Tape updated
07-22-2008
Today is Tues July 22
CWA/IBEW Bargaining Update for Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The bargaining Committees met in sub-committee today and
continued to focus on jobs. As the Unions continued to stress
the importance of this issue, specific discussions concerning
TRG COEI work took place with Operating management joining the
Company’s bargaining team to address the Union’s questions and
concerns. Further sub-committee meetings are scheduled for
tomorrow.
As we get closer to the expiration of the contract Locals will
be scheduling Picket assignments. Keep in touch with your Local
Mobilization coordinators for information on all mobilization
activities. Attendance numbers for this Saturday’s rally in New
York City continue to grow. CWA President Larry Cohen and the
Vice Presidents from Districts 2 and 13 will be joining District
1, Vice President Chris Shelton at the rally. If you have not
already signed up, please see your Local mobilization
coordinator to do so.
Nothing is stronger than the power unity
Tape updated
07-21-2008
Today is Mon, July 21, 2008 Pres Cheryl Ahern
speaking.
CWA/IBEW Bargaining Update for Monday, July 21, 2008
CWA, IBEW 2213 and IBEW New England resumed bargaining with
Verizon today in Rye, New York. The two sides continued their
discussions concerning jobs of the future and current work from
Fridays session.. The Unions stressed the importance of this
matter being addressed properly in order to reach an overall
agreement. The Company has not yet responded on this matter.
The CWA Vice Presidents, Chris Shelton, District 1, Ron Collins,
District 2 and Ed Mooney, District 13 along with IBEW officials,
Myles Calvey (New England) and John Miller (New Jersey) are
meeting in Washington D.C. with high level Verizon management to
insure that progress is being made at the Regional tables.
CWA reported today that more than 91% of its Verizon members
voted to authorize a strike in balloting conducted over the last
week among over 50,000 Verizon members in the Northeast.
Mobilization activities continue across Districts One, Two and
Thirteen as final preparations are being made for the rally
planned for New York City this Saturday, July 26th. Check with
your Local Union for details and staging areas for this
important activity.
CWA bus will be meeting at Dascombe road Saturday morning for
rally 140 West Rd NYC seats are still available pls contact the
local to sign up.
Strike assignments should b completed in all locs any questions Please
contact the local.
United we stand divided we fall.
Tape updated
07-17-2008
Today is Thurs, july 17,2008
President Cheryl Ahern speaking
Bargaining Update for Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 and IBEW New England bargaining committees
resumed bargaining in Rye, New York with Verizon. Medical
Benefits, Prescription Drugs and Jobs were the issues discussed
today. The Company had many questions on the Unions proposal on
Medical and Prescriptions and told us that they were planning a
counter to our proposal. The Union stressed that our top
priority is our current work as well as jobs of the future and
the session ended with the company looking to continue the
discussions on jobs at tomorrow sessions.
The results of the strike authorization vote will be announced
once all Locals have conducted their vote. The CWA Secretary
Treasurers office is conducting online Member Relief and Defense
Fund training for all Locals. All Locals should check the dates
of this training and make sure that they participate. Plans are
being finalized for a multi CWA District and Union rally on
Saturday, July 26th in New York City. Contract your Local for
details.
CWA/IBEW Bargaining Update for Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bargaining continued in Rye, New York between CWA/IBEW 2213,
IBEW New England and Verizon. The morning session included a
discussion on current work and jobs. The Union’s questioned the
Company representatives on work specific to the TRG unit and
requested additional information. During the afternoon and
evening session the Company presented a counter proposal on
Medical Benefits. Bargaining has recessed until Friday morning
when the issue of future and current jobs will be addressed.
Mobilization activities continue across District One, Two and
Thirteen. Plans are being finalized for the New York City rally
on July 26th. Check with your Local Union for details on this
important activity. The result of the strike authorization vote
will be announced later this week.
-------------------------------------
Tape
updated 07-15-2008
Bargaining
Update for Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 and IBEW New England bargaining committees
spend the morning
preparing a counter proposal on Medical and Prescription Drug
Benefits. In the
afternoon the Union presented their proposal to the Company.
Negotiations were
recessed for the day. It is expected the Company will respond
when bargaining
resumes tomorrow morning.
