OFS Bargaining Report #2

National Bargaining Report – Day 2

Opening session started at 1:15PM Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at CWA National Headquarters.

Today's session started with the Union passing several proposals to the Company.

The Union passed a proposal on Article 3 – Defined Terms, proposing that the Company designate a day in lieu of Saturday and Sunday for Con-Op employees whose weekly tour includes weekend hours.  We also were looking for clarifying language that requires the Company to show "Just Cause" requirement when terminating employees.

Article 4 – Union Representation, the Union is trying to obtain protection for Stewards to be able to conduct Union business without being unreasonably restricted.

Article 5 – Union-Management Relations, the Union is asking the Company to not unreasonably restrict non-employee Union Agents' access to the Union Membership in the workplace during breaks, lunches, before and after shifts and during Company/Represented Employee meetings.  We are also looking to expand the notice requirement for shift changes from one to two weeks and notice of layoffs from 15 to 30 days.  We also want our Stewards to be able to meet first with any Member the Company is planning to terminate prior to the disciplinary meeting with the Company.

Article 6 – Grievance Procedure, the Union is seeking for a condition where no adjustments can be made by the Company prior to the completion of the grievance and/or arbitration.  The Union is highly concerned with the Company's ability to effect changes before the grievance/arbitration settlement, resulting in the grievance/arbitration process dragging on several months to years without conclusion.

Article 7 – Arbitration, the Union is seeking to make an adjustment to Arbitration language that would allow the Arbitrator full authority to rule on a resolve to a case which both the Company and Union would have to abide to.

The Company passed one proposal on Retiree Health Care.  The Company is proposing to shift all costs of Retiree Health Care onto the Retirees.  The Company proposes to eliminate Retiree Dental Coverage, as well as approximately double most copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.  The Company is also proposing premium increases across the board for Retirees up to $1,931 per month.  All Retiree premiums would be payable at 100% by the Retiree with no contribution by the Company.  Bill Bates, lead negotiator for the Union, flatly rejected the Company's proposal.

The next scheduled meeting with the Company is yet to be determined.