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The
Informant
March
2005
Qwest
Communications Bargaining by Mike Tulloch Vice-President
To all Union
Members of Local 7803:
The time is upon us again to start thinking about Contract Bargaining.
This is a very important part of being a union member and all members
need to put some serious thought about what you would like to see
negotiated in the next contract. A word to the wise, our business in
many parts of the company has slowed down compared to the past before
expiration of the contract. In the old days a month or two before the
contract expired we would all begin working a lot of overtime to save
money in case of a strike. In this day and age that opportunity doesn't
always exist for some of us, so with that being said it may be
important for you to start tucking money away each payday in case of a
strike. Always plan for the worst and hope for the best. The contract
expires in about 5 months so lets start preparing now. Here in the near
future we are going to start organizing picket captains, picket
locations, and picket list for members. One of the first things we need
to get together is a list of members with your phone numbers and
addresses at home in case the strike turns into a long one. It's
important to the local and the members to be able to communicate with
each other. If you have any suggestions to help prepare please get a
hold of me as soon as possible. We can use all the help you are willing
to give, there is always something to be done.
Tetra-Tech
by Lisa Dunn Vice-President
Evergreen Utilities Contractors Inc is now known as Tetra-Tech the
company has changed their name to match the parent company. Tetra-Tech
is based out of Denver and is a shareholder for a conglomerate of
different business, from construction to engineering to Information
Technologies. Over the last year Evergreen has suffered tremendously,
lack of viable workforce, poor management etc. Bill Hunsinger is the
new President of the local branch here based in Woodinville. Bill and I
are going to meet 3/17/05 to begin negotiations for a new contract. The
good news is Tetra-Tech won the bid for the Verizon Fiber to the curb
contract. So hopefully things are looking up.
This
Place Works Because I Do!! by Ann Cunnington Secretary
King County Water District #90's bargained for employees have been
working under a contract extension since the 1st of October, 2004.
Negotiations with the District's commissioners have been frustrating to
put it mildly. The Commissioners are attacking the medical benefits and
the wages. They want the employees to pay a portion of the medical plan
cost (up to 3% of their base wage per month) in addition to the new
$200 deductible per person the new plan imposes. Furthermore, the wage
increase they propose is the consumer price index not to exceed 3%.
King County Water District #90 is financially stable and profitable due
to the hard work and superior service provided by these employees. The
district is growing considerably with all the new housing and business
developments. These commissioners look at the employees as a cost and
not an asset and have actually stated it exactly like that. The
commissioners last, best and final offer was put to a vote. The results
were a resounding rejection. The employees immediately launched into
mobilization activities to bring the issue to the public who are
ultimately their real boss. The Commissioner's are elected by the
constituents of the district. Flyers were distributed and informational
picketing was done at the February 15th commissioner meeting. Public
support was phenomenal. The pressure is on! Thanks to the Teamsters,
Machinists and CWA (active and retired) members who stood up to the
commissioners. The next bargaining is set up for March 10th. Your help
may still be needed. Our strength is in our solidarity.
Cingular
Wireless by Jeanne Stewart Executive Vice-President
Cingular Wireless has reached a tenative agreement. A new progression
wage scale was established for the Retail Sales Consultants which will
increase their wages 25% by the end of the contract. The American
Arbitration Association will be mailing out the ballots starting March
18, 2005. If you don't get your ballot let Lisa Dunn know at
425-204-8495 or email her at Lish@cwalocal7803.org.
Lisa has taken my place and is now representing Cingular Wireless. All
future concerns should be reported to her. Lisa will do a great job
representing you.
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