The results of the strike authorization vote will be announced
later this week.
The CWA Secretary Treasurers office is conducting online Member
Relief and
Defense Fund training for all Locals. All Locals should check
the dates of this
training and make sure that they participate.
Notification has gone out to TP + Acting managers to step down
effective Monday. We had an incident in SRC were management was
asking to be trained so those TP'd stepped down immediately. I
want to thank the SRC TP'd for their unselfish act of
solidarity.
There is strength in numbers .
Tape updated
07-14-2008
Today is
Monday July 14th 2008 10:55pm, President Cheryl Ahern
speaking. With less than three weeks left until contract
expiration, the bargaining team still has a lot of work ahead of
us. Talks continue with Verizon. Thursday the CWA regional
bargaining committee and IBEW 2213 met with the company to
discuss mediation proposals. On Friday the sub committees met,
and met with the company. Today’s discussion focused on more
questions relating to mediation. The regional bargaining team
for CWA, IBEW 2213 and IBEW NE will meet tomorrow with the
company. We have a rally planned for July 26th in NY.
The bus will meet at 6:00am and travel to 140 West St. corporate
headquarters. The rally will be from 1:00pm-3:00pm. This rally
was originally planned for July 19th. It has been
confirmed and changed to July 26th. Joe Cody has been working
very hard to get the word out there. Please sign up. To sign up
see Joe Cody, Darlene Stone, your local Mobilizers or call the
local office. We also have a rally planned for Boston MA at 185
Franklin St for July 31st.
Tape updated
07-09-2008
Today is Wed July 9, 2008 11:25pm
CWA Bargaining Update for Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Negotiations resumed between CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining
Committees in Rye, New York. Today¢s discussion focused on the
health care and prescription drug proposals. Yesterday, the
bargaining committee met with the Local Presidents and
discussed issues relating to the loss of jobs. The Local
President provided the bargaining committee with details of
the increasing volume of our work being contracted or
performed by managers. The bargaining committee also discussed
with the Local presidents the importance of defining the jobs
of the future.
The full committee will be meeting with the Company tomorrow
morning to discuss the issues of jobs, today¢s jobs as well as
the jobs of the future. The parties have agreed to meet in sub
committees during the afternoon. Sub committees have been
established to address our demands on arbitration and FIOS
work.
Strike votes are now underway in every Local. The results will
be announced next week.
cwa local 1400 is complete, the total is 523 Yes & 30 No.
I know members covered by the
contract have many questions, in order to abide by required
limitations of what can be addressed, only completed and
agreed upon by company and union specifics can be released.
feel free to email questions or concerns in order to dispell
rumors email me at
aherncwa1400@yahoo.com as long as not to
jeopardize bargaining procedure and I will answer you a
response as quickly as possible.
Time to Mobilize,
Your President, Cheryl Ahern
Tape updated
07-07-2008
Today is Mon 7/7/08 11pm Pres Cheryl Ahern speaking.
I am pleased 2 report the
results from the strike vote administered last Thursday. thus
far CWA 1400 has an overwhelming majority in favor
502 Yes & 30 No
marlb
Spfd
Andv
Taunt
Worc
We are awaiting results from Bos ucc
Ty to all those who voted to have a say in the outcome of their
future for jobs with better wages and benefits for all.
CWA/IBEW Bargaining Update for Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 and the IBEW New England negotiating
committees met with the Company in Rye, New York. Discussions
centered on the health care and prescription drug proposals.
The Committees worked on these issues separately.
CWA Bargaining Update for Monday, July 7, 2008
Negotiations resumed between CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining
Committees in Rye, New York. Today’s discussion focused on the
Company’s proposal on the arbitration and mediation process.
Tomorrow the Bargaining Committee has scheduled a meeting with
the CWA Local Presidents. The purpose of this meeting is to
update the Presidents on the current state of negotiations as
well as have them provide valuable input on the issues of Jobs,
the jobs we do today, the jobs of the future and contracting of
work.
