President’s Report
Chris Rossie
April 16,
2008
There where 719 employees that took advantage of
the recent Enhanced ZIPP VSPP in the 13 states
where CWA represents members working at Qwest.
Across the entire state of Arizona, including
Locals 7026, 7032 and our Local, 172 employees
opted to leave the company. If you recently took
advantage of the offer, I want to take this
opportunity again to thank you for being a
member of our Local. You still have the option
to remain active within the Local, sit on
committees and stay engaged in the Labor
Movement. You can pay an adjusted dues amount
based on your retirement package and remain a
"Member in Good Standing". Additionally, you can
also sign up for membership in the Retiree's
Chapter of Arizona. Contact Peggy Dewey for
information about becoming a member of the
Retiree's Chapter of Arizona at 623-247-3241 or
by e-mail
pdewey7019@qwest.net Information is also
available from a link on our website at
CWA7019.org
We have current openings at the Local in the
Legislative and Mobilization Committees. These
committees are very important to the Local. 2008
is a Presidential Election year and our Qwest
and Frontier Communications contracts go into
bargaining later this year. A list of all
committees can be found on our website
cwa7019.org or in the Local's newsletter.
Please reply back to this e-mail if you have
interest in becoming a member in any of our
committees.
Going back the Enhanced ZIPP VSPP at Qwest for a
moment... It has been brought to my attention
that some of you may be owed money for
participation in or attendance of the conference
call on March 18th announcing the offer. You
need to read Article 5 of the CWA-Qwest
Collective Bargaining Agreement.
SECTION 5.1a
If you participated on the conference
call from your home, you are entitled to two
hours of call out pay. Even if you work in one
of the centers.
SECTION 5.1b
If you were called at home and had to go
into work to hear the conference call, you are
entitled to three hours of call out pay.
Premium pay, OVERTIME PAY, also applies in some
cases. Again, even if you work in one of the
centers.
Ask a steward in your workgroup for assistance
with this issue if necessary. Be sure you get
paid for the time you are due, it's been
BARGAINED for you!
Peggy Dewey is also the Chairperson of our
Apprenticeship Committee. She asked me to share
with the membership the availability of classes
at the New Horizons Computer Learning Centers.
They offer Microsoft and Cisco certification
training as well as several other classes to
assist you in your personal development and with
career advancement. You can visit New Horizons'
website
http://www.nhphoenix.com
i
or contact Lawrence Jones by phone at 480
237-6531 for more information about their
programs and classes.
CWA Local 7019 was well represented last
Thursday, April 10th at Lobby Day at the State
Capitol. Thank you to all who came out and
listened to several of our state legislators,
including Jackie Thrasher, who is up for
re-election for her seat in District 10. She is
asking for volunteers to assist her this
Saturday at 0930am for two hours gathering
signatures and collecting $5.00 contributions in
her Clean Elections Campaign. The kick off for
the event will be at Jackie's house 4537 W. Park
Lane, Phoenix, just south of Bell Rd. Please
make an effort to assist Jackie on Saturday, if
you can, as she has been a long time supporter
of Local 7019 and ASEA-CWA.
Thursday, wear your RED shirt!
A RED shirt! Any RED shirt!
This is OUR core, where it starts. OUR show
of UNITY!
It's Time to Stand Together and Be Strong!
Be Seen!
Wear a RED shirt every Thursday!
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April 3, 2008
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... there
is so much more going on at Local 7019.
Our
members in New Mexico and the members of
Local 6171 have ratified their recently
negotiated Windstream contract.
The highlights of their agreement were
included in a previous e-mail, one being
that they bargained a 12% wage increase
across three years. I hope the other telco's
are paying attention! We have members in
northeastern Arizona, that work for Frontier
Communications and their contract will be
expiring on November 14, 2008. CWA should be
primed for negotiations with Frontier,
because as we all know, Qwest comes to the
bargaining table this June to replace the
contract that expires in August. What about
that 12% raise Windstream put up? That was
the result of the Unity and Strength
displayed by the members' involvement in
activities the company couldn't ignore.
Throughout
Arizona, Local 7026, Local 7032 and our Local
have members that work for AT&T, in the retail
wireless stores. Their contract expires February
7, 2009.
