their health care premiums
(Retirees will also be required to pay a portion of their premiums)

On Pensions:

Pensions are fine the way they are. Lump sums are costing us and
may need to go.

On Employment Security:

NO, to bringing back contracted out work.

NO, to giving us back our work currently done by management.

NO, to making the jobs of the future union jobs.

Here is What CWA Told SBC …

If you can more than double Ed Whitacre’s compensation you can
find the money to treat your union employees fairly.
www.cwa-union.org/sbc

Communications Workers of America

Taking a Stand for Jobs & Health Care

posted by Howard  # 3/23/2004 04:20:00 PM

Tuesday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #16

3/23/2004

Monday, March 22, 2004

The Full Committee met again on Friday afternoon, March 19, 2004 in Austin, Texas, to address all issues that are being bargained at the local table. The Union spent the entire meeting responding to each proposal from the Company's first package that had been given to the Union on Wednesday. The Union responded that, after reviewing the Company's first package, we felt their package was woefully inadequate and was an insult to all the hard working CWA members that have kept the Company prosperous. The Union went over each proposal from the Company and rejected almost all of their proposals.

Here are some of the retrogressive proposals the Company is seeking:

Force Adjustment: The Company is not interested in expanding the current bumping option in the contract. They also want to identify "at-risk" and "not-at risk" employees in a surplus work group. This would severely restrict the opportunities for senior employees in the surplus work group to be able to receive priority transfers unless they had a transfer on file prior to the surplus declaration, or to be considered for VSCP matches. The Company also is proposing that "at-risk" employees must have satisfactory attendance and performance, to be eligible for the VSCP process. The Union is looking for improvements, not something negative.

Illness Absences: The Company is proposing to cap the maximum amount of incidental time that is currently paid when employees are ill to 40 hours per calendar year. This would mean that the incidental time prior to disabilities would be capped at 40 hours of paid time per year. In addition, if employees had any other multiple absences during the year that time would also be added to this and would be part of the 40 hours maximum of paid time. The company believes this would help encourage better attendance. We believe less stress and better working conditions would be the right direction to go.

Vacations: The Company has a proposal that would eliminate all carry over vacation or DH's, FH's or EWD's. The Company wants all of these days to be taken within the calendar year. This would eliminate the scheduling of reserve time into the next calendar year. This also is clearly a negative. The union emphasized to the Company that they can't even administer vacations now with a 15-month schedule, how do they think they could do it in 12 months.

Night Differential/Night Tours: The Company proposed to change night differential tours to the hours of 7pm to 6am. Employees would be entitled to the 10% Night Differential for only those actual hours worked after 7pm and before 6am. Currently a night tour is between 6pm and 6am, and any scheduled hours that are partially within those hours entitle the employees to the 10% night differential for their entire tour. This too, is another move that would have an adverse impact on our members that work evenings and nights.

Monitoring: The Company also wants to modify the Monitoring Agreement to allow them to monitor employees for Employee Development Monitoring (EDM) without giving any advance notice of the monitoring. This is another way to put a hammer over our heads to force more productivity with the threat of discipline.

Telephone Concession: It must first be noted that telephone concession is not an item that is currently covered under the contract. It is part of an Operating Practice. They have recently sent out a letter that the current employee telephone concession plan will be drastically altered. The Union is attempting to negotiate over this unilateral change. Under the Company's notice, all employees will have to pay $20 per month for telephone service. This means all employees that currently live in SBC telephone service territory will pay the same. The current program provided 100% concession for employees over 30 years of service, and 50% for those with less than 30 years of service. In addition, under the Company's new plan, if you live outside SBC telephone service territory, you will receive a one-time payment of $150. You will no longer receive any concession after that. The Company would offer these employees SBC Long Distance service at a 50% discount. How generous of them!!!

It is clear by some of these retrogressive proposals that SBC intends to build even greater profits by taking away benefits that we have worked long and hard to achieve. SBC is still a very profitable Company. Profits last year were $8.5 billion dollars. Profitable enough that CEO Ed Whitacre received a whopping annual compensation package last year of over $19 million dollars. It is clear that SBC must increase their profits to pay for these high executive compensation packages. In addition, the recent purchase of AT&T Wireless and the recent discovery that SBC is considering selling off numerous exchanges that currently employ SBC employees has shown this bargaining committee that SBC's only interest is to maximize profits at the expense of the employees. You are just a number to them, and as they have shown, your job can be eliminated very easily in order to cut expenses and maximize profits.

