Cardin Introduces Legislation to Protect CWA Members' Jobs and our Communities from Unsafe "One-Touch-Make-Ready" Policy

Last week, Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.) introduced a bill to clarify that the FCC's "one-touch, make-ready" (OTMR) rules do not supersede collective bargaining agreements, a win for CWA members who have been fighting against the unsafe OTMR policy for years.

In 2018, the Republican-controlled FCC voted to adopt the dangerous anti-worker OTMR policy that sends CWA members' work – done by skilled employees who know the equipment and have extensive training – to unskilled, untrained, low-wage contractors. The Commission ignored hundreds of comments submitted by workers urging the FCC to protect public and worker safety and protect good jobs.

The OTMR policy allows companies that want to add equipment to a utility pole to move existing equipment. A local OTMR ordinance in Louisville, Ky., was disastrous, with dangerous mistakes made by contractors.

"Outsourcing skilled jobs to low wage contractors has serious consequences for workers and our communities," said CWA District 2-13 Vice President Ed Mooney. "Pole attachment work is complex, and if done incorrectly, can cause electrocution or poles to fall. Senator Cardin's bill would protect good CWA jobs and keep our communities safe."

"The FCC was wrong to approve the anti-worker OTMR policy, especially after so many CWA members warned them about the safety risks of the policy," said CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt. "CWA members are grateful to Senator Cardin for introducing a bill to protect jobs and our communities, and to make sure the work in our collective bargaining agreements is performed by skilled CWA members."