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Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The CWA Local 1103 Executive Board would like to say thank you to all of our Verizon Members that we have spoken to or visited during the contract ratification process. We especially want to thank you for the courtesy, respect, and patience that you have shown us.
During our visits, we tried very hard to meet our goals of answering all of your contractual and benefit questions, clearing up some major misconceptions and misinformation, and conveying to you in very clear terms what the consequences could have been if the contract was not ratified.
We explained that during the last year and half, it was our strong opinion that Verizon was looking to provoke and push the union leadership into calling a strike. The strategy, clearly, was to force us off the job, and to keep us out.
We know that some of our members were disinclined to support the contract due to concessions, because initially we shared the same, reflexive opposition.
However, when this Board was faced with taking a position on ratification, we asked ourselves, “Do we plunge into an irresponsible decision just because a fanatical fringe of our membership puts pride above reason?” And, “Do we put you and your family in jeopardy by asking you to concede your job security and thereby subject you to the cruel realities of impasse and/or a strike?”
The answer was No.
This Executive Board could not carry on its conscience; the elimination of your jobs that we believed would have come with a rejection of the contract.
We know the events of the last two years have brought us all closer together, and we are thankful to have members like you who trusted the leadership of this Local to make the right recommendations on your behalf.
In solidarity,
CWA Local 1103's Executive Board
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Press Release
Verizon Contract Ratified
Washington, D.C. -- Members of the Communications Workers of America at Verizon Communications ratified a four-year agreement covering about 35,000 CWA represented workers from Virginia to New England. Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers also voted to ratify a four-year agreement. IBEW represents about 10,000 Verizon workers.
Contract highlights include an 8.2 percent compounded wage increase over the next three years, and additional cash payments. Also on ratification, CWA members who were fired by Verizon during the August 2011 strike will return to work.
Representing members in New York, New Jersey and New England, CWA District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton said: “This contract ensures that every one of our members will see an improvement in their standard of living. It was a tough fight, and we turned back efforts by the company to gut our contracts. Now, we’ll keep up the fight to expand good jobs for Verizon workers.”
CWA District 2-13 Vice President Ed Mooney, who represents Verizon workers in the mid-Atlantic states, said: “The unity and determination of CWA and the IBEW over 16 months of bargaining, and the support of our allies, made this contract possible. Our goal now is to make certain that CWA members continue to be a key part of this company’s future.”
The contract had expired in August 2011. A two-week strike, an active member mobilization and support campaign by progressive allies, and final intensive negotiations under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service brought about this settlement. The new contract expires August 2015.
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*This question and answer document is only a guide to provide assistance to Local 1103 Members. The views expressed in the question and answer document are those of the Local 1103 Executive Board only. They have not been approved by the CWA National Union and are not binding on the Company.
The questions and answers have been researched to the best of our ability and shall serve as a general reference, but in no way does this document substitute for actual contractual language or any plan documents that may have been referenced within.
To view Q&A click on the link below:
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Download:
 Tentative Agreement Question and Answer Local 1103.pdf
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After reviewing the terms of the tentative agreement and weighing the consequences of Membership rejection at this time, the Local 1103 Executive Board believes it to be a pragmatic and responsible decision to recommend ratification of the tentative agreement to our Verizon Membership. We know we are looking out for your best interest when we ask you to vote YES on October 17 at the County Center in White Plains New York at 5:30 pm.
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CWA District Vice President Chris Shelton's message to the Verizon membership:
I am writing to explain to you why I think it is critical for you to vote to ratify our recently negotiated contract with Verizon that has been recommended by your elected Bargaining Committee.
I wish I could have the opportunity to talk to each of your personally, but wity nearly 18,000 District One Verizon Members spread out from Massachusetts to New Jersey, that obviously isn't possible . Click Here for the rest of the text.
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Please read the following official documents which were received today from CWA District 1:
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After negotiating for over one year, CWA, IBEW and Verizon have finally reached a tentative agreement on the terms and conditions of employment for 45,000 bargaining unit members at Verizon. The final contract reflects the difficult battles by the unions to fend off the massive assault by Verizon management to cut benefits, freeze wages, eliminate pensions, and weaken worker protections that have been the hallmark of the union contract at Verizon and its predecessors. A major victory of this prolonged fight is the return to work of all disciplined and terminated strikers
There will be a Mandatory Chief Meeting on Oct, 2, 2012 to go over and discuss at length the tentative agreement. We ask all members to take the time to read the entire Memorandums concerning the tentative agreement, below please find the links to the Memorandum of Agreement and Understanding for the Verizon Tentative Agreement
http://cwafiles.org/District1/Verizon/Verizon_Memorandum_of_agreement_2012.pdf
http://cwafiles.org/District1/Verizon/Verizon_Memorandum_of_Understanding_2012.pdf
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Assemblymen George Latimer wearing RED, stopped by to address CWA Members while we bannered the Verizon Wireless Store in Port Chester NY. George summed up the over 1 year struggle for a contract with Verizon in very concise way -- “Some top executives are making millions, some of those millions have to come back to the workforce.. You need to have salaries and job security… a company like Verizon is as successful… we’re are not talking about a company that is chapter 11… we are talking about a company that is doing extremely well”
Assemblymen Latimer has been on our picket lines and even was there with us on our Strike Watch at Horgan Hall last year as the minutes ticked down to our contract expiration.
See video of George at the Strike Watch
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Brothers and Sisters,
We wanted to wish you a safe and happy Labor Day.
It is important to remember why we celebrate.
In America, Unions have made innumerable social and economic contributions to America’s success. We work in jobs with good wages and safe environments because of the labor movement.
Here in CWA Local 1103, we have a lot to be proud and thankful for. We have been battling a blistering attack on our Union, and are fighting back against one of the largest and most ruthless corporations in this country - Verizon. In our Public Sector units, our Members are standing up to the same threats and attacks on their job security and working conditions. CWA Local 1103 Members clearly understand how this entire anti-worker agenda impacts jobs, families and communities, which is why every event, rally, and protest is well attended.
We pay tribute to the Members of CWA Local 1103, and all Union Members, by saying thank you. The American Workforce is better off today, and will be better off tomorrow because of your personal sacrifices.
Happy Labor Day!
In unity,
CWA’s Local 1103 Executive Board
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The State Attorney General continues to press the PSC on Verizon quality of service. The Daily Freeman reports that : New information shows Verizon Chariman and CEO Lowell McAdam told investors he plans to force customers into purchasing FiOS Service. Assistant Attorney General Keith Gordan in a letter to PSC wrote “Verizon avowedly intends to abandon substantial portions of its existing copper plant, rather than maintain it. See the full story by clicking:
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2012/08/26/news/doc50396ad765d56059737103.txt?viewmode=fullstory
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