The Union Bargaining Committee then presented a new counterproposal package to the Company. The Union again strongly emphasized the importance of each proposal. Bargaining was recessed at that time to give the Company time to review the Union's newest package. We expect a response to our latest proposals early this week.

We will keep you advised as developments occur.

It is time to put SBC on notice that you demand respect. Tell management that you expect a fair contract and you will not take anything less. Join in all workplace mobilization activities. Let your voice be heard along with over 100,000 hard working CWA members across the country that work for SBC. If we stand together in this fight for justice, we will prevail.

Remember:

UNITED WE STAND - DIVIDED WE BEG!!!!

In Solidarity,

Your District 6 Bargaining Team

Austin, Texas

posted by Howard  # 3/23/2004 03:30:00 PM

Monday, March 22, 2004

Bargaining Update from the National Table  



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



Bargaining Update from the National Table

No. 12
March 22, 2004

CWA national bargainers today said it was time for SBC to "get serious" about key issues of employment security and to present a health care proposal that doesn't insult workers and retirees by expecting them to pay millions more for lesser coverage.

#####

On health care, CWA told the company that it has given CWA negotiators nothing to work with on health care. In fact, SBC's proposals are structured to keep the company's cost level capped while shifting millions of dollars in costs to workers and retirees, and degrading benefits for employees.

SBC has proposed combining the least desirable components of the four current health care plans into one national plan. Worse, the company then has the gall to demand that workers pay premiums for this clearly inferior plan.

This would affect workers and retirees across the board. Those of you in HMOs also would be affected by this scheme in the form of higher monthly premiums.

CWA has reminded SBC that our members are standing strong on maintaining quality health care. CWA also reminded SBC that this sort of draconian health care proposal does not reflect the generally positive tone of labor relations that the parties have built over the years.

#####

The employment security subcommittee met today and reviewed the CWA NETT training program and how it fits with SBC training for the future. We also discussed transfer rights for workers to move to any subsidiary of SBC before the company can hire off the street and after it meets all current contract obligations.

Although the company indicated that it was unable to respond to any employment security issues at this time, your subcommittee insisted that SBC listen to additional, remaining problem areas. These include:

* Why are there so many managers at some SBC companies, doing work that CWA members have done in the past and can do in the future?

* Why is data monitoring work once performed by union members in Austin, then moved to Chicago to be done by management, now slated to be moved again to be performed by non-union workers at a union facility shutdown in Lansing, Mich.? SBC says it's investigating this one.
* Who is doing Tier 1 DSL customer service and technical support work? SBC says it's investigating this one too.

* The Federal Communications Commission recently determined that SBC could consolidate its operations, installation and maintenance work - that would combine DataComm, the Bell operating company and long distance service into one subsidiary. CWA has lobbied to help SBC get this work, but the upshot should be more union jobs, not more contracting and non-union work.

We're waiting for SBC's response on these questions and other employment security issues.

#####

The pension subcommittee meets tomorrow, March 23.

For bargaining reports from the regional tables, go to www.cwa-union.org/sbc and click on the bargaining links at the bottom of the page.

#####

More on Employment Security Action Day

Locals continue to report that members are fired up about our fight for employment security at SBC. Many locals held events throughout the day, with pre-work and lunchtime rallies and after-work actions.

It's 10 days and counting until contract expiration at SBC West -- Pacific Bell. Contracts at SBC Midwest (Ameritech), SBC Southwest (Southwestern Bell) and SBC East (SNET) expire two days later on Apr. 3.

Wear red, join in your local's mobilization activities and send SBC the message that we've earned a fair contract.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/22/2004 10:09:00 PM

Friday, March 19, 2004

National Bargaining Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



At the National Table

Friday, March 19, 2004

National Bargaining Update

In national talks, the pension subcommittee met today. CWA committee members focused on the need to improve pension benefits overall and changes needed to safeguard the lump sum option for all workers.

The subcommittee also discussed improvements and protections for the cash balance plan covering workers at SBC East (SNET).

The pension subcommittee will meet again on Tuesday, March 23. The health care and employment security subcommittees will meet on Monday, March 22.