Local 7019
represents the most skilled craftsmen in the
printing trade across the state of Arizona.
A list of "OUR" printers can be found on our
website at; cwa7019.org/union_printers.htm
The merger of the International
Typographical Union, the "ITU" and CWA
allows us the heritage of the oldest labor
organization in the United States, chartered
on May 5th 1852, and the rights to the
Allied Printing Trades Label, also
affectionately known as the "Bug.?
The ITU is credited with creating the
initiative that led to federal legislation
establishing the 40-hour work week. The
progressive thinking ITU allowed for women's
rights in the workplace by permitting women
to join the Union in 1869, decades before
the United States gave women the right to
vote in this country.
We are
currently engaged in discussions with the
Maricopa County Democratic Party on behalf
of our Local's print shops, to encourage
them to return the work of printing
Democratic Party candidate campaign
literature to the workshop floor of our
printers, where it rightfully belongs. I
will advise you if a more radical approach
is required to persuade them to do the right
thing.
Our Local
is working hard for Arizona State Employees.
The ASEA-CWA is dedicated to bringing fair
wages, safe working conditions, quality
healthcare and a Collective Bargaining
Agreement to the employees of the Arizona
State Hospital, located at 24th St. and E.
Van Buren St, in Phoenix. Please join our
Local on April 10th, next Thursday, 1100am
at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W
Washington. Do you have a relationship with
a state legislator? Are you wanting to
develop one on behalf of the Labor Movement
and our Local? Call Scott Ramsey or Sylvia
Mohler at the Local 602 331-7019 and become
an
activist!
The rally will begin promptly
at 1100am.
I have a
request from a member who job swapped to
Pueblo, Colorado from our Local that wants
to return to Phoenix. If you are a Broad
Band tech that would like to make this swap
and avoid another Arizona summer, reply back
to me via this e-mail.
For
Thursday April 3rd, to all the members that
have accepted the company's VSPP and will be
leaving payroll today:
THANK YOU,
for having been a part of OUR Local, you
will be missed!
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March 28, 2007
When you HEAR or THINK the phrase "The company can't....!" I
want you to remember what is printed below to further your education as a
Unionist;
The Collective Bargaining Agreement between Qwest Corporation, Qwest
Business Resources, Inc and the Communications Workers of America, which
covers the membership at our Local that works for Qwest, doesn't include
Agent Services employees (operators) working for Qwest in other parts of
the country. The language under the Letter of Agreement about
Permissible Mobilization Activities Over Grievable Issues applies to
"our" contract and that Letter of Agreement isn't included in the
legally sole and separate Agent Services contract. NOW, LOOK AT
WHAT QWEST DID.... (as reprinted from a letter I received from
our District 7 office);
On
Thursday March 20, 2008 Local 7500 held an informational picket
outside the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, operator office. When
management approached the Local to cease the action, they
immediately complied.
At issue
was an operator who would have been 6 days short of 30 years service
when the office closed on March 28, 2008.Though not obligated by the
collective bargaining agreement, the Local requested that she be
allowed an extension in order to reach her 30 years. The employer
refused.
All 9 of
the participants were suspended pending investigation the following
day. On Tuesday, March 25, all 9 including Local President (name
withheld) were summarily fired for disparaging the Qwest slogan Spirit of Service, making derogatory remarks about Qwest and for
violating the collective bargaining agreement. When asked which
agreement, the Company didn't have an answer. When we asked which
portion of the collective bargaining agreement was violated, we were
informed that they would not answer since it was not an appropriate
topic for the dismissal meetings.
When the
employees were suspended, we were told that it was due to a
violation of the mobilization agreement in the Qwest Communications
contract. Based on that, we filed a demand for expedited
arbitration as outlined in the agreement.
Our demand
states that we do not believe that the letter applies to the agent
services agreement. However, since Qwest apparently is taking that
position, we are using the process outlined in the letter to
challenge that assertion. The arbitration hearing will be held in
Denver on April 22, 2008. The arbitrator has one week to issue a
decision.
Additionally, we have filed a charge with the NLRB regarding 4
points:
The
company has unlawfully terminated 9 employees in South Dakota for
protected, concerted activity.
The
company has unlawfully interrogated employees regarding protected,
concerted activity.
