Melanie Weeks, CenturyLink
Secretary-Treasurer, Local 7603, Boise, Idaho
My name is Melanie Weeks and I work for Centurylink as a DSL Repair Screening Consultant in their Boise Idaho call center. I have been with the company for 17 years and started when it was US West in Salt Lake City, Utah. Shortly after I was hired we became Qwest and now Centurylink. I have seen a lot of changes over the years and been through many CEOs, some more union friendly than others. I have always been a union member even before coming to Centurylink. I came from a union family (my dad was Union Pacific RR) and a union job was always the priority for me to have if it was available.
I’ve been involved in the union since 2003. I started as a District 7 organizer, then became a local steward, I then became the Idaho State Mobilizer for the last Centurylink contract. I learned a lot working with District 7 though that whole process. Seeing and understanding the process was very educational and I feel we really made a difference in the outcome of that contract. I have always been very involved in the local activities with my union as well. I am now the local Secretary Treasurer. My husband is also highly involved as a VP, EVP and now works closely with District 7 as the Health Care Coordinator. He is the one who got me involved all those years ago. We have been married for 12 years and have 3 amazing kids.
Centurylink is coming up on contract expiration and we have a lot to accomplish this time around. I am sure that most of the proposals they will bring to the table will NOT be better for the workers or their families. We have a lot of work to do and a very big network to build. CWA has the best members around the world, and I know that if we stand in unity that we can accomplish anything. Looking at the work our members have done around the country and the support we give each other no matter which company we work for is a very empowering. Being a part of this Committee has given me a new outlet for support to give and receive when in need. Negotiations are going to be tough and we will have to fight with everything that we’ve got in order to gain what the workers at Centurylink deserve.