Dear Sisters & Brothers,

My name is Carlos Castillon, President of C.W.A. local 9588 in Colton, California. I am a cable splicer in the Indio Yard. I represent the largest Verizon local on the West Coast and we are READY!  Our current bargaining agreement expires March 13, 2010, the first day of bargaining will be on February 1st, 2010. I write you this letter in hopes of receiving your support during the upcoming negotiations with Verizon.

All District 9 Locals have agreed to a day of action on Feb.1st. We will be picketing outside the Verizon office in Thousand Oaks, CA, where the negotiations will be held.  We have asked all of our members to stand united at the entrances of all work locations until the start of their shift and walk in together, especially at the yards/garages. This is to continue everyday until we get a fair contract. We have asked that no one upload a service order/repair ticket until their start of day, additionally no one upload a service order/repair ticket until their start of day, and no one should be "signing on" or "logging into their computers" until the start of shift.

For the past several months we have been instructing our members to "work to the rule" by following all company & safety policies such as vehicle and tool inspections, stretching exercises etc. This has been a very effective tool in agitating management.  We have also asked that they continue to provide the quality, professional service to our customers as we were trained to do.

Brothers& Sisters of this Great Union! I call on you to STAND with us in support and solidarity to show Verizon we are ONE Union.

Now is the time to mobilize our members like never before. The Labor Movement must continue to move forward! NO TAKEBACKS!!!

SI SE PUEDE!!  (Yes We Can)

J. Carlos Castillon, President
CWA Local 9588