Bargaining Goals, Strategies Focus of Conference

Participants at the SBC National Bargaining Conference on Nov. 8-9 adopted a bargaining resolution spelling out key goals. A summary follows:

SBC Communications is very successful — the nation’s second most profitable communications company. Our members built the infrastructure that makes possible SBC’s nationwide expansion into all communications markets. The company’s success in all its ventures depends on the knowledge and skills of CWA members. We are the future of SBC.

Card Check Recognition. We must build on the success we already have achieved through card check recognition at SBC wireless companies by expanding card check and neutrality to every SBC operation, including such joint ventures as Cingular Wireless and Prodigy.

Employment Security and Opportunity. CWA will continue to assert jurisdiction over work in DSL and broadband access, wireless and other areas. This will expand opportunity for our members and keep CWA strong.

Real, enforceable limits on subcontracting, limits on the movement of work and access to new Internet technical, sales and service jobs are also key.

Improved Wages, Benefits and Pensions. CWA members deserve to share in SBC’s remarkable success. Last year, CWA workers at SBC earned the company $36,371 per person in profits after paying for all operating costs, including workers’ wages and benefits. Substantial improvement in workers’ retirement security is another key goal, along with more say in how pension fund investments are directed.

Relief From Stressful Working Conditions. CWA will fight to end understaffing, secret monitoring, rigid scripting, unrealistic performance quotas and end-force freezes that create barriers to career change and growth.

CWA also will negotiate limits on mandatory overtime, fewer restrictions on vacations and use of personal days, and flexible scheduling to help members balance job and family and personal responsibilities.

These goals reflect CWA’s positive outlook for the company and the entire telecommunications industry. Now is the time to build on CWA’s progress at SBC and stake our claim to the prosperity we have helped to generate.