The
company has unlawfully interrogated employees about the protected,
concerted activity of their coworkers; and
The
company has unlawfully created the impression of surveillance by
interrogating employees about future protected, concerted activity.
Lastly,
the Local has filed grievances regarding the dismissal without just
cause of the 9 employees.
In
Waterloo, Iowa, our members did a mobilization activity in support
of their sister in Sioux Falls. They wore t-shirts and had
mini-picket signs and were told to remove the picket signs and told
not to wear the t-shirts again or they would face discipline. We
believe that these activities are protected and the Local filed a
grievance as well.
Please let
us know if you have any questions.
This information is intended for MEMBERS
ONLY!
Sign up a new
MEMBER, so they can be informed.
I will
keep you advised as the situation progresses.
In Unity,
PS. Thursday,
did you wear your RED shirt?
A RED shirt? Any RED
shirt?
This is OUR core, where it starts. OUR show of UNITY!
It's Time to Stand Together and Be Strong! Be Seen!
Wear a RED shirt
every Thursday!
March 27, 2008?
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Today is Thursday, did/are you wearing your RED
shirt??
A RED shirt? Any RED shirt?
This is OUR core, where it starts. OUR show
of UNITY!
It's Time to Stand Together and Be
Strong! Be Seen!
Wear a RED shirt every Thursday!
Have you heard??"9" Members, including the
President of Local 7500?in Sioux Falls, South
Dakota were just FIRED by Qwest! We have a
Plan... have you heard?MEMBERS ONLY, Ask your
Local Officer, Area Rep or Steward about OUR
Plan, IMMEDIATELY! No Print, No Pass, No
Post...No Fliers, only word of mouth. It's a
CALL CENTER issue this time! That's all I can
share with you for now. You will be advised of
the date, time and location of OUR next
meeting. MEMBERS ONLY! Sign up a new MEMBER, so
they can attend.
The following has been reprinted from the
original by:
Michael A. Thompson
CWA 7102
Des Moines, IA
Wearing Red on Thursdays originally started
back in 1989 for a member who lost his life
due to a SCAB. The SCAB, a daughter of a
manager, had to get to work and drove
through a line of picketers when she struck
down Gerry Horgan. A husband, a father of
two little girls, and a fellow Union
brother. He lost his life that day due to
the actions of a SCAB and the greed of a
corporation. The members of the Local all
wore Red in unity and memory of Gerry Horgan,
and now it is a symbol of solidarity for all
CWA members each and every Thursday.
Wearing Red on Thursdays is more than
just wearing a shirt.
Wearing Red on Thursdays is a sign of Unity
and Solidarity. In times of harmony, it is a
symbol of remembrance of what has gone
before us to bring us to where we are today.
It is a tribute to those who have supported
us in becoming the enduring symbol of unity
that we have become.
In hard times, wearing Red on Thursdays is a
sign of strength, courage, power, and
resolve of the Union to NEVER back down. YOU
are the Union! You are never alone in a
Union. Wearing red on Thursdays shows that
we all stand together in the face of
adversity in whatever form it may choose to
come. Wearing red on Thursday speaks to
other coworkers who may be hesitant to show
their Solidarity. It says to them "You are
not alone, WE stand shoulder to shoulder
with you!"
Wearing Red on Thursdays is a gesture of the
pride in belonging to a Union. A voice that
says loud and clear "We stand together!"
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03/19/08
WHAT WE KNOW....
Qwest announced a surplus of Fleet Mechanics on
February 27th, their last day on the job is May
30th. Our Local lost the three remaining Fleet
Mechanics in Arizona from the 67th Ave yard that
day. A total of twenty mechanics across 13 Qwest
states lost their jobs that day. In the
announcement the company stated the work would
be contracted out.... Unfortunately, the
mechanics were part of the BRI contract that was
combined with the Qwest contract with an
exception for the contracting of work.
Yesterday, Tuesday, March 18th, Qwest announced
an Enhanced ZIPP VSPP to the Local Network
Operations work groups across 11 states. The
current announcement has been limited to just
the LNO and has specifically excluded all of
Mass Markets. The company is expecting in excess
of 500 employees to take the buyout and leave
the company. The company has stated they will
accept all requests for the Enhanced ZIPP VSPP
offer. The most significant fact here is that
this is a VOLUNTARY offer. If you are included
in one of these work groups you should have
already been advised by your managers and
provided an information packet regarding the
details of this offer. Please contact your
manager or Local Officer if you have questions
or concerns about the offer at your very first
opportunity.
