Bargaining Update

Frontier California

Bargaining opened this week for CWA members at Frontier Communications in California.

In his opening statement, District 9 Vice President Frank Arce noted that the COVID-19 pandemic shows that Frontier's services are more critical than ever. "This is not the time to abandon jobs in the communities of California," Arce said. "This is not the time to be lowering the standard of living or diminishing benefits or pensions. This is a time for Frontier to help the economy and provide good middle-class jobs by investing in California."

Frontier's management has driven the company into debt, and is negotiating bankruptcy terms with its creditors. Although CWA has provided concrete ideas for reducing the debt and returning the company to sound financial footing, the company has not worked with the union to address its financial issues.

Key issues for the bargaining committee include providing adequate protections to CWA members to keep them safe and healthy; maintaining and improving benefits; and preserving continued employment security and access to the jobs of the future.