The CWA team has requested extensive information from the company on employment security, health care and pension issues. The team continues to evaluate company proposals and further develop our responses.

Whose Jobs Are These, Anyway?

SBC Global Services is planning to open a new maintenance facility in Lansing, Mich., in June.

Coincidence No. 1: the new facility will be in the exact same location as an SBC service center that was shut down and that had employed CWA members.

Coincidence No. 2: While the work – tech work monitoring data lines -- most recently was shifted from Arlington Heights, Ill., where it was performed by management, it previously was done by union workers in Austin, Tex.

Coincidence No. 3: The manager at the Lansing facility is the same person who managed the service center that SBC shut down.

If SBC is serious about not eliminating union jobs, this facility will have union workers on the job when it opens in June. We'll be watching.

Mobilization Update

There were hundreds of actions yesterday as locals joined in the "Day of Action on Employment Security," reminding SBC that we are serious about keeping quality jobs at this company.

In Dallas, the local media turned out to cover some seven events coordinated by Local 6215. A pre-work rally outside the access service center had about 100 CWAers participating while a big lunchtime rally outside SBC's downtown headquarters brought additional supporters from Local 6150 and the AFL-CIO. Across District 6, mobilizers distributed the employment security brochure.

In District 4, CWA members wore red and displayed their mini-picket signs in workplace actions from Indiana to Ohio to Wisconsin. In District 1, members of Local 1298 handbilled workers with the employment security brochures and also displayed their mini-picket signs. CWA locals in District 9 held rallies in several locations, including San Jose and Sacramento.

Photos, as we receive them, will be displayed in the photo gallery section of the website, www.cwa-union.org/sbc.

Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/19/2004 07:26:00 PM

Thursday, March 18, 2004

Thursday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates




National Bargaining Report


Across the country today, CWA's SBC national and regional bargaining committees were at bargaining tables or awaiting company responses to union proposals.


For bargaining reports from the CWA districts, which are continuing regional talks, go to www.cwa-union.org/sbc and click on the bargaining links at the bottom of the page.


At the national table today, CWA and SBC bargainers met in subcommittees on health care and employment security CWA's health care subcommittee members intensely questioned the company on various components of SBC's health care proposal, including an extensive discussion of the cost savings the company would gain as a result of the cost shifting and changes it's seeking. 


The employment security subcommittee took up the issues of capturing jobs created by new technology and contracting out, and explored the company's rationale for maintaining separate subsidiaries. The subcommittee also took up other job training issues, including the Internet-based, distance learning program.


The pension subcommittee will meet on Friday, March 19.


CWA also presented SBC with a list of financial data and documents the union needs as negotiations continue. The CWA team will be working through all the national issues to get our members the contract we've earned.


Mobilization Update


Throughout SBC territory today, CWA locals are marking Employment Security Day of Action. In every district, activists are distributing brochures, CWAers are wearing red and members are marching into work together or standing up in unison to remind SBC that we are serious about keeping quality employment at this company. SBC members also set up informational picketlines in several communities.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care

posted by Howard  # 3/18/2004 04:28:00 PM

CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #15 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #15

3/18/2004

The full committee met on Wednesday March 17, 2004. The Company presented its first formal package that responded to the proposals we have presented at the local table in Austin, Texas. The Company's response was filled with retrogressive givebacks. Highlights of some of the critical areas are:

The Company is proposing to place a maximum cap of 40 hours per calendar year on the amount of time of paid incidental absence for illnesses.

They are also attempting to force implementation of changes in night differential compensation that would negatively impact many members, effective 1/1/05.

They are proposing significant changes in the Force Adjustment article during surplus conditions that does not adequately address our requests, and decreases options for surplus employees.

The Company also wants to eliminate the option to carry over Vacations, Holidays and Excused Work Days until April 1st of the following year. This means all days must be scheduled and taken during the current calendar year. Management also proposes to give managers the right to schedule any vacation time not selected during the initial schedule selection.

The company proposes to modify the Monitoring Agreement to allow Employment Development Monitoring (EDM) without previous notification, along with some other basic changes.

Other areas of concern such as mandatory overtime were not adequately addressed.

This first package has sent a clear message to the Bargaining Committee that the Company does not take our proposals seriously. They have presented a package that only addresses their needs and not those of the members.

The Committee has worked feverishly in preparing a counter proposal package that we intend to present to the Company within the next few days.