Our members that are very close to retirement
eligibility or are currently retirement eligible
will be able to take full advantage of this
offer and acquire added cash to go on to pursue
their lives after Qwest.
Some members may choose to take the buyout,
regardless of how long they have been with Qwest
and pursue other interests in their lives with
the benefit of being able to do so with a
certain amount of financial boost being provided
by the company.
Some of us will choose to remain employed by
Qwest and wait to see what tomorrow, next month,
or what bargaining may bring us in August.
As we have in the past, with other situations,
the Local will support the membership
individually and at large in what ever you may
decide for yourselves and your families. Your
efforts and contributions as members of Local
7019 are greatly appreciated and we will be
forever thankful for having had the honor of
your membership.
PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS CAREFULLY....
I can't say if this option is going to be
presented to the Mass Markets work groups next
or if a surplus will occur subsequent to the
buyout if the company doesn't get enough
volunteers. We don't know if a future surplus is
planned for any other reason or work groups
either. These decisions are discussed and made
between the company and Union bargaining agents.
The Local is advised only after the decision has
been agreed upon. As information is shared with
me, I will pass it on to our membership.
In the mean time, I encourage you to continue to
do the kind of QUALITY JOB OUR UNION IS PROUD TO
REPRESENT!
It is no secret that Qwest is making these moves
based on financial decisions. The current stock
price is hovering at a 52 week low.
The company has stated it intends to supplement
the workforce with contracted help, AS
BARGAINING APPROACHES! I'm going to end this
e-mail with a message to Qwest management; We,
the membership of Local 7019, recognize that the
company needs to continue to exist and be
profitable in order for us to have jobs,
benefits, an acceptable wage and to bargain a
fair contract. It is one thing to come to the
membership and ask us to work together with you
in order for the company to succeed and profit
from all of our efforts. It is quite another to
say.... Well, I think we should wait and
actually see what Qwest management will say.
In Unity,
ROSSIE
PS. IF YOU ARE AN TECH IN ANY OF THE JOB TITLES,
PUT IN A 6500 FOR THE LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE...
WHEN THE DUST SETTLES ON THE VSPP... THERE JUST
MIGHT BE AN LFR. |
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February 27, 2008
The bargaining agreement between our
members in New Mexico and Windstream
Communications is due to expire at midnight
on Thursday, February 28. Bargaining has
been ongoing since January 8 and we seem to
be no closer to an agreement today, the
night before the contract expires than the
first day. The issues of Healthcare, Wages
and Pensions weigh in heavily at the table.
I have attached a photo of an informational
picket as demonstrated by members of Local
6171 in Texas, who are bargaining the
contract between Local 6171, 7019 and
Windstream Communications. In recognition of
these ongoing negotiations, please be sure
to wear your red Union shirts on Thursday,
February 28. I will keep you posted as the
hour approaches.
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I just returned from a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I was able to
attend the CWA State Council meeting. Local 7019 represents members in
Espanola, Truth or Consequences and Ruidoso, New Mexico, who work for
Windstream Commuications. We discussed the different bargaining units
represented in the state, including Qwest and Windstream. There is a dynamic
difference between the way these two companies interact with and treat their
employees, our members. Political candidates from around the state were also
present to be interviewed by the State Council for endorsements in upcoming
elections. Official endorsements will be announced shortly by the State
Council.
Please note that New Mexico is an “agency state”, as compared to Arizona
which is a “right to work state.” Membership in a Union is optional in an
agency state, just as it is in Arizona. However, all employees in an agency
state are required to pay dues to the Union representing the bargaining unit
of the company. Please keep this thought in mind for future political
activism in the state of Arizona.
The Windstream Collective Bargaining Agreement is in negotiation now and
is due to expire on February 28. You are all aware, the Qwest Agreement with
CWA expires in August of this year. Our Agreement with Frontier
Communications, in which we represent members in Show Low, Pinetop/Lakeside
and areas of northeastern AZ will also expire in November of this year.
