SBC Members Mobilize for Contracts

CWA and SBC negotiators at the national table in Washington had several meetings and discussions with federal mediators over the past week. Following the March 25 session, the parties agreed that the next formal talks at the national bargaining table are set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31, at the office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

CWA President Morton Bahr stated that when national talks resume on March 31, CWA expects to engage in intense bargaining with the intent of reaching an overall settlement on time. CWA is pressing hard to resolve the many outstanding issues remaining at all tables, where SBC has made retrogressive demands in just about every area.

Bahr has asked CWA's vice presidents from Districts 1, 4, 6, and 9, who are attending CWA's Legislative-Political conference, to remain in Washington as national bargaining resumes on March 31.

The contracts expire April 1 at SBC West and April 3 at SBC Midwest, Southwest and East.

Meanwhile, CWA districts and locals have planned actions and events over the next several days to remind SBC that workers deserve a fair contract. Among the events:

*** In Waco, Tex., CWA retirees from District 6 are rallying to let SBC know that the company's attempt to shift millions of dollars in health care costs to retired workers is unacceptable.

*** CWAers in District 4 are planning several events for Friday, Apr. 2, the day before the SBC Midwest contract expires. District 4 members can contact their locals for specific actions in their communities.

*** Members of CWA Local 1298, District 1, in Connecticut will be doing more informational picketing on Monday, March 29 outside SBC facilities.

*** In District 9, the Northern California Council of CWA locals has a big rally planned for Apr. 1 at SBC's main facility in Oakland.