CWA LOCAL 7250

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

3747 Minnehaha Ave

Minneapolis, MN 55406

Office:  (612) 332-7552     Fax: (612) 332-6019

Email: office@cwalocal7250.org

 

Representing Employees of:

 

ASK CWA

 Volume 9, Issue 1 – January 2009

What Happens on February 7, 2009 when the contract expires?   

Contract Expiration Options

Just as we prepare each grievance as if it were eventually going to arbitration, we must prepare (through mobilization) each bargaining unit as if we were eventually not going to reach a settlement. 

There are several strategies (options) available to the Union at the expiration of the contract including:

  • Settle
  • Extend by mutual agreement (with or without inside strategies)
  • Work without a contract (with inside strategies)
  • Strike

Which option we pursue is a strategic decision that must be made by those responsible for the negotiations.

Keeping AT&T in doubt as to which option we pursue is a conscious strategy that greatly strengthens our position. This is because AT&T cannot effectively predict CWA’s action and, therefore plan for it. If AT&T is not sure CWA will strike at expiration, they will be less willing to spend the money to prepare for a strike (hiring replacements, training management, etc.)

If, on the other hand, AT&T knows that the only option CWA is considering is to strike, AT&T gains a great deal of power and control over the situation. This is because AT&T can plan for a strike and perhaps even force a strike.

Predictable players are the easiest to beat. In any contest, the player who can anticipate his or her opponent’s next move has the greater advantage. The more options we can have at expiration of our contract, the stronger we are and the more difficult it is for AT&T to plan.

 

FIGHTING FOR OUR FUTURE @ AT&T

You Can’t Win Alone, as a UNION We Can!

 

Q. If we go out on strike, what happens with our medical benefits?

A. If we go on strike, our health benefits will end at the end of that month. So, if we go out on strike when the contract expires 11:59 PM February 7, our medical benefits will stop at the end of February.   * Be Prepared. In the past the Company has used the expiration of medical benefits as a scare tactic to try to get employees to cross the picket line.

*** No striking CWA member that needed medical attention has ever been stuck with the bill. If you or one of your dependents have a chronic medical condition, CWA may opt to pay your COBRA premium. CWA will NOT pay the premium for ALL employees. If you have an emergency, like a broken leg, CWA may opt to pay for your doctor bill vs. a COBRA premium for that employee. ***

Q. Will I get paid while I am on strike?

A. That depends on the length of the strike. On the 15th day of the strike, each member in good standing that has performed their picket assignment, will receive a $200 check.  If we are still on strike on day 22, and you have continued to perform your picket assignment, you will receive another $200.  Starting day 29, the pay increases to $300.00 and continurs every subsequent 7 days. ** Each member has been assigned 1-2 shifts of picket duty each week.  If you are unable to complete the shift(s) that you chose or are assigned, it will be your responsibility to trade shifts with someone & notify the Local of the change. Picket payments are based on the master schedule held by the Local union. If you do not show up, you will not be eligible for strike payments.  The money is not meant to replace your paycheck, but supplement your income.

Q. Can I work another job while we are on strike?

A. Yes. CWA & the AFL-CIO will have member resource information, like temporary agencies, and company’s that are hiring at the time, to help our members get jobs    ** United Way also has information on other resources that you might need, like food shelves or emergency resources.

Q. Can AT&T discipline or charge me with an occurrence for being on strike?

A.  AT&T can not legally discipline or terminate you for participating in a strike, it is a protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act.

Q. What if I am scheduled vacation during a strike?  

A. In the past if you were scheduled vacation on the first day of a work stoppage, AT&T has paid you your vacation pay for the consecutive days you were scheduled for vacation. If you were scheduled for vacation after the strike has already begun AT&T has NOT paid you for your vacation, and you would be able to reschedule the vacation time once we reach an agreement & return back to work.  **We can NOT guarantee that AT&T will pay you according to this past practice.

Q. If we do go on strike, how long will it last?

A. If we do go on strike, no one can predict how long it will last. Going on strike is the LAST tactic that CWA wants to use. If bargaining is going badly enough to call a strike, it could be 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, or longer. The length of the strike depends on how bargaining progresses.

You Can’t Win Alone, as a UNION We Can!

www.cwa-attmobility.com