IBEW 2222 News
Bargaining Update - August 7, 2008 - 2:30 PM
IBEW/CWA Verizon Bargaining Report The Bargaining Committee has been fighting for a good contract. As of this date we continue to fight. We have a responsibility to ensure hat the information that you receive from the Union is correct. BEING RIGHT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BEING FIRST Rumors and reports are everywhere, and as we get closer, the frequency will increase. We realize that the Membership is anxious, but our job is to remain focused on the task at hand. When and if we reach a tentative agreement, that information shall be released to the membership. Bargaining Update - August 7, 2008
IBEW/CWA Verizon Bargaining Report Bargaining continued until 10:30 p.m. last evening. We continue making progress on complex issues. Teams have reconvened this morning. We will report any updates as they become available. Bargaining Update - August 6, 2008
IBEW/CWA Verizon Bargaining Report Yesterday, the parties continued marathon bargaining throughout the day, ending at 11 p.m. last night. Today, negotiations have resumed.
Is progress being made? Yes. Is it slow going? Also yes. Do we have a plan for success? You bet.
We have presented Verizon with a unified and united front and strong position on all our critical issues. Now, we're working through some of the most difficult issues in the areas of jobs and employment security for members at our company. Our strength in bargaining has been reinforced by the highly visible – and widely reported to the company – mobilization that continues. Verizon hasn't come around yet, but we're pressing the company on all our critical issues, especially when it comes to jobs.
This bargaining involves serious issues – health care, retirement security, and especially jobs. These negotiations are all about ensuring that our members will be full participants in the future of this company and in this industry, not walled off and excluded from the jobs and future that we have made possible.
There are more than 60 people involved in the bargaining process from our two unions. In addition to the elected bargaining committees, there are experts on health care, pensions, economics, communications and legal issues. Needless to say, the company has many, many more people on its side. Verizon's rapid shift from copper to fiber – and beyond in the future – makes it clear that we must negotiate a contract that secures the jobs of the future and opportunities for our members, addresses subcontracting, expands bargaining rights for workers and provides for employment security. We will not be bypassed by the company that we built and helped make so successful. If our efforts to secure a fair agreement that provides for jobs today and for the future are not fully successful at the bargaining table now, we will secure it on the picket line when necessary. There’s no doubt about that. Our goal is to win on these issues and we will. Next Step Program Registration
The online registration process for the incoming Next Step class for the Fall 2008 Semester is ongoing and will continue until January 18, 2008. Also, you may register by telephone beginning on January 7, 2008 and continue until January 18, 2008.
Please Note - If you have registered for the NE Next Step program in the past you still have to register during this registration period for Fall 2008. A Message From Business Manager Myles Calvey
Membership involvement critical to success of negotiations and future of Verizon IBEW and CWA union leaders will return to the bargaining table on May 27. The importance of our next contract cannot be understated. It's all about moving from an old company – based in copper technology – to a new company, based on fiber optic technology (FiOS). Of course we will disagree on many issues. But what's important is how well we resolve our differences.I'm convinced that it will determine Verizon's success – or failure – in the future. It's great to see more members realizing just how important their involvement is to the process of winning a good agreement. Any negotiation is a difficult process. It never takes place in a vacuum. The resumption of talks with Verizon management is a direct result of our sustained membership mobilization. FOR THE 1st TIME IN HIS LIFE - JOE BUCCIARELLI WAS RIGHT
You read the headline correctly, for the 1st time in his life Joe Bucciarelli was correct. You see, Joe has been spouting off to anyone who would listen that he didn't believe the Sale of the Northern States would go through, and TODAY THE VERMONT P.U.C. HAS REJECTED FAIRPOINT'S PROPOSAL. Benefit Renewal - Some Major Changes
The 2008 Benefits Renewal process begins on October 17, 2007 and continues through October 30, 2007. There are some major changes. EMPLOYEES MUST RE-CERTIFY THEIR DEPENDANTS FULL TIME STUDENT STATUS DURING THIS BENEFITS RENEWAL PERIOD FOR STUDENTS TO RECEIVE COVERAGE FOR 2008. Also, you will not receive the traditional renewal packet in the mail. To request the packet on Health Care Benefits:
You have a right to receive any and all information on the health care plans. If you have any problems please notify your steward or the Union office. Steward's Army Visits Braintree
Senator Hillary Clinton Backs VZB Techs & Employee Free Choice Act
Her speech addressing hundreds of CWA members in New York about the Employee Free Choice Act and about Verizon Business can be heard in this video. IBEW Local 2222 Committee on Political Education (COPE)
Our most recent contract campaign and the current contract negotiations are a clear example of just how important politics is to our wages and working conditions at Verizon. Local 2222's COPE committee meets from 6:00 – 7:00 PM the first Wednesday of the month before every regular union meeting at the Boston Teachers Union (180 Mount Vernon St, Boston, MA 02108). Your contributions to COPE -- and your participation in committee meetings -- is critical to COPE's success at securing support from our elected officials. We need this support now and we will certainly need it in the future. Please contribute to COPE and attend committee meetings. All members are welcome! |
