March, 2003

...now browsing by month

 

Safety Corner March/April 2003

Sunday, March 2nd, 2003

Legislative Report

The first 3 weeks of the 2003 Washington State Legislative Session has been pure defensive action, with the exception of one bright spot, the Prescription Drug bill. The Republican controlled Senate took the first hit on working families by introducing SB5161 that would repeal the adopted and approved ergonomics rules. Not only repeal them, but also prevent any thing that even remotely looks like them from being enacted in this state until action is taken by the Federal Government to institute rules of their nature. We don’t need to be reminded that repealing the OSHA ergonomic standards were among some of the first things that the Bush II Administration did. By Wednesday, February 5th, the Senate will have voted and by all predictions, that bill will pass. Click to continue »

Posted in Safety | No Responses »

Good and Welfare:

Saturday, March 1st, 2003

Anniversaries: Randy Fletcher, 25; Richard Godwin, 35; Frank Swilley, 25; Leonard Serdahl, 20; Zachary Huff, 5.

Retirees : Rick Gibson; Dave Rieken, and Rhonda Brooks.

Joey Logan—–Local 7804 is saddened by the loss of member Joey Logan. Joey passed away, losing his battle with cancer, on Friday, March 14th, 2003. Joey will be remembered for his sense of humor and friendly personality. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends

Posted in Anniversaries | No Responses »

Family Medical and Leave Act: FYI

Saturday, March 1st, 2003

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

  • for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee
  • for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care
  • to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
  • to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

This is the intent of the law; for application and wording, visit the Local’s website.

Posted in For Members, Politics | No Responses »

GE Strike Sounds Health Care Alarm

Saturday, March 1st, 2003

Reprinted from Forbes.com

New York—The health care-cost fire burning at General Electric looks likely to spread to other companies

Just after midnight this morning [January 1, 20003]17,5000 or more of GE’s 310,000 workers began a two-day strike to protest a hike in their health insurance co-payments. Union leadership sees the strike as a warning to GE, but it could just as well be an alarm for companies across the U.S. Similar troubles are coming to a health plan hear you. Click to continue »

Posted in Articles, Politics | No Responses »

Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful

Saturday, March 1st, 2003

This summer I would like to see if we as a Local could do some good community service to aid someone in our area. I have been in touch with Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful 2003. They paint houses of low-income seniors and low-income disabled men and women. We will be looking for able-bodied members and family to help. As of press time I do not have a date but hope to soon. Please check out the organizations web site at www.paintbeautiful.org or contact me at foneman316@yahoo.com

Thanks.
Kevin Lathrop

Posted in Community | No Responses »

Secretary’s Report

Saturday, March 1st, 2003

By Randy Grams

ERPB Expansion

The following is a letter of agreement between Qwest Corporation Assistant Bargaining Agent, Deanna Simmons, and Annie Hill, Assistant to the Vice President-CWA District 7. Click to continue »

Posted in Secretary's Report | No Responses »

The President’s Corner

Saturday, March 1st, 2003

by Clay Bowlby

On March 6th and 7th I attended the C.W.A./Qwest Presidents’ meeting in Denver. As always, the meeting provided valuable information on the company and its immediate future. Notable in attendance were Dick Notebaert, Orrin Schaffer, Barry Allen, Auggie Curcotti, and a host of other senior leadership. Click to continue »

Posted in President's Corner | No Responses »