November/December 2006 Newsletter

 

President's Corner

As you well know, Qwest continues to downsize, due to line loss, competition, and decreased revenue. However, they still extol the virtues of their high speed internet products as keeping revenue going. Some local managers have made stupid comments implying that we, the bargained for employees are the problem. Because we are unionized, make better wages, have bargained for benefits, such as health care, dental, vision, savings plan, sick leave, disability pay, vacation and holiday pay, etc.., we are the problem, because they can't compete. That logic is so far from the truth, it is just preposterous!

We are embroiled in a tumultuous time. The very future of our jobs seems to be teetering on the employer's decision making and long term planning. This can only be evidenced by the recent storm, during which by their own admissions, management had no plan, did not invoke a plan or have contact with power companies for 2 days; and put some of our members in harms way. Thankfully, to date, there have been no tragedies as a result. I thank each of you for utilizing your own good judgment and working safely as possible during power out, power down, storm restoration conditions.

 

Stories in this issue:

I urge each of you to look at your Pathways/Continuing education benefits. Technology is rapidly changing. Deployment of the new "Broadband Technician" title has been delayed. The company and union bargaining agents are still working out details. I expect it to be rolled out within the first quarter of '07. Competition for these jobs will happen, internally and externally. To date, management has not responded to our request on how to fill these jobs in the meantime. Rumors of a show of interest for another round of VSPP are circulating.

Members of RCA 201, Tacoma, are continually being rolled on a daily basis to help out in other RCA's. We need to keep employment and membership levels here as much as possible. You can help by reporting areas that need deferred work, to your supervisor. There is a method to develop work items for which you get credit. We need to utilize it as much as possible. We need to keep our members in our own RCA as much as possible.

Thanks for all that you do to support this local. This is your Union

In solidarity, Randy Grams President.


Bylaw - Rule Change Proposals Result of Vote at October Membership Meeting.

The following are proposed changes put forth to the membership by the Executive Board, on a split non unanimous vote at the September Executive Board Meeting.

These by-law rule amendments follow the method as prescribed in Article XVIII of the Local Bylaws and Rules.

\Rule 3 now reads; Shop Stewards shall be paid an expense stipend of $15.00 for attending the monthly Shop Stewards meeting. Payment to be made after the end of the month the meeting was held.

Proposal to change rule 3: Remove Rule 3 regarding Shop Stewards Pay. Proposal Failed.

Rule 4 now reads: Executive board members, excluding Local Officers shall be paid an expense stipend of $25.00 for attending the combined stewards and executive board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Payments shall be made after the end of the month the meetings were held.

Proposal to change rule 4: Remove rule 4 for Executive board stipend of $25.00 per meeting. Proposal Failed

Rule 8a now reads; $40.00 per diem for Convention, $40.00 per diem for out of town overnight meetings plus lodging and commercial transportation if used. When private automobile is used, an amount equal to commercial transportation will be allowed.

Proposal to change Rule 8a: change the amount of per diem from $40.00 to $50.00 Vote ended in a tie, Proposal failed.

Rule 8c now reads: Personal car mileage expense shall follow the allowable IRS limit when doing union business within the state of Washington and into Portland Oregon.

Proposal to change Rule 8c: The proposal is to change the rule to read; Personal car mileage expense shall follow the allowable IRS limit when doing union business within the state of Washington and Oregon or other destination as approved by the Executive Board. Proposal Passed.

Rule 5 now reads: Local Officers shall be paid monthly salaries as follow: President $450.00, Vice President $350.00, Secretary-Treasurer $350.00.

Proposal to change Rule 5: Local Officers shall be paid monthly salaries as follows: President $350.00, Vice President $250.00, Secretary-Treasurer $250.00. Proposal Failed

Rule 6 now reads: Any pension eligible members of Local 7804 having been a member of CWA in good standing for ten consecutive years immediately preceding his or her date of retirement, shall receive the amount of $200.00.

Proposal to change Rule 6: Change the amount from $200.00 to $100.00. Proposal Failed


Service Anniversaries and Retirements

Service Anniversaries:

December: Charles Heylman Qwest C.O.T., 25 years.

Retirements:

October: Bill McGee Net Tech 41 yrs., Mark Rickey, Net Tech, 37 yrs., Bob Arenburg, CDT 36 yrs., Mel Mukai, CDT, 35 yrs., Hank Knaack, COT, 33 yrs., Norm Holt, Net Tech, 27 yrs.

Congratulations to all and best of luck!


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