Avaya: Lucent: C&T Goals for 2007

During the 2007 C&T Leadership Conference a motion was passed to adopt the following Goals for the C&T Sector.  Following is a brief summary of the results of the C&T Survey which was mailed to all locals in October 2006, followedby the C&T Goals for 2007 adopted at the recent Leadership Conference.

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SUMMARY OF C&T SURVEYS

We had a number of surveys returned to help us direct our view toward the future with more focus.  There are some problem areas with both our office and with C&T Locals. 

The responses to grievances were the one area where we got the most input.  Much of the input was good with the issue of time being the most critical factor.  Grievances for our office are an issue because many times we do not receive enough data with the cases and as the burden of proof in contract interpretation cases is on the Union, we find ourselves waiting for data from the Company before a decision can be made.  We find ourselves waiting for denial letters from the company.  Staff, in the past, has requested denial letters every two weeks for months.  This is an important facet of a case because the Third Step Denial states the case and reason for denial that directs the path in arbitration if the decision is made to arbitrate a case.  We even wait to get meetings scheduled.  We are often times very frustrated too and filing Board charges is not the answer given the current Board.

The majority of the responses to Bargaining within the C&T Sector were positive.  Also, responses to the meetings conducted by the C&T Office, such as the leadership conference, were also mostly positive.  On the communication question, it seems to depend on the need, whether a response is needed in writing, then email seems to be the preference, but if a more immediate response is necessary then phone calls seem to be preferable.  The C&T Office strives to respond to email and phone calls in the timely manner, understanding that there are times when staff are out of the office or in meetings and may not be able to respond on the same day.

Those locals who have used the Transfer, Resource Center(s) and Healthcare Coordinators, had very positive comments and it is clear that they are a valuable asset to the C&T Sector.

Many of the C&T Locals prior to this meeting were not fully functioning locals as was evident by some of the surveys returned.  We are hopeful the "Fully Functioning Locals" workshop has helped you understand how much we need to expand the scope of what you have to do and what we expect in the future.  As leaders expand their roles and activities so too shall the “steward/retiree” army expand their roles and activities; this is a huge step for all of us.

Not only will we be ready for the future, we look forward to working with you to achieve our goals for 2007, growing better and stronger so we are first rate in 2008!

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