Mobilization Report

As we approach week 20 without a contract, our battle for Job Security & Healthcare wages on.

It is clear that AT&T is in no hurry to resolve the Legacy T contract.  The CWA bargaining team is the ONLY team ready and willing to meet every day.

We can't stress enough how big of an impact mobilization has on bargaining.  We need every member to get involved in the mobilization happening in your area.  AT&T has declared war on you and your family.  It's time for you to fight back.

The opportunities to educate the country about AT&T's greed, and their AT&Tack on the middle class are endless:  From AT&T wireless agents, Apple, and Best Buy … street fairs, parades, and festivals … concerts, ball games, or other public events.

We have a great opportunity to make sure all people are aware that AT&T remains profitable, even in today's economy; and they should support America by keeping good middle class jobs in the United States.

We need to continue on job actions:  Not just wearing Union shirts or colors, standing & making noise; but also make sure we are not giving the company one free minute of our time.  Do not log into the phone or computer early, and make sure you and your co-workers are taking the breaks and lunches that the Union negotiated to protect you.  

Worker Safety is very important.  Please continue to do a quality job safely every time.  Customer service workers, please make sure you are ergonomically positioned at your computers as to not cause injuries.  (If you are not sure, ask for an ergonomic evaluation.)  Outside workers, make sure you have the appropriate tools & supply of water required for working outside in hot conditions.

Our members are still experiencing changes in working conditions in some areas.  Report all violations to your Steward or Officer, or contact bbates@cwa-union.org.

1152 continues to stand up and make noise daily.  They are getting ready for the New York State Fair & Labor Day Parade.

The Louisiana Locals have had a number of rallies/demonstrations across the state which have been publicized on the District 3 site.  They rallied in Baton Rouge at the State Capitol; at an AT&T store in Monroe, LA; at a Central Office in Alexandria, LA; at an Operators Services building in Lake Charles, LA; and they will have an evening demonstration later today at a store in Baton Rouge.

3250 had an informational picket and rally at 300 North Point in Alpharetta on Thursday, August 6 after work.  Members at Century Center – Atlanta and North Point Parkway – Alpharetta continue to click daily, and wear red on Thursday and black on Friday.

3310 inside workers are wearing red on Thursdays and black on Fridays.  Outside forces wear orange on Thursdays and Fridays.  They are standing at work centers for two minutes every day at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  They also continue to display their mini picket signs at work locations as well.

4320 held a rally at their Legacy T Call Center in Reynoldsburg Ohio.  Their homemade Billboards trucks were there once again, driving around and honking, which drew the attention of the AT&T area manager & property management.  They also have the bumper stickers out there about AT&T attacking the middle class jobs.

6150 is still wearing red on Thursday and black on Friday.  They are forwarding and mailing bargaining updates and new fliers as well.  They are still standing strong.

6377 distributed leaflets at the workplace: "AT&T: Keep America Working!"  They continue to work to the rule and wear red on Thursday and black on Friday.  They will get a group out this weekend to leaflet the community.  Local Officers attended the ARA Healthcare Seminar for Seniors.  Check the mobilization website for pictures.

7250 mobilizers boarded a bus on Friday and staged an informational picket at the PGA Golf Tournament, which was sponsored by AT&T.  Over the weekend, members attended the Game Fair again to tell sportsmen about AT&T greed and the off-shoring of our work.  Thursday's weekly info picket was supported by UAW 879 (workers from Ford); though it was 62 degrees and raining, members continued the informational picketing, adding "It's cold, it's raining.  The Union is staying" to their chant list this week.  They are firming up plans for their message to be distributed at the Minnesota State Fair, which runs for 10 days & has between 60,000 -100,000 people attending daily.

7750's daily break walks continue along with their informational picket on Wednesdays.  The mobilization committee is making plans next week to activate H.A.V.O.C.!!!

9415 (omitted from 8-14 report) CVP, Roger Osburne, used his 30-year anniversary to have an on-site pizza celebration/Union meeting for members only.  This site has been very active in mobilization activities.  Their mobilization Committee meets every Monday to come up with that week's activities.  This week, both Sacramento and Pleasanton members continue to wear their Union shirts on Thursday (some every day of the week) and have their "I am ready to strike" signs up at their work stations.  Many have a "0 scab zone" sign up as well with a picture of a rat.  Members at both sites remain committed to support our bargaining team.

9415 (current report) Pleasanton members really took mobilization seriously.  At an on-site meeting in Pleasanton, their membership created a petition.  They are collecting signatures, and 9415 leadership will present it on their behalf.  They intend to stand together until all of us have a just and fair contract.

13552 continues to wear red on Thursdays and black on Fridays.  Members have begun leafleting shopping malls on Saturdays with various Corporate Greed flyers.

Our CWA elected bargaining team, Vice President Ralph Maly, and his staff remain ready to meet with the company to bargain our contract.  As posted in Bargaining report #60:

"We wish this was a report informing you about the productive meetings we've been having between the CWA and AT&T Bargaining Teams.  Unfortunately it is not.  Despite the availability of OUR bargaining team, there have been no meetings with the Company team since August 13.

"There are still major differences on Health Care, Job Security, Wages and Pensions.  We are pushing hard for an indication from them that they are willing to move on our key issues so we can get back to the table.

"Help us push them.  Keep up the mobilization efforts.  In addition to whatever you are doing on the job, click here and join in calling for Randall Stephenson to do what's right.  Send him a letter today:  http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/stephenson_respect/iggu7brz7eje5m3?

"You should know that is a nationwide effort.  Mobilization activities are still taking place in Districts 4 and 9 in support of those of us who don't have an agreement yet."

Mobilization remains the key to getting the Company back to the table.  Get up, get out and get active.

Contact your Local Stewards & Officers to find out what you can do to help move negotiations forward.

If you have questions about this report, or would like to be included in future reports, please email cwainfo@gmail.com.

Stay Strong, Stay Mobilized.