Fight Expands for First Contract with Frontier in Georgia

A local congressman and a newspaper columnist have weighed in on Local 3220's fight for a first contract with Frontier Communications in Statesboro, Ga., and more than 2,000 customers and union supporters have participated in an e-activist campaign in response to leafleting by CWA's Frontier locals.

Among key issues, the company wants the unlimited right to subcontract work, said Jimmy Gurganus, CWA vice president for Telecommunications. There has been no bargaining since Aug. 23. A federal mediator has been assigned, but there has been no response from the company.

"I urge you to bargain with the CWA in good faith. Any settlement should be mutually beneficial to all concerned, recognizing the contribution made to our community by Frontier Communications and these highly skilled, high quality members of the Communications Workers of America," Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.) wrote to Citizens Communications President and CEO Maggie Wilderotter. Citizens is the parent company of Frontier.

On Labor Day, Statesboro Herald columnist Jan Moore acknowledged CWA's fight for job security and wages on par with other telecom providers. She noted that CWA has requested assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and expressed hope that, for the workers sake, the two sides reach an agreement.

In late August, CWA Frontier locals across the nation joined Local 3220 in a mass distribution of fliers to the public, asking Frontier workers, customers and others to send e-mails to Wilderotter through the e-activist network. Fourteen months into their bargaining effort, the 34 Frontier workers in Statesboro, "remain determined to stand strong and win a fair first contract," said Local 3220 President John McInnis. He appealed to union brothers and sisters to continue to pressure Wilderotter.

At last count, 2,238 e-activists had written to Citizen's CEO, urging her to bargain fairly with the workers. "Community jobs and quality work are at risk because of subcontracting, stagnant wages and high-cost health insurance for workers," they said.

To add your voice, visit www.unionvoice.org/campaign/frontierturnsitsback.