Tape updated
06-30-2008
Today is Monday June 30th 2008. CWA Local
1400, President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The CWA and IBEW bargaining update for Monday June 30th 2008:
The CWA and IBEW 2213 and the IBEW New England negotiating
committees met with the company this afternoon in Rye, NY after
a week of recess. The company presented their response to the
union’s June 16th comprehensive proposal. The company’s proposal
was completely unacceptable to the unions. The meeting recessed,
and the committees will meet first thing tomorrow morning.
Tape updated
06-06-2008
Today is Friday 06/06/2008 pres Cheryl Ahern speaking
The CWA bargaining update for Thursday
06/05/2008
CWA and IBEW 2213 regional bargaining
committee and the IBEW New England team resumed negotiations
with Verizon in Rye, New York. Our bargaining team has
previously questioned the company on details of their
presentation on the medical and prescription drug benefits for
NY and NE and there were a number of questions that were
outstanding. The company responded to most of those questions.
Their answers resulted in more questions which need to be
answered. There are many questions concerning the prescription
drug plan that need to be addressed. The union caucused
late in the day to review the new information that was
provided.
CWA bargaining update for today 6/6
the CWA and IBEW 2213 regional bargaining
team and the IBEW NE team met with Verizon in Rye, New York. The
unions requested that the company bring a rep from Blue Cross
Blue Shield to discuss the medical expense plan and how they
coordinate benefits with Medicare. During today’s session, the
Blue Cross Blue Shield reps gave a presentation and the
bargaining committee had many questions. The reps also provided
examples of how they process the claims. The company needed to
review some of the questions and will get back to the committee.
Bargaining has adjourned for the day and is scheduled to resume
Monday 6/9 2008.
On Monday your bargaining committee will
continue discussions concerning jobs and future work. Your
bargaining committee has made it clear that the jobs of the
future in Verizon belong to our bargaining unit and negotiations
will focus on these issues on Monday.
Tape updated
06-05-2008
Today is Thurs June
5th president Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining met in caucus in the
morning Wed June 4th. The afternoon session met with the Company
on the grievance and arbitration process. Bargaining resumes
this morning.
This is regional bargaining.
There is no local bargaing going on at this time.
Bargaining strenth comes from a Unified membership
Tape updated
06-04-2008
CWA Bargaining Update for Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining met in caucus this
morning. The afternoon session with the Company centered on the
grievance and arbitration process. Bargaining has recessed for
the day and will resume tomorrow morning.
Tape updated
06-03-2008
CWA Bargaining Update for Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining Committee met today with
Verizon in Rye, New York to continue negotiations. The Union
raised critical issues that must be addressed if an agreement is
going to be reached. The parties discussed the present state of
labor relations and ways to improve on them. Later in the day
bargaining unit work was discussed. The Union’s committee will
be meeting tomorrow morning in caucus prior to resuming full
negotiations with the Company.
Tape updated
06-02-2008
CWA Bargaining Update for Monday, June 2, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining Committee and the IBEW New
England team resumed negotiations with Verizon today in Rye, New
York. The Company provided much of the information which the two
Unions requested last week. The Company gave specific examples
as to the impact of their proposal on our members related to
Medical and Prescription Drug benefits. The Union caucused late
this afternoon to review the information received today
Bargaining has adjourned for the day and is scheduled to resume
on tomorrow, June 3rd.
Tape updated 05-30-2008
Today is Friday, May 30, 2008
CWA Bargaining Update for Thursday, May 29, 2008
In negotiations conducted today between CWA, IBEW and Verizon
the Company responded to some of the questions raised by the
Unions earlier this week with regards to their presentation on
health care. There are still a number of questions yet to be
answered. The Company’s proposed changes to the FLMA
certification process were the subject of this afternoon’s
session.
Bargaining is scheduled to resume on Friday morning when it is
expected that the Company will make a formal proposal on health
care.
During today’s bargaining session Verizon presented their
proposal on healthcare including the Medical and Prescription
drug plans. The CWA/IBEW 2213 and IBEW New England bargaining
team members questioned the Company on all aspects of their
proposal. Additionally, the Unions made several requests for
additional information.
Bargaining has adjourned for the day and is scheduled to resume
on Monday, June 2nd at which time the Company is expected to
provide additional information.