We will keep you advised as developments occur.

In addition, reports from the National bargaining table in Washington, D.C can be accessed at http://www.cwa-union.org/sbc/

posted by Howard  # 3/18/2004 04:21:00 PM

National Bargaining Begins  



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



National Bargaining Begins

SBC bargaining at the national table got underway today, March 17, at 10 a.m., at the office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Washington.

On Monday, March 15, CWA President Morton Bahr and Karen Jennings, SBC senior executive vice president for human resources agreed that the areas to be covered at the national table are wages, pensions, health care, employment security and contract duration. Other issues will continue to be bargained at the regional tables.

Attending the national bargaining sessions for CWA are bargaining chairs from Districts 1, 4, 6 and 9, and Dina Beaumont, executive assistant to Bahr. SBC's Jennings and Mike Rodriquez, senior vice president for labor and human relations, were joined by several program experts and labor relations representatives from each region - Southwestern Bell, Ameritech, Pacific Bell and SNET.

Following some opening remarks at today's session by FMCS Director Peter Hurtgen, CWA's bargaining team presented its proposals for the areas in which we seek improvement for members.

CWA called for substantial wage increases and also proposed that pension benefits be increased to ensure that employees will receive income from their pensions equal to at least half of their final year's compensation.

On employment security, CWA stressed the importance of keeping good hometown jobs and further proposed that members have the opportunity to perform work in all SBC businesses, including new and future technologies. CWA further proposed that training opportunities for members be expanded to enable workers to master the skills needed for the new work.

SBC made an extensive proposal on health care that called for major retrogressions, including imposing premium costs on employees. These demands would result in hundreds of millions of dollars each year in cost shifting to employees and future retirees.

CWA continues to remind SBC that it is a successful, profitable company and that its employees have been a key part of achieving that success. We've earned our fair share!

Talks will resume at the national table on Thursday, March 18. Meanwhile, look for bargaining reports from the districts on developments at the regional tables and daily national bargaining and mobilization updates.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care



posted by Howard  # 3/18/2004 12:40:00 AM

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

Wednesday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #14

3/17/2004

Tuesday, March 16, 2004

The Committee is still in recess awaiting the Company's first formal package that responds to our proposals. We are waiting for their responses. That is expected any day now. The Committee is still going over the large data request that was provided. It must be noted that it is still early in bargaining to expect any significant movement from the Company. We have received several requests from members that more detailed information be provided. Nothing has been settled yet. No proposals are resolved until the final package is tentatively agreed to by the parties. We have presented all proposals to the Company. We have listed those in previous bargaining reports.

As we get closer to contract expiration, it is important to continue all your mobilization activities. Don't forget that March 18th is the next nationwide mobilization activity day. Please participate. It does make a difference. The Company needs to know that you demand a fair contract.

The next report will be after we receive the Company's first package response.

MOBILIZE! MOBILIZE! MOBILIZE!

posted by Howard  # 3/17/2004 11:13:00 PM

Monday, March 15, 2004

Monday's Unity Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC Updates



SBC's Health Care Surprise

SBC released its 2003 annual report on March 11. We weren't surprised at the positive financial indicators, especially since we had already heard from an SBC spokesperson that the company "had a great year operationally." (New York Times, 3-8-04)

But there was one big surprise.

The report shows that SBC's financial obligation for retiree health benefits has been reduced -- by at least $1.6 billion! -- by two important developments.


First, as a result of the recent Medicare prescription drug law, SBC's retiree health obligation - the amount of money it needs to pay for benefits provided to retirees into the future -- will decline by more than $1.6 billion. For 2004 alone, the company's annual expense for this obligation will be reduced by about $22 million. In future years, SBC reports that the Medicare benefit will reduce costs between $250 and $300 million.

At the same time, SBC reports that its recent move to cut retiree health care benefits beginning next January will further reduce its retiree health obligation by $2 to $3.5 billion. SBC is shifting costs to retirees in order to boost its own profits.

The intent of the Medicare subsidy to employers was to get them to maintain the provision of prescription drug benefits for their retirees, even as Medicare added those benefits to its package...not pump up profits.

SBC isn't playing fair. On the one hand, SBC is shifting costs to retirees. On the other hand, the company is collecting a huge subsidy from Medicare for maintaining prescription drug coverage.