The most important thought I would like to relay to you with this
communication today, is to be prepared for the expiration of the contract
between you and the employer, regardless of who you work for. Being
prepared means getting involved in the process, attending meetings, having
your voice heard by voting on the issues and most importantly by casting
your ballot on a STRIKE Vote. Saving money allowing you to maintain your
financial situation needs to be each and every member’s PRIORITY. If the
need to PROTECT Your RIGHTS and Your JOB requires a STRIKE to be called, we
all need to be on SOLID GROUND. The Union would not go into a negotiation
with the intent of calling a STRIKE. It would never be Our preference and
the decision to call a STRIKE would not be taken lightly by anyone. However,
if the situation REQUIRES it a STRIKE could be a REALITY.
The search for a new Hall is ongoing.
The mission is to find a location more
centrally located to the membership
across metro Phoenix, that can be
purchased outright without incurring a
mortgage. We could function fully in a
building of approximately 5000 square
feet. Ultimately, size and location will
be determined by price. As we go forward
with our search, if you know of a
building for sale that could suit our
needs or a broker that may be able to
assist us, please send me an e-mail with
the information. Let's close the book on
the old Hall, we just sold. The building
served the Local well during the last 5+
years. Having sold the building for $1.7
Million, the Local profited by more than
$500K and was able to bank an additional
$200K in equity after paying off the
note held by CWA International. We added
another $11,000.00 to our coffers when
the buyers of the building offered to
purchase the office furniture we had.
Additionally, we saved more than $10,000
by not having to move and store the old
office furniture. This is good news,
share it in conversation as the topic
arises. Recapping, we are currently
occupying office space at 2501 W Dunlap
Ave Suite 103, Phoenix AZ 85021. The
number to contact the Local remains 602
331-7019. |
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December 3, 2007
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*
2nd NOTICE *PLEASE ATTEND !
Qwest Pre Bargaining ’08 Meeting
Tuesday Dec
11 at 0700PM at the HALL
11070 N 24th Ave, I-17 and Peoria
ALL Qwest members NEED to
attend
Voice your CONCERNS and
BE Heard!
The CWA Bargaining Committee for the Qwest
contract negotiations in 2008 will be
meeting on May 6th 2008 with the delegates
representing Qwest membership at the
District 7 Annual Conference.
The delegates will review and
discuss the proposals submitted by the
various Locals as well as
recommendations by the Bargaining
Committee and ultimately adopt our
agenda for talks with Qwest to negotiate
a replacement contract. The
current collective bargaining
agreement expires on August 16th,
2008.
Our Local will be meeting on
December 11th to discuss and adopt "5" bargaining
proposals to submit to the Bargaining
Committee for consideration. We will
be discussing proposals other than wages, pensions
or benefit issues such as healthcare,
since it is already known that those
items will be included as subjects of
negotiation. Over the last two years, I
have received informal requests for
proposals regarding, incidental overtime “last
work assignment of the day”, wage
scale zones, LFR's, Incidentals and
Contractors, Security issues involving
SSN's and Drivers Licenses, RCA size,
Contractor Restrictions, Weather
Condition "HEAT" Restrictions, company
investigation time restrictions,
Scheduling, grandfathering job
certifications, expanded restrictions on
management doing craft work and the
grievance process. If you want to make
changes to your working conditions, this
is where it starts. If you don't make it
heard now you can't complain later that
it didn't get addressed. We will need to
decide which "5" of
these and any proposals made at the
meeting we want to submit as a Local for
consideration at bargaining. We only get
to submit "5". We
will be voting on which "5" at
the meeting on DECEMBER
11th at
the Hall. THIS
IS IT, YOU NEED TO BE HERE!!!
We will need to identify the
article, addendum or section and come up
with the language to replace or change
with each proposal as shown below. BRING
YOUR CONTRACTS!
All proposals must be submitted
to the District 7 Office prior to
January 25, 2008.
This is the
last meeting at our current location.
The Local’s Annual Children’s Christmas
Party with a
Santa visit will
be held on Dec 8 at 100PM to 300PM
PLEASE
PLAN TO ATTEND
The December meeting of the AZ
state RMC is December 18th at the
Hometown Buffet 1501 W Bethany Home Rd.
in the banquet room from 6 to 8 pm. All
CWA members are invited.