Thank you for calling
Tape updated 05-28-2008
Today is wed may 28, 2008 President Cheryl Ahern speaking
CWA Bargaining Update for Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining committee along with the
IBEW New England team resumed negotiations with Verizon this
morning in Rye, New York. Dennis Trainor, CWA Chief Negotiator
gave the Union’s opening statement in which he outlined the
issues that the Union believes the Company must address if these
talks are to result in a contract agreement. After Trainor
completed his opening, IBEW Chair Myles Calvey, spoke on behalf
of his members in the New England area.
The remainder of the morning session centered around discussions
concerning jobs and future work. During the afternoon the
parties turned their attention to the issues and problems
created by the Company pertaining to the grievance and
arbitration procedure. This included a discussion on the
Company’s reliance on outside legal counsel who impedes,
prolongs and increases costs associated with the processes.
Bargaining has adjourned for the day. It will resume tomorrow
morning Thursday, May 29, 2008.
Tape updated 05-27-2008
Today is Tuesday May 27, 2008 920pm President Cheryl Ahern
speaking
CWA Bargaining Update for Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining Committee and the IBEW
New England team met jointly today with Verizon in Rye, New
York. The Company’s chairperson made an opening statement
expressing the Company’s concern on the rising cost of health
care benefits. A representative from the Company’s Human
Resources department gave a presentation on the Medical and
Prescription Drug Benefits for New York and New England. Our
bargaining team questioned the Company on the details of the
presentation. No formal proposals were exchanged today. Talks
will continue tomorrow morning.
The SRC 17's have declined temp upgrade to do 93 work until
the 8 service reps forced into the CSSC are brought back and
made whole.
How can the company think it can force out 8 service reps
permanently
"Reasigning" into the CSSC and backfill rep work with wt 17's.
This is a violation of the ITP/UTP and circumventing need for
SR's. This is an awesome show of solidarity. I know that the 8
reps must appreciate and are touched that the 17's have shown
the ulitimate sacrifice after being declared surplus. In unity
if we stand together to do the right thing, then right will
come from it.
Stand strong
Stand united!
Tape updated 05-15-2008
Today is Thursday,
May 15, 2008 President Cheryl Ahern speaking
I am proud to announce newly org unit located in So China +
Winthrop ME. Please welcome 73 brothers and sisters from
classic Fairpoint to the cwa local 1400 family through card
check this morning at the aaa in boston. This is a great group
of employees that take pride in their work as service reps for
the classic Fairpoint Company who remained nuetral during this
process. Thanks to all those that helped out in the campain.
John Putnam, Jeanne Picardi with help from Michelle Dunphy Ann
Musinden, help and support from District 1.
CWA District 1, 2, and 13 as well as the IBEW have agreed to
once again enter into “Early” Negotiations with Verizon. CWA
President Larry Cohen and District One Vice President Chris
Shelton met with Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg on Friday May 9,
2008, to discuss the possibility of early negotiations. Since
that meeting, we have received agreements with the CWA 1,2,13
and IBEW Bargaining teams involved and are making arrangements
to begin negotiations. We have a tentative start date of
Tuesday May 27, 2008. We will update you as soon as we have
more information involving these negotiations.
Tape updated 05-14-2008
The Union is demanding that the 93's in the SRC that were
forced to the CSSC be brought back. Grievances have been
filed against Verizon on this issue as well as the 17's being
TP'd to do 93 work as well as their own 17 work.
Keep in mind that the key to the 2008 Presidential
election is to have the Democratic Party win the White House.
Congratulations to the Temporary members in the VCCD who
have been made permanent.
Verizon has determined that Andover will not be open for calls
on Memorial Day.
Please take part in the District 1 leafleting effort on May
15, 2008, and remember to wear red on Thursdays.
Kerri Quinlan
Recording Secretary
CWA Local 1400
Tape updated 04-15-2008
Thank you for calling CWA Local 1400. It is April 15, Kerri
Quinlan speaking.
The Verizon to Fairpoint transition went smoothly although
there are issue with the 401k going from Verizon to Fairpoint.
As soon as the issues are resolved the company
will notify all affected members.
Please
fill out your proxy's and give them to your stewards by the
end of the week so they can send them to the local. We need
to have them to the National by the 21. If you have any
questions on filling out your proxy's please calll the local
at 603 436 4388.
