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Cingular Workers in Puerto Rico Join CWA
District 3 Vice President Jimmy Smith on July 25 announced a breakthrough in Cingular Wireless organizing in Puerto Rico, with union certification for 325 retail workers who work at nine regional stores and 115 kiosks.
"They're doing a heck of a job down here," Smith said, referring to organizers from three CWA locals. "The American Arbitration Association just certified this group, and we'll have about 700 new members when we're finished."
Said Local President Angelo Andujar, "We are very happy to have them join us. They will be well-represented, and we hope to have a good relationship with the company for years to come."
Local 3010 Organizer Jorge Rodriquez said that, assisted by UPAGRA (TNG-CWA Local 33225) and Local 3150, which represents AT&T workers, the local has been helping not only the retail workers to organize, but also 27 network technicians throughout Puerto Rico and 194 representatives at Cingular's customer service center in San Juan.
CWA obtained representation cards from 65 percent of the retail workers and will file cards with the AAA for a similar majority of network technicians on Friday, Aug. 2, Rodriguez said. Smith said he expected to wrap up the campaign for the call center within three weeks and that CWA will also help organize Cingular warehouse workers, as well as another unit.
Work locations were spread out in nine districts throughout the island with an organizing committee for each. The local began the campaign on May 15 and filed cards on June 3 but, Rodriguez said, "There were some difficulties with the lists (of eligible workers). We waited seven weeks for certification, but everything is resolved now."
Among workers who took the lead in the campaign, Rodriguez named Eddie Hernandez, a repair technician at one of the stores. "He did a great job communicating our message."
Andujar attended several meetings to help form organizing committees and Local 3010 Secretary-Treasurer Edwin Gonzalez led the campaign on the west side of the island, obtaining cards from 85 percent of the retail workers.
Seniority rights and health benefits were key issues driving the campaign. The workers will be covered by CWA's existing Cingular contract, with adjustments particular to their location, Rodriguez said.
Four organizers from UPAGRA and two from Local 3150 also visited stores and kiosks. Smith also credited Carrie Biggs-Adams, CWA representative for international affairs, who conducted an Organizing Institute for the three CWA locals.
"They're doing a heck of a job down here," Smith said, referring to organizers from three CWA locals. "The American Arbitration Association just certified this group, and we'll have about 700 new members when we're finished."
Said Local President Angelo Andujar, "We are very happy to have them join us. They will be well-represented, and we hope to have a good relationship with the company for years to come."
Local 3010 Organizer Jorge Rodriquez said that, assisted by UPAGRA (TNG-CWA Local 33225) and Local 3150, which represents AT&T workers, the local has been helping not only the retail workers to organize, but also 27 network technicians throughout Puerto Rico and 194 representatives at Cingular's customer service center in San Juan.
CWA obtained representation cards from 65 percent of the retail workers and will file cards with the AAA for a similar majority of network technicians on Friday, Aug. 2, Rodriguez said. Smith said he expected to wrap up the campaign for the call center within three weeks and that CWA will also help organize Cingular warehouse workers, as well as another unit.
Work locations were spread out in nine districts throughout the island with an organizing committee for each. The local began the campaign on May 15 and filed cards on June 3 but, Rodriguez said, "There were some difficulties with the lists (of eligible workers). We waited seven weeks for certification, but everything is resolved now."
Among workers who took the lead in the campaign, Rodriguez named Eddie Hernandez, a repair technician at one of the stores. "He did a great job communicating our message."
Andujar attended several meetings to help form organizing committees and Local 3010 Secretary-Treasurer Edwin Gonzalez led the campaign on the west side of the island, obtaining cards from 85 percent of the retail workers.
Seniority rights and health benefits were key issues driving the campaign. The workers will be covered by CWA's existing Cingular contract, with adjustments particular to their location, Rodriguez said.
Four organizers from UPAGRA and two from Local 3150 also visited stores and kiosks. Smith also credited Carrie Biggs-Adams, CWA representative for international affairs, who conducted an Organizing Institute for the three CWA locals.