SBC had a great year and is well-positioned for the future. We deserve our fair share. Stand strong and prepare to fight for our health care benefits - today on the job and tomorrow when we retire.


CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/15/2004 09:33:00 PM

Friday, March 12, 2004

Friday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #13


3/12/2004


Thursday, March 11, 2004


There were no formal committee meetings with the Company today. However, informal conversations did take place with the Company in an effort to clarify several proposals. The Committee spent the day reviewing all documentation in anticipation of receiving the Company's first formal response to our proposals. The Committee also reviewed the proposals that will be discussed next week in Washington, D.C.

posted by Howard  # 3/12/2004 04:03:00 PM

Thursday, March 11, 2004

Thursday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #12


3/11/2004


Wednesday, March 10, 2004


Your elected District 6 Bargaining Committee is continuing to bargain in Austin, Texas, on all issues that are specific to the SBC-Southwest contract. Regular meetings are taking place between the Union and Company Bargaining Committees. The Union's Committee Chair, Bill Davis, Assistant to the District 6 Vice President, Andy Milburn, has been designated as the Chief Negotiator from District 6 to be present during negotiations in Washington D.C. that are scheduled to commence on March 15th. Those negotiations will cover matters that cross all Company lines, ie., pensions, wages, health care (active and retired) and job security. All other Districts involved in the current negotiations are also sending their chief negotiators to Washington, D.C. next week. While those meetings are taking place, each District is continuing local negotiations. Your elected District 6 Bargaining Committee will continue to bargain in Austin, Texas, and will be diligently working to achieve the best possible contract for the members. We will provide more information on negotiations as it becomes available.


The Full Committee met this morning and discussed the following proposals:


G-31 – Increase Team Performance Award


G-34 – Improve Arbitration Procedure


G-38 – Restrict Movement of Work Outside of District 6


BEN-23 – Extend Date to Exercise 2001 Stock Options


The Committee also introduced the following new proposal:


I-5 – Delete Appendix I (1) – Basis of Compensation – Section 3


The Appendix A,B,D,I sub-committee met this afternoon. The Company provided information that the Union had previously requested and considerable discussion took place regarding these proposals:


A-1 Upgrade Advanced Computer Attendant SS-2 in Dallas, Texas to Title of Technical Assistance Center Administrator S-1


A-2 Upgrade Senior Records Clerk SS-1 Tax Exemption Unit in Dallas, Texas to Senior Accounting Clerk S-2


A-3 Upgrade Senior Records Clerk SS-1 Subpoena Unit in Dallas, Texas to Senior Accounting Clerk S-2


A-4 Upgrade Senior Records Clerk SS-1 Special Pay Unit in Saint Louis, Missouri to Senior Accounting Clerk S-2


A-5 – Upgrade Senior Records Clerk SS-1 Accounts Payable, Finance Unit, St. Louis, MO to Senior Accounting Clerk S-2


A-6 – Upgrade Senior Records Clerk SS-1 Procurement, St. Louis, MO, and
Dallas, TX to S-2


I-1 – Upgrade Sales Agents


The next report will be tomorrow.

posted by Howard  # 3/11/2004 02:42:00 PM

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Health Care Action Day  



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



More Reports from Health Care Action Day

Cleveland Rocks

The labor community marked Health Care Action Day in a big way, with a rally organized by CWA Locals 4340, 4309 and Jobs with Justice. Workers rallied outside SBC's main office in at Erieview Plaza, and supporters from civic, religious and community organizations and a broad range of unions all joined in to deliver the "health care for all message" loud and clear. CWA District 4 Vice President Jeff Rechenbach was among those
addressing the crowd.

Workers at the rally - as well as those who stayed on the job -- wore bandages and tourniquets, carried crutches and canes and vowed to fight on for fair health care coverage.

On the Left Coast...

In San Mateo, Calif., members of Local 9430 started early on Health Care Action Day, with informational picketing beginning at 6:30 a.m. at construction, cable maintenance, AI&M, and I&R facilities, reported Local 9430 Sec.-Treas. Lisa Alden. Local members are proud and united in their support for the bargaining team and in their participation in mobilization activities, she said.




Local 9430 members start picketing early on Health Care Action Day.



In Sacramento, members of Local 9421 set up informational picket lines to spread the word that CWAers are taking a stand for jobs and health care.




