Interested in getting a real
voice in your workplace? If you are, then CWA, the Communications Workers of
America, can help you and your co-workers build the majority support that you
will need to organize your union. Our union’s purpose is to help workers like
you organize together so you will have the power to negotiate good contracts,
increase your standard of living, and have a real voice in decisions about your
workplace and working conditions.
CWA represents about 700,000
men and women in telecommunications, cable television and information
technology; media and publishing; health care, higher education, law enforcement
and public service; in the airlines, and in manufacturing.
Getting union representation
is the best way to gain the advances in working conditions that you and your
co-workers desire. Statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor show that
unionized workers enjoy higher wages, better benefits and pensions, and have
greater job security than workers who don’t have a union. In almost every
industry, union workers fare better than non-union workers doing the same type
of work.
Without union representation,
you are an employee “at will”. This means that all of your wages, benefits and
conditions of employment, including your employment itself, may be reduced,
modified, or terminated by your employer at any time, and for any reason. Your
employer has no legal obligation to you at all.
With a union, Federal law
requires your employer to bargain with
you about your compensation and working conditions including: pay, benefits, job
security, health and safety, paid time off, retirement, etc… And a union
contract is a legally enforceable document that will hold your employer to their
word. Contract violations and unfair management decisions can be challenged
through the grievance process, and if necessary, a neutral third party
arbitrator.
Working under a contract will
provide the stability, equality, and security in working conditions, pay, and
opportunities for advancement that you deserve. You are invited to join 700,000
CWA members who have decided that being a union member is best for them, and for
their loved ones who depend on them.
If you
would like to speak with someone about how CWA can help you gain a voice at your
workplace, contact CWA District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler at (303)
770-2822 or email:
akogler@cwa-union.org.
District
7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on January 14,
2010, the American Arbitration Association certified that a
majority of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Alaska Retail
Sales Group (formerly Dobson) indicated, through their Consent
Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and
appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.
This victory was the result of a coordinated effort involving
CWA members from AFA, AT&T Mobility, Avaya, and Qwest including:
Kurt Baker, Stephen Couckuyt, Terilynn Dietrich, Robin Niemuth,
Jeanne Stewart and Elizabeth Tomlinson.
Despite an Article XXI dispute, frigid temperatures, a busy
holiday season and locations that were hundreds of miles apart,
the Alaska Team reached a majority in about 45 days.
The 92 new members will be represented by CWA Local 7803 in
Renton, Washington.
AT&T Mobility Employees
Join CWA in Idaho
District
7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on December 17,
2009, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+
of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Idaho Network Group
(formerly Edge) indicated, through their Consent Membership
cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed
CWA as their collective bargaining representative.
Local 7621 Organizers Jen Winterbottom and Valerie Packer led
the state-wide campaign along with support from Local Presidents
Dirk Marsden, Brent Duvall and Mike McKinnon.
The 8 new members will be represented by Idaho Locals 7603, 7610
and 7621.
Organizing Win in
Washington State
CWA
District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on
September 14, 2009, the American Arbitration Association
certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the
Washington State Network/NOC group indicated through their
signed authorization cards, that they desire to become members
of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining
representative.
CWA Local 37083 (WashTech) 75/25 Organizer Malachy Sreenan led
the state-wide campaign which covered 141 workers. WashTech
President Les French, along with Vice Presidents Anna Bloomquist
and James Burdick, assisted on the campaign.
Inside Committee Members Marilyn Barton (Spokane), James Warren
(Tacoma), Ben Moore (Redmond), Christopher Boothe (NOC), Daniel
Fisher (NOC) and Robert Rexroat (NOC) were also very
instrumental in achieving recognition.
Idaho AT&T Workers Join
CWA
District
7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on August 10,
2009, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+
of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Idaho Sales Group
(formerly Edge) indicated, through their Consent Membership
cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed
CWA as their collective bargaining representative.