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November 30, 2007
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Our current
building has been SOLD!
We will be
moving to temporary space on Dec 14th
until
a new
permanent Hall is
located. You will be
advised of
the temporary location very soon. New
Hall
locations are under consideration.
Your Executive
Board
has committed to finding a new Hall
location
that we can
purchase from the proceeds of the sale
of our
current building. This is part of our ongoing
fiscal plan as approved at our Local
Convention.
We
will
be looking for locations
closer
to
the main body
of
members located at
20 E Thomas Rd.
The following meetings
will be held at our current location;
AVAYA members meeting on
WED Dec 5th 0700PM
The Local’s
Annual Children’s Christmas Party with
a
Santa
visit will be held on Dec 8 at 100PM to 300PM
Please plan to attend
Qwest Pre Bargaining ’08
Meeting
on Tuesday Dec 11 at
0700PM
ALL Qwest members are
encouraged to attend
Voice your CONCERNS and BE
Heard!
In Unity,
Rossie
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August 6, 2007
CODE OF CONDUCT - BEING A UNION MEMBER
In
the
Union there are certain standards of behavior
as both a worker and a Union member. Remember, being a member of CWA is a
privilege not a right and we are proud to be one.
In
the early days of Unionism, before there were complex contracts, Unions often
included a Code of Ethics and on-the-job conduct requirements in their Local
bylaws or in a “Union Rulebook”. The rulebook was written and passed solely by
the Union members, not negotiated with the employer. It gave guidelines for
whom should do what, and how Union members should relate to bosses and each
other.
Certain behaviors and attitudes are part of being a good Union member:
-
Passing on all relevant information to the
Union.
-
Spreading the Union position on issues when
they come up.
-
It is more important to protect jobs than to
show management how smart you are.
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Safety and health always come first.
Likewise, there are actions which are outside the boundaries of being a Union
member:
-
Working unsafely and in a hurry, in any
situation.
-
Complaining to management that a fellow worker
is not working hard enough.
-
Making suggestions that eliminate jobs.
-
Sexual harassment, racial harassment or
discrimination.
-
Discussing Union business with members of
management.
-
Snitching.
Let's make "our"
presence known in the workplace, in your cube, on your dashboard, or the
Union board in your area. This is who we are, what we do and what we
represent as a Local. We are about quality of life at home and in the
workplace. Our GOAL is to see that we are all able work in a SAFE
environment that affords us a certain lifestyle that would not otherwise be
available in a non-Union workplace. Where an injury to one is an injury to
all, our Union allows us to be able to work SAFELY at our craft, doing a
quality job for 8 hours a day/for 8 hours of pay. Be PROUD of what you
represent in the workforce, whether you are on the phone in a center or
out in the public.
WE are the best at
what WE do!
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHOW IT!
"No business objective
is so important to
be pursued at the sacrifice of safety. "
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I must report that Qwest has terminated one of our
members, a Net Tech, for not meeting the company's QJD.
Qwest decided to fire this Tech even though they were
meeting with the Local on a grievance for this same
Tech, about the same QJD quota and had not even issued a
disposition. Qwest proceeded to terminate this
Tech's job knowing that they had stacked discipline for
this same issue on this Tech, but had not yet afforded
the Local the courtesy of meeting on the
subsequent grievance filed for the redundant discipline
issue.
Contrary to what you may have been told by certain Qwest
management, the Union and the Local have been involved in ongoing
discussions with Qwest management about QJD for the last
three months. These discussions started with Qwest in
Denver, where management admitted there were problems in
the way Qwest initiated QJD, admitted there were errors
in the way QJD was being implemented and admitted that
changes were needed in order to go forward with using
QJD as a performance evaluation. This QJD program has
been in effect for over 18 months. This Tech is the
first to be terminated because of QJD.
The
Local anticipated this happening and has a strategy in
place. As you know, due to recent litigation certain
topics will not be discussed at large. I am
anticipating some additional moves the Local will be
taking and will be calling a meeting at the Hall when we
are ready to put them in play. As always, be sure to
attend your Unit meetings, ask your AVP's what the
next date is.
I am
truly disappointed that just as we were in the process
of rebuilding and developing our relationships with
Qwest, upper management decided to take this course of
action.