Local 9421 on the march in Sacramento.


At SBC East...

Local 1298 had a good turnout for informational picketing on Health Care Action Day in Hartford, Conn., with some 60 participants, including the local's entire executive board and retirees. After the demonstration, the crowd, all wearing red, marched to the state capitol where President Paul Hongo was testifying on a call center measure.




Health Care Action Day in Hartford, Conn., with Local 1298.


Throughout District 6, CWAers wore band-aids to work on March 4, to show SBC "our willingness to stick together" and keep quality health care benefits.



Members of Local 4108 picket in Saginaw, Mich.



Like many locals, members of Local 6201 in Fort Worth, Tex., who work at the Alliance LSC went a bit further, donning bandages, slings, canes, crutches and more to show their support for bargaining and their fight for health care.

See those pictures




Members of Local 4013,
Pontiac, Mich., on Health Care Action Day.


See more photos from Health Care Action Day at www.cwa-union.org/sbc .

=========


More Mobe Actions

Local 9503 members have been turning out to mobilize, mobilize, mobilize, reported President Dan McCrory. Some 400 members have stood up on two occasions to protest stress and draconian work rules at the business office in Van Nuys. McCrory reported that managers "pretended calm as they raced around the room to see who was participating - everybody!"

The local's next action is not informational picketing, but a "meet and greet" at the SBC Classic Golf Tournament set for March 13.

Local 9505 in Pasadena, Calif., has a mobilization committee of more than 200 members "who are fired up and ready to serve," reported committee co-chair Shari Mims. The local has been holding solidarity days, distributing t-shirts and mini-picket signs, passing out literature and
holding tail gate parties at major work sites.

An extremely fun activity was teaching union chants, songs and the union clap to members who had never experienced a strike or big bargaining mobilization, she said. The local holds rallies at the start of each membership meeting.

=========


It All Adds Up

From the New York Times, March 7, 2004: "Consider the payout in 2003 to Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., chairman and chief executive of SBC Communications. Mr. Whitacre was awarded $19.5 million in salary, bonus, long-term incentive pay, restricted stock and other compensation last year, up from $10.1 million in 2002."

Company spokesperson Anne Vincent explained that "SBC had a great year operationally" and that Whitacre's "leadership had a lot to do with that."

Well, we've been hearing from lots of SBC members who know that their work and productivity has a lot to do with SBC's success.

Our members are questioning why there would be any talk of concessions from a company that "had a great year operationally," and are looking forward to their fair share of SBC's success.

=========

Countdown to Our Contract

The next national action is set for March 18, when CWAers will remind SBC that we're standing up for employment security.

Contracts expire Apr. 1, for SBC West, and Apr. 3 for SBC Midwest, Southwest and East.

CWA: Taking a Stand for Jobs and Health Care


posted by Howard  # 3/10/2004 06:09:00 PM

Wednesday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #11


3/10/2004


Tuesday, March 9, 2004


The Benefit Committee discussed the following proposals during their last meeting:


BEN-8 – Improve Dental Plan – Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses; Reduce Maximums


BEN-9 – Increase Lifetime Benefit for Orthodontia


BEN-10 – Improve Vision Care Benefits


BEN-11 – Extend the Vision Plan to Include Future and Current Retirees


BEN-12 – Improve Medical Plan


BEN-13 – Provide Full Medicare Part B Reimbursement for all Retirees and Spouses – Present and Future


Due to the recent announcement that the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service had requested that various major issues between CWA and SBC would be negotiated in Washington, D.C., some of the above proposals will be transitioned to those talks that will commence on March 15, 2004. Other proposals that are specific to SBC-Southwest will continue to be negotiated at the SBC-Southwest Bargaining table in Austin, Texas.


The Benefit Committee met on Tuesday and, after considering all remaining proposals, discussed the following:


BEN-20 – Eliminate the Age Requirement and Restrictions for Diversifying in the Savings and Security Plan and the Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan


BEN-21 – Improve Savings and Security Plan


BEN-24 – Improve the Adoption Assistance Allowance


BEN-25 – Eliminate Family Medical Leave Act Net Credited Service Reduction for Family Members' Care


BEN-26 – Improve Employee Life and Dependent Life Insurance


BEN-28 – Extend the Two Union Benefit Representative Positions


G-12 – Provide Child Care Benefits


The Full Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday and will also discuss issues specific to SBC-Southwest. The next report will follow those meetings.

posted by Howard  # 3/10/2004 05:05:00 PM

Monday, March 08, 2004

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service  



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



SBC-CWA Negotiations to be Held in Washington, D.C.