Local 7621 Organizers Jen Winterbottom and Valerie Packer led
the state-wide campaign along with support from President Dirk
Mardsen. The 40 new members will be represented by Idaho Locals
7603, 7610 and 7621.
Workers in New Mexico Join
CWA
Local
7076 President Robin Gould and local organizer Mark Esrig report
a win yesterday at New Mexico's Sequoya Adolescent Treatment
Center. The unit is made up of 101 workers who work for the
State of New Mexico. It is a 24/7 facility and the majority of
workers are psych techs, nurses, therapists, and teachers'
aids. This representation win was a result of a card check
agreement with the State of New Mexico. The internal organizing
committee of 7 people, led by Tim Baca, signed up a majority of
their coworkers knowing that having a voice in the workplace was
very important for patient and worker safety.
Congratulations to Local
7076!
AT&T Mobility
and Print Workers in OH, MN and MD Join CWA
District 7 Organizing Coordinator
Al Kogler reports that on July 1, 2009, the American Arbitration
Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of
the Minnesota Network Group indicated, through their Consent
Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA and
appoint CWA as their collective bargaining representative.
CWA Local 7250 President Shari Wojtowicz led the campaign along with
help from AT&T workers Jon Spaude and Rich Curnow. The 26 network
workers will join with the AT&T Mobility Retail workers who are
already represented in CWA Local 7250.
CWAers Organize in Denver, New Jersey
Low
wages, poor benefits and job security in a bad economy were major
factors in the organizing victory by parking lot attendants at
WallyPark, an airport parking lot near Denver International Airport.
The workers also wanted a union so they would be treated with
dignity and respect. More than 70 percent are immigrants and faced
unfair treatment by their employer. Unity and a strong inside
organizing committee made the difference in blocking a nasty
anti-union campaign, and the vote for CWA representation was 32-11.
Workers were supported by District 7 organizing coordinator Al
Kogler and Local 7717 President, Tommy Costello.
In New Jersey, teachers with the
Rankokas Valley Schools gained representation with CWA Local 1039
through majority sign up. The teachers, who teach night school
classes for adults, were assisted by local staff representatives
Lionel Leach, Cheryl Palermo and Serena Teel.
AT&T Mobility Employees of the
New Mexico Network Group, Arizona Network Group and Duluth, MN
become CWA Members
District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler
reports that on January 7, 2009, the American Arbitration
Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of
the New Mexico Network Group (5), Arizona Network Group (22) and
Duluth, MN (formerly Dobson) Call Center (150) indicated, through
their Consent Membership cards, that they desire to become members
of CWA and appoint CWA as their collective bargaining
representative.
CWA Local 7214 EVP Casey Cusick and President Terri Newman did a
great job running the Duluth Campaign with support from CWA Staff
Brenda Roberts. CWA Local 7050 President David Blackburn assisted
with the AZ. and NM campaigns.
23 Budget Shuttle Bus Drivers
at Denver International Airport, Voted for CWA Representation
CWA
District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that 23 Budget
Shuttle Bus Drivers at Denver International Airport, voted 16 - 6
for CWA representation with one challenged ballot in an NLRB
election on 12/30. The primary issues were dignity & respect,
equity, and working conditions.
In spite of several Unfair Labor Practices committed by management,
the Inside Organizing Committee held fast and prevailed led by
Anibal Tegegne. This mostly immigrant unit also received support
from an Avis group that voted for CWA in October, since Budget and
Avis are owned by the same corporation.
The two units will join together in CWA Local 7717 in Boulder, CO,
who assisted with the campaign. We encourage all of our union
brothers and sisters to use the Avis/Budget Group when they travel
to Denver.
Local 7906 Won Card Check
Recognition for 39 Customer Service Representatives in the Former
Edge Wireless Call Center in Bend, Oregon
CWA
District 7 Organizing Coordinator Brenda Roberts reports that CWA
Local 7906 won card check recognition for 39 Customer Service
Representatives in the former Edge Wireless Call Center in Bend,
Oregon.