I
want to acknowledge and appreciate the e-mails in
support of our terminated member that I have
received and I am sure he does as well.
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May 25th, 2007
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From the Civil War to both World
Wars - from Pearl Harbor to Korea - from Vietnam to
Grenada - from Kuwait to Afghanistan and Iraq - men and
women alike, have died so that we could continue to
cherish the things they loved; God, country and family.
In Solidarity,
Rossie |
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April 17th, 2007
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Congratulations
V onda
Wilkens!!
Vonda Wilkens was
elected Area Vice President for Unit 10.
It is my pleasure to welcome her to the Board and
wish her the very best in her new journey through
the challenges that lay ahead. She will be sworn
into office on 04/26/07.
I
also want to recognize the contributions to the
Local by the members of Unit 10 and ask that you all
join me in supporting our new AVP. Thank
you to everyone that took time to participate in
our Local by voting.
I want
to recognize
Tiffany Mickens' effort and thank
her for running for office.
I would
like to take
one more opportunity to thank Gloria Colvin, for her
many years of dedication to her Local and service to
Unit 10. Gloria
did an outstanding job and it will be a very
difficult task to follow her.
In Unity,
Rossie
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March 6th, 2007
Spurred
by CWA members, Arizona State Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill
plans to have March 8 declared "Diane Bacon Day" in
Arizona, where the late CWA activist served countless
labor and progressive causes.
Diane Bacon, died Dec. 8 '06. On March 8,
Diane's birthday, Meg Burton-Cahill plans to introduce a
proclamation to name the day in Diane's honor. Her many
years of service included being a delegate to the
Democratic National Convention in 2000, political
director for the CWA Arizona State Council and president
of Arizona Jobs with Justice.
On the National Scene
In a historic victory for working families, the U.S.
House of Representatives passed the Employee Free Choice
Act late Thursday night, making it clear to corporate
America that workers can't and won't be ignored in
Washington, D.C.
Democratic leaders kept a promise made before and
after last fall's election that they would push the
party's new majority to pass the landmark workers'
rights legislation soon after taking office. The vote
was 241-185, with 13 Republicans and all but two
Democrats voting in favor.
The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to
organize when a majority at a work site signs cards
seeking representation. The law strengthens penalties
for employers who break labor laws.
Big business is scared of the Employee
Free Choice Act - 75% of companies hire consultants or
union-busters to fight organizing campaigns. Every 23
minutes a worker is fired or discriminated against for
supporting a union. Over 22,000 workers each year are
illegally fired, demoted, laid off, suspended without
pay, or denied work by their employers as a result of
union activity.
More information can be found at http://www.democratsorg/WorkersRights
This issue must now be argued before
the US Senate. There is still a lot of work that needs
to be done! President Bush has said he would veto the
bill if it crossed his desk.
Organizing at Verizon
Several members of the House and Senate have written
to Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg, asking that he accept a
card check majority and recognize the right of hundreds
of workers at Verizon Business to union representation.
CWA organizers report that more than half of VZB
technicians have signed union authorization forms in
several locations.
In their Feb. 22 letter, these members of the House
and Senate pointed out that they are among the original
sponsors of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would
make cardcheck recognition the law of the land, and that
the legislation "has now been endorsed by a majority of
the members of our new Congress."
Let me leave you with this last bit of political
information...
Corporate America and its friends at the NLRB
tried to kill Happy Hour and other socializing among
colleagues with a board decision in July 2005 that said
employers could ban "off-duty fraternizing" among
co-workers. The D.C. Circuit Court just said no way.
The D.C. Circuit Court overturned
the NLRB's decision, saying that letting employers ban
fraternizing was illegal because it could be construed
as a ban of union or concerted activity outside of work
hours
Stay INFORMED Remain
STRONG!
Rossie |
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01-10-2007
To All;
I am very
happy to announce Ron Fagan has taken office as AVP of Unit 8. I am looking
forward to working with Ron. Tracy Cyprian, we salute you and thank you for
your service!
On Friday,
01/05/07, Tracy Cyprian, Paul Castaneda and I met with Simanson about the
following key issues;
1.) The Potty
Policy.....