3/8/2004


To: Local Officers and Members at SBC


Dear Colleagues:


At the urging of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director Peter J. Hurtgen, CWA and SBC have agreed to conduct negotiations in Washington, D.C., under auspices of the FMCS.


Director Hurtgen noted that the parties are discussing "several significant issues, such as health care," and he cited his concern over the impact of talks affecting more than 100,000 workers upon the entire industry and the economy.


After discussions with the District Vice Presidents, and with their concurrence, I will be meeting in the director's office along with the head of human resources for SBC, Karen Jennings, on Monday, March 15 to work out details of the bargaining process and the issues to be addressed at the national table.


Director Hurtgen was most helpful in mediating our talks with Verizon last year, and we hope that a similar process can help get us to a fair and timely settlement with SBC.


I am attaching the FMCS' public announcement. download the PDF (27 Kb)

In Solidarity,


Morton Bahr

posted by Howard  # 3/08/2004 08:31:00 PM

Friday, March 05, 2004

SBC Bargaining Bulletin 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



SBC Bargaining Bulletin


3/5/2004


CWA President Morton Bahr today advised District 4,6,9 and 1 that FMCS Director Peter Hurtgen had contacted him and Karen Jennings with SBC. Mr. Hurtgen requested that Karen and he meet with him Monday afternoon in his office. Additionally, in light of the potential impact these negotiations can have on the national economy, he has requested that bargaining be moved to Washington, D.C. under Federal Mediation Conciliation Services supervision. Matters to be bargained in D.C. are only those that cross all company lines, i.e., pensions, wages, health care (active and retired) and job security. Each District is to designate its chief negotiator for this job. Dina Beaumont, President Bahr's assistant will join the four negotiators. President Bahr and the Vice Presidents and will be available to assist the negotiators as needed. Bargaining on these issues will commence on March 16th. Further information from President Bahr will follow in the near future.

posted by Howard  # 3/05/2004 04:31:00 PM

Friday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #10


3/5/2004


Thursday, March 4, 2004


The Employment Security Committee met this morning. Information was provided by the Company at the request of the Union. There was considerable discussion throughout the session where the Company attempted to clarify their interpretation of various sections of the Force Adjustment Article. Needless to say, their interpretation was looked at as totally ridiculous. Some major disagreements took place in the area of the Force Adjustment Area (FAA) and the Expanded Force Adjustment Area (EFAA). It appears that the Company is attempting to change the way this article has consistently been applied in the past. The Union objected to many of these new interpretations by discussing how this has been applied throughout the five states and how the Company has failed to bring it up in past bargaining sessions. We are going to continue to debate the Force Adjustment Article for several meetings.


The Benefit Committee spent the day researching documentation and preparing for the next benefit meeting that is scheduled for Friday. The Appendix A,B,D,I Sub-Committee is also scheduled to meet on Friday.

posted by Howard  # 3/05/2004 04:28:00 PM

Thursday, March 04, 2004

Thursday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #9


3/4/2004


Wednesday, March 3, 2004


The Full Committee met this morning. The Company provided details to us in response to an information request we gave them at our last meeting. The Union then presented the following proposals to the Company:


G-23 – Needs of the Business – Eliminate Needs of the Business


G-24 – Extend all Memorandum of Agreements, Letters of Agreement, Task Force Recommendations and any other Agreements between CWA and SWB.


G-25 – Article IV – Replace American Arbitration Association with Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services


G-26 – Successorship Right – Acceptance of the Union Contract as a Condition of Sale or Merger of any Franchise Operation or Subsidiary


G-27 – Include Southwestern Bell Video Services Inc. in SWB Telephone Agreement


G-28 – Include SWB Messaging Services Inc. into SWB Telephone Agreement


G-30 – Upgrade Memorandum of Agreement-SWB Telecom Inc. to include all locations in the 5-states


The Benefit Committee met this afternoon and the Union began presenting our proposals. Today we addressed the following:


BEN-1 – Significantly Improve Pension Plan


BEN-2 - Significant Increase in Pension bands


BEN-3 – Maintain the Lump Sum Pension Option with NO Diminishment in the Value of the Benefit


BEN-4 – Substantial Pension Increase for Current Retirees with Future Increases to Match Increases Given to Active Employees


BEN–5 – Surviving Spouse or Designated Beneficiary Receives Accumulated Pension if Active Employee Dies


BEN-6 – Eliminate "Modified Rule of 75" Under Surplus Conditions


BEN-7 – Add "Any Designated Beneficiary" to Receive Death Benefit The Committee recessed for the day. The next Benefit Committee Meeting is scheduled for Friday.