Local 7906 President Ken Saether and Executive
Vice President Craig Bullock, along with organizing committee
members Margie Green, Sarah Grimes, Janine Lauderback and Zach
Samuel signed 35 of the 39 members on representation authorization
cards. The AAA certified the election on November 21st.
Congratulations to Local 7906 and their new
members!
Denver Workers Join CWA
CWA District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler
reports that Avis Rental Car Service Reps at Denver International
Airport, voted 26 - 15 for CWA representation in an NLRB election
today. In spite of intense anti-union campaigning by Avis management
from as far away as Dallas, the Inside Organizing Committee held
fast and prevailed.
This unit is made up primarily of immigrants from Africa, Indonesia
and the Middle East, resulting in ballots being printed in five
languages. Lead Committee Member Abraham Tadesse from Sudan was
phenomenal in holding the unit together. The primary issues were
dignity & respect, equity, and working conditions.
An Avis unit at Logan Airport that was organized by the IUE in 1982
also provided encouragement and support.
We encourage all of our union brothers and sisters to use Avis when
they travel to Denver.
Public Safety Workers in Iowa
and Arizona Join CWA
The group is comprised of 39 Deputy Sheriffs and
100 civilian Corrections Officers. John Burpo, NCPSO, and Ken Mertes,
CWA Local 7103 helped Staff Representative Midge Slater with this
effort. The other choices on the ballot were FOP and no affiliation.
we received all but one vote, which was cast for no affiliation.
In the last year Local 7077, AZCOPS,
has organized 7 new units with the following numbers.
ADOT Peace Officers Assn. +34, Arizona Capitol
Police Officers Assn. +48, Casa Grande Police Supervisors Assn +14,
Maricopa Police Officers Assn. +28, Navajo County Probation Officers
Assn. +16, Safford Police Officers Assn. +10, Yavapai County
Lieutenants Assn. +8 for a total of 158 new members. This does not
include the internal growth over the last year in Arizona
Correctional Peace Officers Assn.1,000+, Arizona Probation Officers
Association 100+, & Arizona Juvenile Corrections 100+.
District
7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on January 14,
2010, the American Arbitration Association certified that a
majority of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Alaska Retail
Sales Group (formerly Dobson) indicated, through their Consent
Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and
appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative. 
District
7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on August 10,
2009, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+
of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Idaho Sales Group
(formerly Edge) indicated, through their Consent Membership
cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed
CWA as their collective bargaining representative. 
Local
7076 President Robin Gould and local organizer Mark Esrig report
a win yesterday at New Mexico's Sequoya Adolescent Treatment
Center. The unit is made up of 101 workers who work for the
State of New Mexico. It is a 24/7 facility and the majority of
workers are psych techs, nurses, therapists, and teachers'
aids. This representation win was a result of a card check
agreement with the State of New Mexico. The internal organizing
committee of 7 people, led by Tim Baca, signed up a majority of
their coworkers knowing that having a voice in the workplace was
very important for patient and worker safety. 
Low
wages, poor benefits and job security in a bad economy were major
factors in the organizing victory by parking lot attendants at
WallyPark, an airport parking lot near Denver International Airport.
The workers also wanted a union so they would be treated with
dignity and respect. More than 70 percent are immigrants and faced
unfair treatment by their employer. Unity and a strong inside
organizing committee made the difference in blocking a nasty
anti-union campaign, and the vote for CWA representation was 32-11.
Workers were supported by District 7 organizing coordinator Al
Kogler and Local 7717 President, Tommy Costello. 
CWA
District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that 23 Budget
Shuttle Bus Drivers at Denver International Airport, voted 16 - 6
for CWA representation with one challenged ballot in an NLRB
election on 12/30. The primary issues were dignity & respect,
equity, and working conditions. 
CWA
District 7 Organizing Coordinator Brenda Roberts reports that CWA
Local 7906 won card check recognition for 39 Customer Service
Representatives in the former Edge Wireless Call Center in Bend,
Oregon. 