April's membership meeting will be held April 26 from
12-2. The location will be:
The Lawrence Elks
652 Andover Street
Lawrence, MA
Rememer
to wear RED on Thursdays
Tape updated 03-31-2008
Today is Monday March 31, 2008 744am President Cheryl Ahern
speaking.
NH and VT PUC followed suite w/ ME. They scolded Fairpoint
but are allowing the sale to still go through despite the
significant change in the bond issue. NH is the only one that
acually did anything besides take them out to the woodshed. VZ
in NH agreed to change the line loss agreement from if line
loss exceeds 10% in the 1st and 2nd year to pay $15m both
years to $15m guarenteed the 1st year no matter what and $15m
the 2nd year if line loss exceeds 7 1/2%.
Tape updated 03-29-2008
Today is Saturday March 29, 2008, 3:19pm President Cheryl
Ahern speaking.
The Maine PUC held an emergency hearing and deliberation
yesterday on the Fairpoint Communications takeover of
Verizon's land-line. The issue is that FP sold bonds to
finance the deal at interest rates that were much higher than
expected.
The commissioners decided that the $2.35 billion deal can
still go through but the New Hampshire and Vermont regulators
announced that they will hold emergency meetings Sunday to
reconsider the sale.
All three states must agree to the deal for it to take effect
on Monday as planned.
Tape updated 03-22-2008
Today is Saturday March 22, 2008 730am. I am
happy and please to announce that the CWA and Faipoint reached
a tentative agreement Thurs morning March 20th 230am and the
IBEW this morning 430am. The result of our ongoing discussions
and negotiations last week was a true extension of the contract
significant upgrades.
A summary as follows:
- Term of contract, 5 years beginning April 1st, 2008 through
August 3,2013
- 3% raises for every year of the agreement
- Cola will remain as is, in effect for the last 2yrs of
agreement
- Pension band increases per year for every year of the
agreement
08-3%
09-one band level
alternating as such
- Lump sum will remain with 2 closed windows. Aug 3, 2008
through Dec 31, 2008 and July 1, 2012 through Dec 31, 2012. The
existing methodology will continue to be used for the life of
the agreement and in the event a surplus declaration during a
period when lumps sums are suspended will be lifted.
- No premium sharing for Medical including retirees
- CPS will continue
- Co will continue to funding Work and Family
- CWA New England will have it's own HCC position
- Improvements in transfer of jobs language from .7 to .0
- We now have successor ship language
- CWA will get an additional pension band increase of 2 levels
begging at the end of the contract to match NY and IBEW New
England.
In Unity,
Cheryl
Tape updated 03-19-2008
Today is Wednesday March 19th 2008 President
Cheryl Ahern speaking. Discussions of local issues with
Fairpoint concluded at 1:30 am this morning. Talks went very
well to ensure that we maintain our current level of benefits
and local language. We hope to release details sometime early
next week.
An agreement with Verizon was reached in ensuring that all
temps with 1+ years ncs will be made permanent including the
northern states and we were able to come to an agreement of
effective date of 3/30/08 ipo 4/1/08. We will also be taking
on 10 surplused operators from Greenfield Mass as service reps
in Worcester and Springfield. Our membership continues to
grow and unite.
Great job to those members who got up early before work and
took time out on your lunch to carried signs demanding that
Verizon honor our contract. If Verizon hopes to reach an early
agreement on a new contract, it must respect the existing one.
Stand strong, stand united,
In unity, we are one
Cheryl
Tape updated 03-10-2008
Today is Monday March 10th CWA Local 1400
President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
We are no longer asking the TP and Acting's to step down as
of Saturday March 8th. The Executive Board met with the
company as of Friday March 7th. A tentative agreement was
reached to make the Temps with 1+ service permanent. We want
to thank all of you for standing united to achieve this
victory. Especially the TP's and Acting members that stepped
down from their positions. By standing united we were able to
work out a fair agreement. The northern state Temps must be
cared for while they are Verizon employees and the company
agreed to pursue getting all permanent on April 1st, 2008.
Talks with Fairpoint are scheduled for March 18th for local
issues. The first day with new employer will be 4/1/08.
Thank you for calling.
