The President’s Corner
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Stories in this issue: |
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In the coming months we will be asking for you to contact your representative and lobby for fair treatment. It is time they act on our behalf and not in the interests of the corporate and wealthy interests This is the tip of what is to follow, remember that we are on the brink of a war in Iraq and we have contact due in August. President Bush has already used the power of his office to interfere with other unions bargaining with their employers in the name of national security. Don’t be surprised if we hear the same threats in June and July. A side not to all of this is the fact that the proposals in front of us now are the same issue dismissed by the national ‘republican parties scare tactics by the Democrats in the last two national elections. Regarding the up-coming negotiations with Qwest, we are in the process of forwarding information to District 7 on our top bargaining requests. I would like to thank the few people who took the time to fill out the questionnaire mailed in the last newsletter. I am very disappointed in the lack of response on the part of the membership. This was your chance to participate and you failed to do so. Judging by all of the complaints we get concerning the collective bargaining agreement I cannot believe that there is not some improvement or change that would be important to you You have missed your chance to influence the document that controls your work life. I hope that you are preparing financially for the possibility of a strike, if you are not then start now. It is in your best interest. In closing I hope that in the coming months you will become more active in Local 7804, there are a number of committees that could use a little of your time and effort. The continued vitality of this local depends on you. In unionism, “Labor is prior to and independent of capitol. Capitol is only the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration.” —–Abraham Lincoln Secretary’s ReportBy Randy GramsTreasury Proposal May Lead to Lower Future PensionsThe following is from the Association of Bell Tell Retirees “Future retirees beware! A proposal if passed, would lift a moratorium on the conversion of conventional defined benefit plans to Cash Balance Plans. The proposal was put in place as a result of a public outctry by IBM, Verizon and other workers whose future pensions were seriously cut as a result of these conversions. The details underlying the proposal to lift the moratorium, thus permitting companies to commence conversions, do not contain sufficient protections for older workers. Cash Balance Pension Plans are good for younger workers who tend to be more mobile. The problem arises when conventional plans, which favor those who remain longer with the company, are converted. Those workers can lose as much as 50% of the value of their pension when it is converted. During the moratorium, the IRS developed regulations which, when followed would permit Cash Balance Plans to comply with age discrimination requirements. If approved, the new regulations would permit a wave of conversions to Cash Balance Plans, possibly including Verizon Associates and former GTE management as well as millions of others in companies across America. You are urged to go to the Alliance@IBM web site for a step-by-step recommendation as to how you can oppose the lifting of the moratorium until proper protections are added to protect older workers. Go to http://www.allianceibm.org/pension/pensionaction.htm and read more.” I believe all members within the 20 years of service and up category need to take notice of what is happening here. We have already seen our future security reduced by the erosion of our 401K investments. These cash balance conversions have a history of reducing benefits for the older workers by 50% or more. Opening the door to corporations to allow this treatment of older workers should not be allowed. Older workers cannot make up the 20, 25, or 30 years of time they have dedicated to their employer, to make up the shortfall that they would suffer in these conversions. Our government should not allow further threats to retirement that could lead to poverty or bankruptcy in old age. Please contact the US Treasury and your Senators and Representatives as soon as possible. The US Treasury recently announced proposed regulations to allow US companies to convert to cash balance pension plans without regard for the harm such a conversion can do to long-term employees. For e-mail addresses of you Senator, Congressman, Treasury, or the White House visit the web site at http://www.congress.org. From what information I have read, there will be a public comment period until March. Please take your own action. Randy Grams, Secretary-Treasurer The Wheels of Justice Pageculled from the Daily Breeze, Saturday January 18, 2003 by Mark Sherman, AP Congressional investigators plan to interview Qwest Communications founder and director Philip Anschutz a second time about his role in the company’s daily affairs, a congressional spokesman said Monday. The renewed interest in Anschutz arose from public testimony last week from former Qwest chairman and CEO Joseph Nacchio, who said he talked to Anschutz about all major decisions, said Ken Johnson, spokesman for the House Energy and Commerce Committee . At several points during Nacchio’s testimony, he described Anschutz as a close friend and active partner in running Qwest. Anschutz, Nacchio’s co-chairman, told investigators he was largely uninvolved, Johnson said. “Every major decision I made in this firm I sought his counsel. Phil was very involved. He was helpful to me,” said Nacchiosaid Nacchio, who resigned in June. Johnson said investigators who interviewed Anschutz by phone for 2 1/2 hours on Sept 27, will talk to Anschutz again soon. Investigators at first questioned Anschutz about whether he had advance knowledge of the company’s looming financial problems when he sold 213.5 million in Qwest stock last year. He said he did not, Johnson said. “We’re obliged to get to the bottom of this,” Johnson said. And who said there was honor among thieves? —Ed.] Contact Information for State and Federal LegislatorsPresident Bush may be reached by writing to him at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20500; his message phone is (202)456-1111. Your U.S. senators and representatives, and state legislators may be contacted at the following addresses and telephone numbers: U.S. Senators
U.S. representatives
State OfficesGov. Gary Locke’s office can be reached at 360-753-6800, Olympia. Write to him at the Legislative Buildin, P.O. Box 40002, Olympia 98405-001. Fax: 360-902-4110. Web Site: www.governor.wa.gov. Write to state representatives in care of the Washington House of Representatives in care of the Washington House of Representatives, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia 98504-0482, the central Senate Fax number is 360-786-1999. To leave a message for lawmakers or learn the status of legislation, call the Legislature’s toll-free hotline, 800-562-6000. The hearing impaired may call 800-635-9993. The Legislature’s Web Site is www.leg.wa.gov. The Legislators, by district and Olympia (360) phone number are: (D), 786-7648, Rep. Dawn Morrell (D), 786-7968, Rep. Joyce McDonald (R), 786-7948
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