Greetings and a belated happy new year. The year 2002 looks to be a difficult one. Last year at about this same time we were looking forward to the promises of where this company was going and what we excepted to accomplish in the future. Now we are facing layoffs and an uncertain future. The projections of unprecedented growth and enhanced revenues has not come to fruition, the price of Qwest stock has fallen to an all-time low, losing over 70 per of its value. Now to compensate for poor decisions made at the top of the corporate ladder, we are embarking on a layoff that will only inhibit our ability to provide service to our customers. CEO Joe Nacchio was rewarded for all of this bad news with a new contract and several million in stock options; we are being rewarded for his incompetence with pink slips It is too bad that upper management is not on a performance management plan like the one they hold over our heads
There will be another VSPP offer made to occupational employees and we will be going through the process for surplus as outlined in the agreement between CWA and Qwest . Your local officers will be available to answer question and help in any way we are able though this entire process. It is our hope that the economy will rebound and that the company will come to its senses and not go though with the announced layoffs, though that does not seem likely. In the meanwhile please be aware of the feelings of your fellow employees and the stress that we are all under. Some of us are likely leaving the company and the rest of us will effected in other ways. It will not be pleasant for any of us.
This may seem like a strange time to discuss contract negotiations but in reality they are directly related to the surplus we are facing now. Article 19 of the agreement is our protection for a fair process in times of forced reduction. We as a local cannot deviate from this article and we will do our best to make sure that the company does not . If you are in the force adjusted title of this surplus you need to read Article 19 and be aware of your rights therein. If you survive this surplus or any that might in the future remember that the current contract expires in about eighteen months, August 2003. Don’t think that the company won’t try to use this layoff leverage when we get to the bargaining table.
Now is the time to start acting in solidarity with your local union in conjunction with District 7. It is important that the company gets the message now that we are strong, committed and that in August 2003 we will be seeking our share of the pie at the bargaining table. Now is not the time to show weakness; there is too much at stake for all of the employees of this company and that includes our retirees. I encourage you to prepare a strike fund now; don’t wait until the last minute. This warning has been give in the past and there are always some who don’t listen and then are vulnerable if we have to resort to a strike. Look around and get a perspective on what this company thinks of its employees and the value they place on them; if that doesn’t get your attention I am a loss as to what I can say to open your eyes. Remember it’s just 128 months away it will be upon before you know what happened.
Lastly, be aware that there will be many changes in the work place over the next few months. Some jobs will be changing and what you do today may not be your job of tomorrow; our goal is to keep as many people employed as possible in any capacity that we can. Again, we will follow the contract and enforce it as best we can, and we expect your cooperation and support in doing so. This local works for the good of the whole local, not just certain individuals. If you have questions or concerns please contact me and I will endeavor to resolve your issue according to the contract to the best satisfaction possible
In Unionism,
Clay Bowlby
Dear Colleagues: During this holiday season and the upcoming New Year, we reflect on the events of the past year. While we have suffered great tragedy and loss in 2001, we have also experienced a renewed sense of commitment to each other, our families, communities and the nation.
I would like to call attention to another way CWA Locals and their members have engaged in an important service and helped saved lives of patients with life-threatening blood diseases. Since 1998, we have forged a partnership with The Marrow Foundation and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), enrolling our members as volunteers in the national Registry of unrelated marrow and blood stem cell donors, and encouraging our locals to donate to the foundation’s CWA Patient Assistance Fund. This Fund was established to help CWA members in need of financial assistance to proceed with marrow or blood stem cell transplants.
In the past 15 years, the NMDP Registry has grown to 4.5 million volunteers, and life giving marrow transplants have been provided for more that 14,500 patients. The NMDP serves as the critical lifesaving link between the volunteer marrow donors and patients.
Our local has become aware of a situation within our community of a person who is not a member of our local, but a friend of one of our members. His name is David and he has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer, which at this time flourishes without a cure. He is a twenty seven year young man with three children and a loving wife. This cancer affects plasma cells and the disease causes the growth of tumors in many bones, which can lead to bone pain and fractures. Without our help, David will not have the memories of watching his children grow. We need your response to save a life
The nearest NMDP location is in Tacoma at 220 So. “I” St. telephone, 253-383-2553.. Ask to be a potential donor for a stem cell transplant. The process is short and as simple as donating blood. Respond quickly: it takes approximately 3 weeks to get on the registry for donors.
