Search News
For the Media
For media inquiries, call CWA Communications at 202-434-1168 or email comms@cwa-union.org. To read about CWA Members, Leadership or Industries, visit our About page.
CWA Negotiates First Contract at Cingular Wireless
Washington, D.C. -- The Communications Workers of America has negotiated a first contract covering more than 2,100 workers at Cingular Wireless operations in Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and Maryland. Cingular is the new company created by the merger of SBC and BellSouth wireless companies and is one of the two largest wireless providers in the U.S.
The four-year contract establishes, for the first time, a pay progression system from starting pay to the top rate, and provides for cardcheck recognition.
The contract provides a wage increase of 15.3 percent over the contract term, with most workers receiving additional increases resulting from the new progression plan. It establishes a grievance, mediation and arbitration procedure; maintains existing retirement, health care, education and other benefits; and safeguards seniority protections.
CWA Executive Vice President Larry Cohen called the contract a good model for wireless workers throughout the industry. "The negotiations between several CWA regions and Cingular management were very positive and a good effort. Both sides were determined to reach an agreement that would improve conditions for workers and build on Cingular's success as an industry leader, " he said. Cohen, who chaired the negotiations with CWA district bargainers, said the agreement also provides for ongoing discussion with management as conditions in the fast paced industry continue to change.
The agreement provides improvements in working conditions, including flexible work scheduling and advance notice of work hours and scheduling changes. Cingular management also will work with CWA on exploring options that will enable employees to balance their work and family responsibilities.
In addition to Cohen, the bargaining committee included Teri Pluta, CWA District 4, midwestern states; Barbara Shiller, CWA District 2, mid-Atlantic states; and Dennis Traynor, CWA District 1, New York, New Jersey and New England.
CWA represents nearly 10,000 wireless workers at Cingular.
The four-year contract establishes, for the first time, a pay progression system from starting pay to the top rate, and provides for cardcheck recognition.
The contract provides a wage increase of 15.3 percent over the contract term, with most workers receiving additional increases resulting from the new progression plan. It establishes a grievance, mediation and arbitration procedure; maintains existing retirement, health care, education and other benefits; and safeguards seniority protections.
CWA Executive Vice President Larry Cohen called the contract a good model for wireless workers throughout the industry. "The negotiations between several CWA regions and Cingular management were very positive and a good effort. Both sides were determined to reach an agreement that would improve conditions for workers and build on Cingular's success as an industry leader, " he said. Cohen, who chaired the negotiations with CWA district bargainers, said the agreement also provides for ongoing discussion with management as conditions in the fast paced industry continue to change.
The agreement provides improvements in working conditions, including flexible work scheduling and advance notice of work hours and scheduling changes. Cingular management also will work with CWA on exploring options that will enable employees to balance their work and family responsibilities.
In addition to Cohen, the bargaining committee included Teri Pluta, CWA District 4, midwestern states; Barbara Shiller, CWA District 2, mid-Atlantic states; and Dennis Traynor, CWA District 1, New York, New Jersey and New England.
CWA represents nearly 10,000 wireless workers at Cingular.
###