Sep 19, 2019 - New contract ratified at CenturyLink!

CWA members at CenturyLink in District 7 ratified a new agreement with the company this week covering about 8,000 workers in 13 states. Going into early bargaining, CWAers showed the company that they were united for a fair contract!

CWA members held watch parties across the country for the Democratic presidential primary debate last week to learn where the candidates stand on the issues. CWA members attending the watch parties said that they enjoyed hearing from the candidates on how working people should have their voices heard, healthcare, protecting and expanding democracy, and much more.

"I really enjoyed watching the debate with my union brothers and sisters," said Clarice Collins of CWA Local 4603 in Milwaukee. "It opened the door for great dialogue between the most experienced members and younger members with a hunger to learn more about politics."

"It was great to see that working class issues were at the forefront of the debate," said Geronimo Guerra of CWA Local 6143 in San Antonio. "These debates are a great way for the nation to screen presidential candidates and to determine which one is best fit to bring more people into the middle-class."
 
"The last Democratic debate was worth every minute," said Kathy Antoniewicz of CWA Local 4603. "We heard the range of solid ideas our candidates have for moving our nation forward."

Did you watch the debate? Let us know what you thought by taking CWA's quick survey here.

The survey is also a chance for you to let us know if you'd like to get involved in CWA's political program and help elect candidates who put working people first!

CWA members held watch parties across the country for the Democratic presidential primary debate last week to learn where the candidates stand on the issues most important to working people.

CWAers Christopher Ryan, President of CWA Local 1123, and CWA District 1 Deputy Legislative Director Rebecca Miller testified at a New York State Senate hearing this week on how despite receiving millions in state subsidies, telecommunications companies are leaving New Yorkers in rural areas behind by failing to build out broadband or leaving them with prohibitively slow internet access.

The Communications Workers of America's Next Generation program stands in solidarity with young people all over the world, who on September 20th will walk out of their classes, their jobs, and their homes in a global protest for climate justice and a sustainable economy that works for everyone.

On September 20th, working people in more than 100 countries will take action in support of the youth-led global climate strikes to demand real and immediate action in response to the climate crisis and hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the destruction of our planet.

"We're proud to support the climate strikes. It's way past time for us to demand genuine solutions to a crisis that's already wreaking havoc for so many people around the world, whether it's in the form of extreme weather such as Hurricane Dorian or increased risk to workers from heat-related illnesses or critically endangered infrastructure in our communities," said Next Gen Lead Activist Amanda Bratcher.

"I'm so inspired by the young people leading this movement," said CWA Vice President Lisa Bolton, who directs the CWA Next Generation program. "They understand in the most immediate sense that this is an emergency with profound implications for the future. They are on the front lines of this fight, and we are proud to support them in any way we can."

Hundreds of actions will take place across the United States on September 20 and during the following week. To find a  protest in your area, click here and enter your zip code.

CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor is urging members in New York to join the Labor Network for Sustainability and the People's Climate Movement at a rally in Foley Square in New York City at 12 noon and in Niagara Square in Buffalo at 2pm on September 20.

The hard work of CWAers in District 9 paid off last week as the California Senate passed AB1677, a bill to protect call center jobs. CWA members held lobby days, made phone calls to legislators, and much more. The governor has until October 15 to sign the bill.

SUNY Empire State College's Harry Van Arsdale, Jr., School of Labor Studies and the Rockefeller Institute of Government are partnering to establish the Future of Labor Research Center to examine the changing nature of work, the future of work, workers, and worker organizations. The center will inaugurate the Morton Bahr Fellowship in honor of the legendary CWA President Emeritus, alumnus, and supporter of the School of Labor, who passed away in July.

Bahr, who started his career as a telegraph operator, led CWA for 20 years during some of the industry's most tumultuous times, helping workers adapt and protect themselves through the difficult transition to the digital era. Bahr was also a true believer in lifelong learning and SUNY Empire, raising funds for a full scholarship for union members and their families that now bears his name. 

CWA President Christopher Shelton said, "I can think of no better way to honor President Bahr than by establishing this fellowship. This fellowship will provide a foundation for a new generation of leaders to address the challenges of a changing economy and workforce."

CWA will be celebrating the life and legacy of President Emeritus Morty Bahr at an event in Washington, D.C., on October 23.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.cwa-union.org/bahr.

CWA members across the country stand with 50,000 UAW workers who are on strike at GM for fair wages, affordable healthcare, job security, and more.