Striking Frontier Workers Win Big

Nearly 2,000 workers in California end strike after company agrees to limit subcontracting of work to low road contracting companies

CALIFORNIA — Nearly 2,000 CWA members at Frontier Communications in California who have been on a grievance strike since last Friday have reached an agreement with the company. The workers went on strike to protest the company’s continued subcontracting of work in violation of the collective bargaining agreement between CWA and Frontier and to raise awareness about the risks of using low-road contracting companies for critical telecommunications services.

After days of striking, CWA members at Frontier have won an agreement in which Frontier has committed to take significant steps to adhere to the limits of subcontracting set in the collective bargaining agreement, including posting job requisitions for at least a hundred Term Cable Splicer positions; meeting regularly with CWA on the status of the postings; offering union jobs in lieu of contract workers; and utilizing the existing referral program for union members to assist the Company in procuring qualified applicants. The strike will end no later than 11:59 p.m. PT on August 24, 2022, and all employees will return to work on or before August 25, 2022.

“This is a huge victory for CWA members at Frontier who stayed one day longer, one day stronger on the picket line and refused to settle for the company’s excuses and empty promises. It’s proof that we can successfully fight back when we come together, mobilize and build solidarity,” said CWA Local 9510 Executive Vice President Kenny Williams.

“I am grateful for all of the members of the community who have been persistently supporting CWA members at Frontier and fighting alongside us to protect good jobs and the quality of service our customers receive. Although the issues relating to this grievance are resolved, we are still fighting for a new contract. I have no doubt in my mind that our members are ready, able and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that Frontier provides quality service and good jobs for Californians,” said CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce.

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About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields, including approximately 2,000 Frontier workers in California.

cwa-union.org @cwaunion