Even though
we all know that you were told "DO NOT RETURN TO THE YARD OR GO TO A CO TO
USE THE BATHROOM" Simanson is saying he never gave that directive to his
managers. So here's the deal;
As long as you are not taking yourself unreasonably
out of route, if you need to relieve yourself, call your manager and advise
him that you need to return to the yard or are stopping at a CO to do so. DONE!
Do
what you need to do and return to your craft. We won this one, let's not
have to fight this battle a second time.
2.) Cable
Crew Graveyard shift
I spoke to
some members who are on this shift that would rather not be. I had calls
from members who want to volunteer for this shift, but were not given the
opportunity to do so. NOW IS THE TIME! If you are
QUALIFIED and want this shift, RESPOND BACK TO ME WITH THIS E-MAIL.
Be prepared. It is going to be working with demand tickets. You will be
subject to QJD "keep a log of what you do and the
roadblocks!" You will be working alone and at times with a CDT. You
will be working on cable for priority customers, some of which may be
specials. In most cases you will be repairing the cable and will not be
entitled to DTA.
3.) QJD '07
Yes, it is
still here.... That doesn't change anything! We still work one job at a
time, QUALITY work! That's what we do, that's what
they pay us for. EIGHT HOURS OF WORK... EIGHT HOURS OF PAY! We all
know this won't be easily resolved. Be where you need to be, doing what you
do best! We will get beyond the threats, TOGETHER! In
all of '06 no one in Arizona was suspended for QJD. In all of '06 no one in
Arizona was fired for QJD. We are still in this fight
for you, AND IT'S NOT OVER!
There is a Good & Welfare meeting NEXT Tuesday
01/16/07 at 0700pm at the Hall.
STAY INFORMED, COME TO YOUR MEETINGS, IT'S AN HOUR WELL SPENT, IT'S YOUR
FUTURE!
Thank you for
your time,
Rossie
12-29-2006
Congratulations to Ron Fagan!!!
Ron Fagan has been elected Area Vice
President for Unit 8. He will be sworn into office on 01/09/07. I'm
looking forward to working with Ron on the business of Unit 8 and our
Local. I greatly appreciate the contributions to the Local by the members
of Unit 8 and ask that you all join me in supporting your new AVP. Thank you
to everyone that that took time to participate in our Local by voting.
I want to recognize and thank Angel
Hernandez for his efforts and being willing to take on the challenge of
running for office. I also want to thank Tracy Cyprian for his dedication
and assistance while in office, he did an outstanding job and will be
missed. I'm sure we will be able to find ways for both Angel and Tracy to
remain active participants in our Local!
In Unity,
Rossie
12-13-2006On
behalf of myself, the Executive Board and the members of
CWA Local 7019;
To ALL the
Members that will be leaving Qwest employment today and
in the coming months, due to the surplus;
THANK YOU for
being part of OUR Local!
You Will Be Missed,
Rossie
12-09-2006
Ronald
William Allen was a Network Tech in
Prescott. He passed away November 30th
2006, after loosing his year long fight with
cancer. He will be remembered by his friends
and coworkers in Phoenix and Prescott for
his kindness and wonderful sense of humor.
I am sorry I never had the opportunity
to know Ron. I'm told he was a real stand
up guy and will most certainly be missed by
many. He wished no services or sadness,
but wanted every one to celebrate his
life.... This event is planned for
Saturday March 17th 2007, St
Patrick's Day... Everyone wishing to
attend, please contact Lynn Clarke at home
928-771-1547 work 928-848-4487 or by e-mail
ldclark@cableone.net for
more information.
I
will be rebroadcasting this e-mail in March
of '07, as a reminder to all, that it
is Ron's request that we share in
the celebration of his
life.
Sincerely,
Rossie
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12-08-2006
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With the deepest of sorrows, I must inform you that
Diane Bacon passed away peacefully at 12:05am this
morning after a long illness. A memorial service will
be held at the home of Janet & Mike Valder, 6211 N 20th
St. in Phoenix on Friday, December 15th at
03:30pm.
Diane’s son Dennis suggests that in lieu of flowers,
donations may be made in Diane’s name to Hospice of the
Valley, 1510 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, designated
for the Dobson House.
Diane was a strong Unionist and used her dynamic style
to impact CWA’s position before the AZ Corporation
Commission, the AZ State Legislature and the Governor’s
Office.
She will be dearly missed!
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