Frontier West Virginia (former Verizon), Bargaining Report #4

                                            Tuesday, June 25, 2013, 5:00 p.m. CWA BARGAINING REPORT #4

The Union and the  Company met  today and exchanged several proposals.   The Company presented two new proposals, which they claim will improve their competitive advantage.   The Union provided proposals focusing on maintaining Advisory Council on Family Care (ACFC) and Training Advisory Board Executive Council (TABEC). 

Based upon the dialog today, the Bargaining Committee clearly sees a real disconnect between the Union’s and the Company’s demands.  The Company continues to insist it needs: 

•  Flexibility to contract our work in order to be competitive
•  Flexibility to transfer our work out of state to improve efficiencies
•  Contractual changes related to differential pay, double time, vacation carryover and the 37 ½ hour work week to reduce costs 

The Union has been adamant and maintained that we to need to grow by securing work for West Virginia. Our proposals have focused on having one bargaining unit in the state, eliminating contractors, and maintaining the work that originates in the state. 

This contract expires on Friday, August 2, 2013.   This leaves only five and a half weeks to resolve our issues.   Everyone should be participating in mobilization activities to show the Company our SOLIDARITY.   Locals will be receiving information in the near future to conduct strike votes. 

Bargaining Committee is scheduled to meet with the Company tomorrow.