Puerto Rican Installers Get 50 Percent Increase

Telecommunications installers employed by a Verizon subcontractor in Puerto Rico have won their first CWA contract, reported Executive Vice President Larry Cohen. The installers, who work for JAF Communications, are the first of four groups that with CWA’s help organized a new union earlier this year.

“They could have had a contract two weeks ago, but they refused to sign a ‘no strike’ clause,” said Cohen’s assistant, Yvette Herrera, on Sept. 13. “The bargaining committee insisted that striking is a right of every worker and they were not willing to give up — no matter how much money the boss offered.”

Waiting proved worthwhile for the 160 installers, members of the recently organized Unión de Trabajadores de las Communicaciones (UTC/CWA).

The installers, who are paid by the job, increased their rate per installation from $30 to $45 on weekdays, $50 on Saturdays and $55 on Sundays, and they went from zero to six paid holidays.

Their three-year contract does not provide health insurance but Herrera said CWA is exploring other options to help the workers obtain coverage.

“The bargaining committee is very pleased with the contract and the support that CWA has provided,” Herrera said.

The JAF installers, and about 300 others who work for subcontractors EMEC, Central Teleconstruction and Bermudez & Longo, endured a 56-day strike beginning Feb. 21 to obtain recognition for their union.

“We went on strike on two days’ notice,” said Angelo Andújar, an installer at JAF and a lead organizer. Andújar and other local leaders worked closely with CWA International Affairs Director Eduardo Diaz, who died July 18, and AFL-CIO Representative Jimmy Torres.

“Because CWA helped us, we were able to hold solid on the street,” Andújar said.