CWA Members’ Strike Victory Limits Subcontracting at Frontier in California

Nearly 2,000 CWA members at Frontier Communications in California went on strike last Friday protesting the company’s continued subcontracting of work in violation of their collective bargaining agreement. The workers walked off the job after several failed meetings with management to resolve a grievance filed over the issue. The company admitted it was in violation of the subcontracting limit but refused to provide the union with information about current subcontracting levels.

After days of striking, the members won an agreement last night in which Frontier has committed to take significant steps to adhere to the limits of subcontracting set in the collective bargaining agreement, including posting job requisitions for at least a hundred Term Cable Splicer positions, meeting regularly with CWA on the status of the postings, offering union jobs in lieu of contract workers, and utilizing the existing referral program for union members to assist the Company in procuring qualified applicants.

“This is a huge victory for CWA members at Frontier who stayed one day longer, one day stronger on the picket line and refused to settle for the company’s excuses and empty promises. It’s proof that we can successfully fight back when we come together, mobilize, and build solidarity,” said CWA Local 9510 Executive Vice President Kenny Williams. CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce added, “I am grateful for all of the members of the community who have been persistently supporting CWA members at Frontier and fighting alongside us to protect good jobs and the quality of service our customers receive. Although the issues relating to this grievance are resolved, we are still fighting for a new contract. I have no doubt in my mind that our members are ready, able, and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that Frontier provides quality service and good jobs for Californians.”

Nearly 2,000 CWA members at Frontier in California, who went on strike to protest the company’s continued subcontracting of work, won an agreement with the company that limits subcontracting.