Tape updated 03-02-2008
Today is Sunday march 2nd 11:16 pm President Cheryl Ahern
speaking. On behalf of CWA L 1400 executive board, we are
asking that all tps and acting step down immediately. The
mistreatment of our members must end. Mistreatment by Verizon.
Pressure to sell, forced to work mandatory ot for months on
end . Taking away our vacation allotments, closed time,
violating our bid process with “ reassignment” to name a few.,
we have an enormous amount of temporary employees on the
books who deserve to be made permanent. Stand strong, stand
united and stop the mistreatment
Tape updated 02-26-2008
Today is Tuesday February 26th 3pm President Cheryl Ahern
speaking. Last night the NH PUC approved the sale from
Verizon to Fairpoint. NH was the last of the utilities to
decide. Of the many conditions, Fairpoint must establish a
prefunded trust for retiree benefits and assurances of land
line loss from Verizon if line loss falls below 10%, Verizon
must pay $15 million per year for 2 years. The order also
states that labor interveners played a key part in the
outcome. This could not have been done by itself. As
president, I am happy and proud of all of you who actively
participated in this working toward a common goal of saving
jobs and benefits.
Tape updated 02-16-2008
Today is Saturday February 16th
2008 President Cheryl Ahern speaking .
The Vermont Public Service Board approved the sale of Verizon
Land lines to Fairpoint Communications with substantially less
conditions than in Maine. Vermont settled for $6.7 million in
dual pole removal and $25 million for a Perfomance Enhancement
Plan both from Verizon. NH Public Service is still reviewing
the case. Exploratory talks with Fairpoint continue this week
to discuss transitional issues on the extension of benefits of
our contract . Talks will continue next week. Thanks for
calling
Tape updated 02-10-2008
Today is Saturday Feb 10, 2008 CWA Local 1400
President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
"
LL Sale update:
Regulators in NH + VT are reviewing the case.
Two days of hearings took place in NH last week before the
Utility Commission who must still decide whether to accept or
reject the deal. The Public advocate continues to question the
shaky deal.
In VT, CWA/IBEW research analyst Randy Barber answered
questions before the Economic Development Committee chaired by
Senator Vince Illuzzi. Illuzzi
and other lawmakers raised concerns with the Public Service
Board.
Fairpoint will not have the financial resources to meet the
additional commitments it made and Verizon's contributions are
woefully inadequate. See more Barber testimony at
www.stopthesalenow.org.
CWA National President Larry Cohen attended the Workers Center
Conference at UVM in Burlington VT to speak against the sale.
Stating that other alternatives should be considered such as
an independent phone co as opposed to a company that is debt
laden from the starting gate.
The CWA and IBEW continue exploratory discussion for a
contract extension to retain our current level of benefits in
the event a sale is approved. We discussed topics such as
wages, pensions, medical,401k to name a few.
Thank you for calling.
Tape
updated 01-13-2008
Today is Sunday Jan 13th 10:16p President
Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The CWA and IBEW met again Fri Jan 11th to discuss early
bargaining for a possible contract extension in the event a
sale goes through. Talks will continue next week.
A motion was file by the Maine OPA. The OPA thinks the VT
stipulation could cost FP an additional 70-80 million dollars
w/o funds from VZ. Funds to be used for Maine now going
towards the VT stip. The question still remains, what about
NH?
The CWA1400 executive board meets this Wed 1/16th. Your link
the meeting is through your District Vice President. Please
communicate with your DVP and remember, communication flows
both ways.
In Solidarity,
Cheryl
Tape Updated 01/10/2008
Today is Thurs Jan 10th President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The CWA and IBEW met jointly today with Fairpoint
Commununications to begin a possible early contract extension.
The parties will meet again friday to continue this
exploratory process. These discussions are being held so that
in the event the sale is approved our memberships will be
protected
Tape Updated 12/13/2007
Today is Thursday December 13th
2007 10pm President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
Hours before deliberations were held at
the PUC office in Augusta ME this morning, a partially
contested settlement with a disappointing sign on by the
public advocate and advocacy staff was presented
CWA & IBEW commend the Maine regulators
for refusing to be rushed into a Fairpoint sale. The Public
Utilities Commission set a hearing date for December 20th
to address the proposed settlement. We hope that if the
commission decides to consider the proposal, the proposal
stipulation, that it will hold evidentiary hearings to analyze
the full implication. The northern states current and future
economic well being depends on the financial health of the
provider. And these stipulations fall far short from the
recommendations that were made by the PUC’s hearing examiner.
