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ALLTEL Talks Resume, Strikers Stay Strong
CWA Vice Presidents Jimmy Smith, District 3, and Jimmy Gurganus, Telecommunications, joined CWA members in separate visits to picket lines and meetings with strikers in Kentucky, where workers have been on strike against ALLTEL since June 8.
Smith joined members of CWA Local 3371 on picket lines in Ashland on June 30, and Gurganus spent the day with mobile pickets in Lexington and other communities on July 9.
The parties returned to the bargaining table on July 8 and Gurganus credited the tremendous community backing for the strikers, support from throughout the state labor community and the rock-solid bargaining units for getting the company back to bargaining. The parties have agreed to mediation in the dispute.
Members of CWA Locals 3371 and 3372 are fighting for their jobs and to maintain health care coverage for both active and retired workers, said Judy Dennis, CWA staff representative.
Union members have been standing strong on the picket lines, despite being threatened by scab contractors. There have been six incidents of union members hit by cars or trucks driven by contractors, with one arrest for a hit and run charge.
State and local elected officials have stopped by picket lines and community events to express support for the strikers, and CWA members were invited to "eat free" at a July 4th picnic sponsored by the Democratic Party. There, State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard praised CWA and its members as true examples of what working families are all about, Dennis said. Many local businesses also have publicly endorsed the CWA members' fight, and striking CWA members were cheered by citizens watching the Independence Day parade in Lexington.
Smith joined members of CWA Local 3371 on picket lines in Ashland on June 30, and Gurganus spent the day with mobile pickets in Lexington and other communities on July 9.
The parties returned to the bargaining table on July 8 and Gurganus credited the tremendous community backing for the strikers, support from throughout the state labor community and the rock-solid bargaining units for getting the company back to bargaining. The parties have agreed to mediation in the dispute.
Members of CWA Locals 3371 and 3372 are fighting for their jobs and to maintain health care coverage for both active and retired workers, said Judy Dennis, CWA staff representative.
Union members have been standing strong on the picket lines, despite being threatened by scab contractors. There have been six incidents of union members hit by cars or trucks driven by contractors, with one arrest for a hit and run charge.
State and local elected officials have stopped by picket lines and community events to express support for the strikers, and CWA members were invited to "eat free" at a July 4th picnic sponsored by the Democratic Party. There, State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard praised CWA and its members as true examples of what working families are all about, Dennis said. Many local businesses also have publicly endorsed the CWA members' fight, and striking CWA members were cheered by citizens watching the Independence Day parade in Lexington.