The Employment Security Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday. The next report will be after that meeting.

posted by Howard  # 3/04/2004 06:31:00 PM

Wednesday, March 03, 2004

Wednesday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #8


3/3/2004


Tuesday, March 2, 2004


The Company-Union Relations Committee met this morning and discussed the following proposals:


G-8 – Improve Training/Retraining to Establish a Culture of Life-Long Learning and Extend These Benefits to Family Members


This proposal would be to expand training to not only be job related, but to also encompass life/work planning, financial planning, telecommunications, communications skills, etc. The courses would be available in an online format. The Company provided specific numbers for the last three years for participation in the Tuition Plan and the numbers of participants in the Training/Retraining Plan. The Company also provided the numbers of participants in the Accelerated Technical Training Program since 2001.


G-33- Establish a CWA/NETT Training Academy to be Fully Funded by the Company


The Union gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding this proposal. The Union described the format for this training. We are attempting to get the company to agree with this type of format and fully fund the academy. The training would provide for CCNA and A+ Certification, along with BICSI courses. The cost to the Company would be significantly less through the CWA/NETT Training Academy than it is through other outside training facilities.


The Appendix C Committee met this afternoon and spent considerable time on proposal G-20 – Improve Travel Article. The Union proposed significant increases on all dollar amounts used in the Travel Article.


Discussion continued on C-5 – Upgrade Central Office Translations Specialists. The increased job duties were provided to the Company.


The Committee also discussed C-4 – Upgrade Operations Clerks, and C-6 – Upgrade Customer Service Representatives.


The Committees then adjourned for the day to go over items that will be discussed in the Full Committee meeting tomorrow morning. We also prepared presentations for the Benefit Proposals that will be presented starting tomorrow afternoon.


The next report will be after these sessions.

posted by Howard  # 3/03/2004 04:52:00 PM

Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Tuesday's Update 



CWA 6201 Bargaining and Mobilization Page

2004 SBC-Southwest Bargaining Updates



CWA/SBC – Southwest Bargaining Report #7


3/2/2004


Monday, March 1, 2004


The Appendix A,B,D,I Committee met this morning and continued discussions from last week involving proposal B-2 – Upgrade Service Order Writers. More details of their job duties were presented to the Company. The Company feels the functions of the Service Order Writers have not changed that much and are virtually the same as they were thirty years ago. The Union had considerable debate about the complexity of the job today and all the changes that have taken place over the years.


The Union also presented and had discussions on the following proposals:


B-5 – Upgrade Revenue Management Representatives.


D-3 – Upgrade the Operating Employees in the Relay Centers, and a title change to Communications Assistants


I-1 – Upgrade Sales Agents


I-2 – Establish Task Force for Sales Agents, Sales and Service
Consultants, and Senior Consultants.


I-3 – Establish Bi-lingual Differential


I-4 – Improve Temporary Work in Higher Classification.


The Employment Security Committee met this afternoon. Those discussions started out with the Company responding to some information requests from the Union from the last meeting. Considerable debate centered on the Force Adjustment Article and it's application during surplus situations. The Union disagreed with the Company on their interpretation of parts of that Article.


The Union also brought up the news report from The Wall Street Journal about SBC selling off some of their access lines in various locations. The Company could not provide and more details at this time. The Union also discussed some jobs that had been moved over from Cingular Wireless to SBC Services. The Union also continued dialogue on contracting of bargaining unit work. The committee requested information regarding the titles, specific locations, and actual numbers of employees that are still eligible for recall. The Company committed to get the requested information. The Committee then recessed for the day.


The Company-Union Relations and the Appendix C Committees are scheduled to meet tomorrow.


The next report will be after Tuesday's sessions.

posted by Howard  # 3/02/2004 11:29:00 AM

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