BARGAINING UPDATES FOR 3871

Highlights of the new Contract for CWA Local 3871
September 22, 2011

Wages increases are 1.25% in the first year, 1.5% in the second year and a 2% increase in the third year. If ratified, wages will be retroactive to September 1, 2011.

Definitions and Applications – Bridging of Service – Former employees will have their time bridged the same as non-represented people.

Article 3 – Grievance Procedure – Change from four people to three people at the final step of the grievance. There can be three for the Union and three for the Company. Only one witness in the meeting at any one time.

Article 4 – Arbitration – We will now be using the FMCS, instead of the American Arbitration Association.

Article 7 – Seniority – Reciprocal Agreement – A worker with a reciprocal agreement in any CWA or IBEW contract, will have their seniority bridged immediately if they come here; and the same for us if we go into their location.

Article 14 – Health, Safety and Appearance – The Company will reimburse up to $100.00 annually (up to a max of $300.00 over the life of the Agreement) for safety footwear. This is upon presentation of receipts, for purchase or repair.

Article 21 – Board, Lodging and Travel Allowance - We are converting to the Company’s Travel and Expense Policy. An employee will have a choice between reimbursement with receipts, or per diem. They must talk to their supervisor and make this choice prior to going out of town.

Article 23 – Job Descriptions – The Company is deleting the titles of Business Services Technician I and II. BST II work will be upgraded to BST III.

Article 29 – Transfers – This is just a language clean-up. There are no transfers now, except for super seniority.

Article 30 – Job Bidding – The Company will first consider internal
candidates, prior to consideration of candidates outside the bargaining unit. Seniority will govern in the event multiple candidates are determined to be most qualified. The Company may use reasonable and job appropriate testing.

Article 31 – Accident and Sickness Benefits – Starting January 1, 2012, STD no longer runs concurrent with Workers’ Compensation. This is a benefit for employees. The number of days you have to turn in your paperwork will be the same as non-bargaining.

Article 32 – Health and Welfare Benefits – The Company will furnish the same medical insurance to employees at the same benefit levels and same premiums as they do to non-bargaining employees, including the retirees. Voluntary benefits remain the same.

Article 37 – Picket Line – New Language – The Company cannot force you to cross any lawful picket line within our Company. However, they will expect you to cross non-company picket lines, such as UPS, Teamsters, etc. The exception would be if you have a good faith objective belief of bodily harm, at which time you must call management. If you refuse to cross a picket line, other than for safety reasons, disciplinary action may be administered, including termination.

Article 46 – Differential Payments – Work leaders will be rotated per employee requests and operational availability every six months.

Article 47 – Conduct of Union Affairs – Change in Union time notification to the Company.

Article 48 – Telephone Concession – Changed our concession to the same as non-represented employees plan.

Article 49 – Supplemental Income Protection Plan – If the Company offers SIPP, you can now have ten years of continuous service and fifty-five years of age to qualify. That changed from twenty years of service to ten.

Article 50 – Force Adjustments – This is a language cleanup only.

Article 51 – Retirement Savings Plan – The Company guarantees a 25% match for three years.

Article 52 – Stand-by – Employees will now be rotated once every three weeks. The Company wanted every week in some areas, but we were able to push that back.

Article 53 – Term of Agreement – The Agreement will run from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2014.

Article 54 – Uniform Program – Effective January 1, 2012, we will have replacement only on uniforms. Also, you will be allowed to wear a CWA pin on your Company shirt, as long as it doesn’t cover the Company’s logo.

Article 55 – Recognition and/or Incentive Program – You will be required to make referrals (hanging door knockers) and indirect sales (answering questions of the customer if they have any), but you will not be required to make direct sales.

Delete Appendix D. There were other unused language deletions as well.

Article 33 – Pension Agreement – Name and date change only.

Appendix A – Wage Schedules – Delete unpopulated job titles – Business Service Tech. 1, Combination Cable Helper & Installer-Repairworker, Electrician and Business Support Technician.

Your Bargaining Committee

Shannon Kirkland, CWA Representative
Eddie Hicks, Local President
Bobby Bright, Executive Vice-President
Susan Williams, Office Secretary

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