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Leadership at Qwest has changed, micro management has not.
Evidenced by the LRAC trying to run the business with their techload system and
persistent requirements to inundate our customers with the warm and fuzzy call
ahead and call and follow up routine. We are here to make a paycheck and
return safe at the end of the day. Until management sees their programs
are going full circle, (this program has been done before). Techs with
Techtad devices beware. Follow all directives and do not deviate.
Management is zooming in on all results and techs are being disciplined
throughout the state. Continue to keep a daily log of your
activities. When brought in by management and asked questions, you have
the right to stop the meeting, ask for a union steward. If they do not
provide one, the meeting has to be stopped until such time as you have a
steward or be postponed or ended. Utilize your federally mandated
rights! Work smart, be where you are supposed to be. If you must go
out of route, make certain you inform your direct supervisor first!
Thanks for all you do!
In solidarity, Randy Grams President.
Interview with a Lobbyist
Recently CWA Local 7804 Investigative Reporter sat down to an
interview with its own Secretary-Treasurer, Jake Williams. Along with his
responsibilities to his office which include tracking all financial
transactions, meeting minutes, and grievance issues, Jake has been 7804’s
representative for CWA Washington State Labor Council. He has been in the
position for over one year along with retiree Gail Love from the Olympia
local. We wanted to get a better understanding of just what exactly this
entailed.
IR: What is your major responsibility to Labor Council?
Jake: During the legislative session, which runs from
January to approximately April, we spend at least one day per week at the
capitol, attending the Labor Council Meeting and Legislative Hearings.
IR: Hum, that sounds dry, do you find it interesting?
Jake: I love it. It is our responsibility to listen for
issues that are of interest to CWA on a local, state, and national level.
We then take our positions to our local leaders and work together to get the
results that will benefit union employees.
IR: Can you give me an example of one issue?
Jake: Most recently, we worked on the Washington State
Family Care Leave for Newborn Children you, which were passed. It will
guarantee working mothers five weeks paid leave at $250.00 per week for newborn
child care. This is in combination with FMLA.
IR: So then you’re done for this year?
Jake: Oh no, not at all. We will continue to work with
state and federal representatives year round. We will do face to face meetings
with them and advise them of our interests. We will also be involved in
upcoming campaigns. This is where our COPE donations come into
play. We will request COPE monies from national, and use that money to
endorse candidates that have our union’s best
interests.
IR: I believe I can speak for the local when I say we
appreciate your hard work and dedication. We will look forward to hearing
more from you in the near future. Thank-you.
Jake: You’re welcome, it is my pleasure and honor to
be in this position.
SPEED MATTERS
Benefits from truly high speed Internet networks include:
Economic Growth & Quality Jobs. New, high
speed Internet applications create jobs and opportunities for innovation,
growth, and e-commerce. Technology allows businesses based in rural and
remote communities to compete in the global economy.
Telemedicine and Independent Living. High
speed Internet allows instantaneous, interactive contact between health
professionals and patients permitting remote monitoring, efficient chronic
disease management, and more effective responses to emergencies. It can help
seniors and people with disabilities live independently, improve their quality
of life and reduce costs of care.
Education & Integrated Learning.
Two-way high speed communication and videoconferencing allows students and
teachers to minimize the obstacles of distance and maximize the potential of
simultaneous voice, data, and video sharing.
E-Government, Civic Participation and Public
Safety. Advanced high speed networks will allow citizens
to increase participation in civic life, beyond simply downloading forms or
researching programs. Government meetings could be opened to many more citizens
using two-way video technology. They also enable police, fire and emergency
personnel to coordinate and respond more quickly to crises.
The United States has been slow to develop truly high
speed networks. Other countries have overtaken the U.S. both in the
speeds that are being provided and the percentage of people who have access to
high speed networks. In fact, the U.S. has fallen to 16th in the world in terms
of high speed internet access.
It’s time for the United States to adopt a
telecommunications policy for the 21st century.
Got an Extra Fridge?
The Local’s refrigerator is “giving up the
ghost”. We are looking for a quality used refrigerator with a
decent freezer. Please contact the local if you know of one or can
provide a donation of one. The storage of ice and water during the strike
in ’98 was essential. Qwest bargaining will be here before you know
it. Thank you!
Service Anniversaries and Retirements
The following members retired:
David Pedee, Qwest Net Tech 30 years
(Overlooked last time,
sorry Dave!)
Dave Walton, Qwest COT 40 years
Cheryl Dallum Qwest COT 40
years
Walt Hyatt, Qwest CDT 30 years
Julie Hoff, Qwest COT 30
years
Service Anniversaries
July:
Don Schmidt Qwest COT 40 years
Ricco Heatherly Qwest COT 30
years
Michael Heiserman Qwest Net Tech 10 years
Jeanne Diel-Reichert
Qwest Net Tech 10 years
August: Cheryl Dallum Qwest COT 40 years
Doug Daniels Qwest Net Tech 30 years
Raleigh Irvin Qwest Net Tech 10
years
Mike Jones Qwest Net Tech 10 years
September:
Dennis Shuler Qwest Net Tech 40 years
Missy Luchini Qwest Data
Specialist 25 years
Roy Main Qwest Net Tech 20 years
Steven Swierczyk
Qwest Net Tech 10 years
Best of Luck to All!!!!
Sincere Condolences to our local officers for recent losses,
President Randy Grams lost his mother and Vice President Dennis Garrett lost
his wife.
Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you during these trying
times. |