Bargaining Update

Brightspeed (formerly Lumen Technologies)

Workers at Brightspeed of Texas, members of CWA Local 6174, overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year contract last month that provides a 14 percent pay raise over that period for all employees. The contract also includes improvements to paid time off with two new fixed holidays, improved pay for employees on standby time, the addition of a new job title, as well as additional protections for schedules and seniority. The bargaining team, with the support of the members, was able to successfully negotiate these gains without agreeing to any retrogressive demands or givebacks.

Workers at Brightspeed of Missouri also reached a tentative agreement for a new five-year contract that includes an over 15 percent pay increase over the life of the contract and additional improvements to benefits and working conditions. The contract was overwhelmingly ratified by members of CWA Locals 6312, 6300, 6311, and 6373.

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Smithville Telephone Company, Inc.

Members of CWA Local 4818, employed by Smithville Telephone Company, Inc. in Indiana, have been mobilizing to gain a fair contract. The members are hardworking employees who continued to provide essential services throughout the pandemic and have been there every step of the way to ensure the success of Smithville. They have held informational pickets before and after work to take a stand together, demanding a fair contract with good benefits, competitive wages, and safe working conditions. The bargaining team is committed to negotiating a contract that addresses the concerns the workers have clearly expressed. Although there has been some progress at the table, the parties are continuing to bargain over critical issues that will impact the workers’ livelihood.