We are also in agreement with the examiner that the deal
should be rejected.
Tape Updated 12/11/2007
CWA/IBEW
BARGAINING TAPE MESSAGE
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
At 1PM today District One
Vice President Chris Shelton notified Verizon Labor Relations
that CWA was formally breaking off early negotiations. There
was just no possibility of going further based on the onerous
medical proposal Verizon put forward. The CWA Bargaining Teams
have an interest in bargaining a fair and equitable contract
and we are always available to listen to reasonable proposals
but we could never agree to the retrogressive demand Verizon
put forth.
Tape Updated 11/29/2007
Today is
Thurs 11/29 10:50pm President Cheryl Ahern speaking
Barganing update. The Union and the company met yesterday Wed
11/28. The company had a rep from Hewitt attempt to explain
the cost savings they would reap from their medical proposal.
The company was unable to answer all of our questions and in
fact additional ones arose. The union committee held a caucus
in the afternoon during which proposals to be presented to the
company were reviewed. Negotiations resumed this morning 11/29
in Rye NY. While waiting for the company to provide the
balance of our requested information, the Union presented some
of our proposals. This process continued into the afternoon
sessions until the parties recessed to the evening. The union
and the company will resume negotiations tomorrow morning Fri
11/30/07.
Liz Dailey continues to partake training in NH resulting in
the loss of our jobs. Unlike sister Daphne Plummer who we can
give sincere thanks to for returning to her job in Andover.
Tape Updated 11/27/2007
Bargaining
Today is Tues 11:11pm Pres Cheryl Ahern speaking.
In an effort to fully explain their proposal related to
perscription drugs, Verizon brought two reps from Medco to the
bargaining table today. Your bargaining committee questioned
the Medco reps on all aspects of the plan and the potential
impact on our members. There were questions that both medco
and verizon were unable to answer. The Union requested
addltional information on this proposal. The company stated it
will need time to provide it to us. Bargaining is scheduled to
resume Wed 11/28 in Rye NY. The company will bring in another
expert to answer the unions questions on their initial
proposal. Another update will be issued at the conclusion of
tomorrows negotiating session.
Unfortunately one of our fellow union sisters, Liz Dailey has
decided to assist in the sale of the Northern States by
training in Manchester for Verizon to take work out of her own
home office in Taunton Mass and transfer it out of state to
NH.
Check out CWA/IBEW full page adds in major newspapers ME,NH+VT
starting tomorrow.
Thanks for calling the CWA1400 informational tape.
Cheryl
Tape Updated 11/26/2007
Tape update
Today is Mon 11/26/07 1154pm President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The Union+the Company were scheduled to meet today at the
Ryetown Hilton but the Company was not prepared to answer any
of our questions regarding their proposal. The company
exchanged some limited data which we had requested but
unfortunately this info was insufficient. The unions have made
several data requests + the company is attempting to answer
those requests and also provide experts to explain this
information. The parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow.
The Verizon/Fairpoint deal is not a done deal. The Maine
hearing examiners just released their report. They agree with
many of the points made by the Public Advocate + the CWA+IBEW.
Reject the deal. As a wholethis transaction subjects the
ratepayers and shareholders to substantial risks + harms that
are not outwieghed by any of the potential benefits of the
transaction. If the PUC disagrees with the overall assessment
then conditions must apply see CWA1400 website for more
details.
In Unity,
Cheryl
Tape Updated 11/21/2007
Tape message 11/21
Hello brothers+sisters, today is wed 11/21/07. The Union+the
Company met Mon 11/19/07 at the Ryetown Hilton for the first
day of early contract negotiations. The Company discussed
their Health Care proposal + the Union gave the company a list
of issues we intend to address.
The Union + the Company met again 11/20/07 at the Ryetown
Hilton for the second day of early contract negotiations. The
Union made several data requests. No proposals or responses
were presented. The meeting recessed and is scheduled to
reconvene at the Ryetown Hilton on 11/26.
