Union Proposes Improvements, Management Wants Givebacks

Negotiations resumed in the full committee this week. Following up to the broad proposals to improve employment security, wages and benefits that we made prior to the holidays, the committee began to address specific contractual issues. Our CWA committee made proposals designed to improve working conditions in: Action Line, BCC, BSG, CSSC, VOICe and VRRC

The committee also introduced proposed improvements on jurisdiction boundary and service emergency contract language.

The company, however, introduced a series of proposals that would diminish current contractual benefits in the areas of: administration of discipline, no strike clause, 4/10 hour day schedules, mental/chemical illness benefit eligibility, pay for partial day illness, company subsidy for part-time health insurance premiums and New Year's Eve premium.

The company has not yet addressed our positive proposals.

The Union committee is frustrated by the lack of progress in negotiations. It is our hope that a higher level of member mobilization activity will help to move negotiations in a more positive direction. Contact your Local officer or steward to get information on mobilization activities.

The next report will be on Thursday, January 13, 2005 or sooner should developments warrant.