Items are also needed for a silent auction that will be held at the end of February at Spanaway Lake High School. Contact Dave Carrier at the “A” garage for information.
To read more about David and his family go to our web site, www.cwalocal7804.org/donate.htm
In unity, Randy Grams Sec./Treas.
We are pleased to announce an offer from CWA and Cingular Wireless, the most heavily unionized wireless company. The offer includes the following:
CWA members in all Cingular owned and operated markets are eligible for a 15% discount off the Monthly Access Charge on Home, Regional and National rate plans.
To take advantage of this offer union members may follow the link from the CWA web site; those without Internet access can call 1-877-751-7257, Mon.-Fri. 7a.m. – 8:30 p.m. central time, and Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. central time. This offer is only available via the web site or phone number.
Randy Grams, Sec./Treas.
http://www.cwa-union.org/about/cingular_asp
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The most important thing you as an unemployed worker must do can be one of the most difficult: keep a strong, positive attitude about yourself and your future. Unemployment is bad enough for single workers. But loss of work is particularly frightening for those with families depending on them. It’s hard to tell your family about job loss because we all take pride in providing. But talking to your family is a important step in the process of weathering unemployment. “The thing I hated the most,” said a laid-off textile worker at a workshop in Georgia, “was telling my kids that things are going to be a little tight for a while.” Unemployment is tough on the whole family. Your spouse and children may feel as helpless as you do. Talk out your problems and plan together. Children generally sense tension in the home. Explain your unemployment situation to them and include them in developing your plans to deal with it. Older children tend to get a sense of belonging and closeness when you confide in them. They usually respond by understanding and wanting to do their part for the family.
Each member can help a family make it through hard times. By sharing the burden and pulling together, members of a family grow closer together and draw strength from one another.Also, children can help reduce financial pressure on parents by delaying requests for expensive extras. By taking a part-time, weekend job, teenagers can help reduce financial pressure on parents. It enables each member of the family to take positive steps to help. You take pride in your skills. Your work provides for your family. Your job is a vital part of your sense of who you are and how you feel about yourself. Your closest friends may be your co-workers.Your job is important to you—not only for the money it provides, but also for the satisfaction it gives you. That’s why losing your job is traumatic—whether it means temporarily losing the entire family income or only part of it. It is natural to feel afraid, angry and depressed when you are out of work. You may feel helpless and betrayed. You may subconsciously blame yourself. A first big step in keeping a positive attitude is to recognize the natural feelings of depression, fear, anger and helplessness. If you recognize feelings, you can overcome them. Taking stock of the good things in your life—family, friends, skills—is important to improving your outlook.
Anniversaries: Henry Austin, 26 years; Richard Beaver, 20; Gary Beymer, 26; Stephen Bitner, 33; Edward Borhek, 34; Doug Brewer, 22; Wayne Carlson, 23; Judith Castello, 33; Sheila Chaput, 35; Raymond Crowell, 37; Douglas Day, 5; William Hellems, jr., 6; Joseph Hemel, 23; Larry Jobst, 34; Garold Johnson, 35; Terry Knobloch, 25; Peter Larson, 36; Deborah McGowan, 23; James McVoy, 24; Raymond Newby, 33; David Parker, 32; Frank Parks, 35; Harry Partl, 26; DeWayne Reichert, 6; David Rieken, 22; Regas Sager, 5; Robert Schnidt, 45; Randy Scott, 31; Doyle Simons, 22; Hugh Smith, jr., 23; John Steed, 26; Noel Strothers, 29; Kenneth Sutton, 33; Ace Tague, 33; Michael Tomter, 8; Leslie Tower, 36; David Walton, 35; Terry Warren, 33; William Woody, 21; Erich Zoellner, 34
Retired: Tom Clark, 32.
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