CSSC vaca selections should be ready early next week. I am
working with each office to ensure that the numbers are
correct and we have enough allotments. Relief is on its way
mandatory OT since the collapse capable + served we made 96%
service level Mon + Tue 80% today making way for Fios campaign
calls back. New classes will be going on line. In addition to
bids in Taunton + Andover, More new hires slated for 65 Jan,
45 Feb in Springfield,Worcester+Andover. Bids went out today
59 CWA service reps in Bangor.
In Unity,
Cheryl
Tape Updated 11/20/2007
CWA/IBEW BARGAINING TAPE
MESSAGE
November 20, 2007
The Union and the Company met today at the Ryetown Hilton for
the second day of early contract negotiations. The Unions made
several data requests. No proposals or responses were
presented.
The meeting recessed and is scheduled to reconvene at the
Ryetown Hilton on November 26th.
Tape Updated 11/19/2007
The
Union and the Company met today at the Ryetown Hilton for the
first day of early contract negotiations. The Company
discussed their Health Care proposal and the Union gave the
Company a list of issues we intend to address. Both sides are
reviewing the documents and are scheduled to meet again on
Tuesday at 10 am. Updates will be made as the talks continue.
Tape Updated 11/09/2007
"The Regional Bargaining
Committee met with the company today and received a
presentation regarding benefits. The committee had many
questions for the company in regard to the presentation and
had several requests for additional information. The
committee will meet next Wednesday, November 14, 2007 @ Pine
Street to discuss our position for early bargaining.
Early bargaining is scheduled to begin November 19th with an
additional meeting scheduled for November 20, 2007. We will
recess for the Thanksgiving Holiday and reconvene on November
26, 2007".
Tape Updated 10/31/2007
Thank you for calling CWA Local 1400, Kerri Quinlan
speaking.
President Cheryl Ahern attended a meeting with CWA National
Researcher Ken Peres who flew in from Washington on October
29, 2007 in Hooksett, NH. It was a great opportunity for
1400 members to ask questions regarding the proposed
Fairpoint/Verizon Sale. If any member has any idea on how
to mobilize members to attend these important meetings
please call the Local. Firefighters spoke out against the
proposed sale citing safety issues.
On 10/30/2007 President Ahern spoke at a press conference in
Concord, NH at the State House, where 5,000 Stop the Sale
post cards were delivered. Thank you
The Local has received little information regarding the bids
and is still waiting for information regarding who bid for
the jobs.
The Company has informed the Local that thirteen new bids
will be going out in Andover.
The District Vice President for Andover nominations will
close on November 15, 2007
The Melissa Morin scholarship applications have been
received and a winner will be announced after the November
Executive Board meeting.
Thank you for calling
Tape Updated 10/03/2007
Thank you
for calling CWA Local 1400. It is October 3, 2007 Kerri
Quinlan speaking.
The General Membership Meeting will be held October 20, 2007,
at 12:00 pm. The membership meeting will take place at the
Local 1400 Union Hall located at 155 West Road, Portsmouth,
NH.
The fight to Stop the Sale continues members from all over New
England have attended hearings, rallies and participated in
phone banking to voice concerns over the proposed sale. A
wheelbarrow full of postcards from Mainers protesting the
sale was delivered to Gov. John Baldacci's office coinciding
with the Maine PUC hearings. Before the sale can be completed
it must be approved by all three states and the FCC.
The deadline for entries for the 2007 Melissa Morin $500.00
scholarship is October 31, 2007. Details are posted on union
boards.
Thank you for calling CWA Local 1400.
Tape Updated 08/28/2007
Thank you for calling CWA Local
1400, it is Tuesday August 28, 2007, Kerri Quinlan speaking.
The Local has received written notification from Verizon of a
surplus in the SRC, both the Pleasant St and Myles Standish
locations. The surplus is (3) wgt 15’s and (9) wgt 17’s. The
total ITA Andover, Boston, Marlboro, Taunton, Worcester will
be involved in the offer. EIPP offers will be distributed to
the affected employees by Sept. 5, 2007. The offer is
irrevocable as of September 19, 2007. The off the pay roll
date is Oct. 6, 2007.
