May 2010 CWA District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call

Conducted Wednesday, May 12, 2010 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (EST); 12:00-2:00 p.m. (CDT)

Participants-
Gary Cotton, President, CWA Local 3102
Steve Shaw, CWA Local 3106
Nancy Gorniwicz, Secretary-Treasurer, CWA Local 3111
Nancy Underwood and Marc Hansmann, CWA Local 3122
Melissa Snyder-Pike, Vice President, CWA Local 3204
Caleb East, President, CWA Local 3212
Diogenes Miller, CWA Local 3310
Paul Pearson, President, CWA Local 3410
Matt Wood, President, CWA Local 3411
Ernie Johnson, President, CWA Local 3519
Kisler Groves, CWA Local 3704
Claude Perry and Walter Long, CWA Local 3902
Curtis Doyle, CWA Local 3903
Wade Mitchell, Vice President, CWA Local 3907
Isa Shabazz, CWA Representative
Booker Lester, Administrative Director, and
David LeGrande, CWA Occupational Safety and Health Director.

Agenda

Participants Reports/New Issues-
Marc Hansmann, CWA Local 3122, indicated the he was continuing to push the case regarding AT&T’s falsification of occupational safety and health training records. He noted the Company incorrectly listed him as receiving training he did not receive. Marc said he would keep everyone informed re. his progress on this case.

CWA District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Training Session and Retreat-
Booker Lester and David LeGrande announced the District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Training Session and Retreat would be held during the latter part of June- Following the conference call, David was able to lock-in June 25-26, 2010 at the Tradewinds Sandpiper Hotel, St. Pete Beach, Florida. Participants expressed their interest and enthusiasm. David indicated e would draft the call letter, agenda, and registration form and send it to the District 3 Headquarters for distribution to all District 3 local presidents.

CWA Local 3212 Member Fatality-
David LeGrande updated participants re. the status of the OSHA investigation specific to the fatality of Britt Hunt. In addition, he discussed the need to hold AT&T accountable for Britt’s untimely death. Caleb East, President, Local 3212, added to the remarks indicating the desire for CWA to convince AT&T to ensure represented workers safe and healthful working conditions.

CWA Local 4100 Member Fatality-
David LeGrande reported on the March, 2010 fatality of Kevin James, a member of CWA Local 4100 employed as a technician by AT&T. While performing telecommunications service work, a live electrical wire was separated from the pole conductor and fell directly on Kevin. Although emergency medical treatment was provided, Kevin did not survive.

At the present time, Michigan OSHA is conducting a fatality investigation emphasizing attention to the provision of safe and healthful working conditions by both AT&T and Detroit Edison. In addition, Greg Wynn, President, CWA Local 4100 has conducted a thorough investigation of the working conditions both at the pole Kevin was working on as well as the surrounding areas where the electrical lines were situated. Greg will continue to be involved through the closure of this case.

David indicated he is working with Local 4100, other Michigan locals, as well as Bryon Capper, CWA Representative, in developing a strategy to convince AT&T to provide improved working conditions. He concluded by noting he would keep everyone informed particularly as it relates to devising proposals specific to Britt Hunt’s fatality and improving District 3 member working conditions.

The Employee Free Choice Act and Occupational Safety and Health-
David LeGrande provided an update re. the status of the Employee Free Choice Act noting the legislative process has ended as a result of the loss of the Democrat’s super majority (i.e., 60 votes) in the U.S. Senate. In response, CWA will be working to elect candidates who are favorable to our legislative needs.

CWA Heat Stress Campaign-
David LeGrande indicated theHeat Stress Campaign is advancing as planned. Two of the primary components, i.e., the Union’s Heat Stress Fact Sheet and Heat Stress Survey- have been completed and field tested. These materials will be provided to districts and locals along with encouragement to participate in this important activity. Also, David has discussed and reached agreement with Federal OSHA to support CWA’s activities.

National/Regional/State Regulatory/Legislative Issues-
Melissa Snyder-Pike, CWA Local 3402, reported anti-union legislation that would have impacted collective bargaining in Georgiawas recently defeated.

Workplace Ergonomics and Job Stress-
David LeGrande mentioned the Safety and Health Department is continuing to develop materials towards the initiation of the Union’s Workplace Ergonomics and Job Stress Campaign. A major element of this work is the scientific study involving CWA District 9 technicians employed by Verizon. Conducted by CWA and scientists at the University of California –Irvine, this investigation identified numerous safety, health, and job design problems that produced member physical health problems (e.g., musculoskeletal). The study also identified possible long-term cardiovascular health problems. At present, CWA is discussing these concerns with Verizon for the purpose of conducting a more comprehensive follow-up scientific investigation.

CWA/USW Occupational Safety and Health Training-
David LeGrande mentioned the continuing training and education activities with the USW. At present, the two unions are waiting to receive an announcement of grant funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Notification should be received by mid-June. Upon receipt of this information, David indicated he would notify CWA leaders and safety and health activists.

Date of the Next CWA District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call-
The next District 3 Occupational Safety and Health Conference Call is scheduled for Wednesday, August 11, 2010 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (EST); 12:00-2:00 (CDT).