Dear Sisters and Brothers, 8-20-2010

Congratulations to the three newest members of our local, Chris Widner, Steve Rogers and Mark Jackson.  Your participation is what will keep our Local strong. I personally look forward to working with and for you in the future.

Congratulations are also in order to Richard Cook’s son. His application was chosen during the August membership meeting to receive the Locals scholarship. I wish his son all success in his endeavors in his college career.

Mark your calendars: On September 4, 2010 you are all invited to attend the Labor Day picnic in Coeburn, VA. It is a chance to fellowship with other Union members from across the Commonwealth and to enjoy a great meal. The event is sponsored by the Southwest Chapter of the Western Virginia Labor Federation. Cost is $3.00 per person. There will be live music, games and door prizes. Please contact me or Steve Bryant for tickets.

Labor Day Picnic

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Flatwoods Recreational Area, Coeburn, VA

Noon until 7 p.m. (Rain or Shine)

The delegates to the 36^th Constitutional Convention of the Virginia AFL-CIO elected Doris Crouse-Mays as President. Doris is a long-time friend of mine and the first woman President. We nicknamed her “Hurricane Doris” years ago for her unfailing energy.

Another event rapidly approaching is the “One Nation” march in Washington D.C., on Saturday, October 2, 2010. When the logistics are complete, I will post that information here. Currently there are 90,000 bus seats available for CWA members and families, but where they will leave from has yet to be decided. If you are tired of the deadlock in the U.S. Senate, then make plans to join us as we march to let them hear the voice of working Americans.

Dear Sisters and Brothers, 8-02-2010

Report on the 72^nd CWA Convention – The merger of Districts 2 and 13 was approved by the delegates and will become effective in July 2011. Ron Collins, the current V.P. of District 2 will move to an administrative assistant position to President Larry Cohen and District 13 V.P. Ed Moony will seek to be reelected as V.P. of the combined Districts.

In another move that will make the governing body of the CWA more streamlined and cost efficient, the delegates voted for a biennial convention format after 2011. In order to continue to settle appeals in a timely manner, there will be a Presidents meeting in the non-convention years.

A complete list of resolutions and appeals is available at the Union Hall if you wish to view them.

Sisters and Brothers, 07-17-2010

With the July 15, 2010 approval of District 13 locals the proposed merger of District 2 and 13 will move forward at the 73^rd CWA National Convention in Washington, D.C. Currently the two districts are the smallest in terms of membership and geography. District 2 consists of Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Virginia, while District 13 is Pennsylvania. The proposed merger will bring the combined district more into line with other districts.

The estimated cost savings of merging the two districts is $500,000 per year.

If adopted at this year’s convention, the merger will take effect in July 2011 when a new district president is elected. The combined district office would be located in Philadelphia.

No changes in staff assignments or local numbers have been proposed.

After several conference calls and conversations with VP Ron Collins, I am in support of the merger. I feel it strengthens the two districts while cutting overhead.

Please feel free to pass along your opinions and questions about the proposal.

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07-17-2010

The continuing saga of forced overtime remains an issue. I’ll say this again, there is no such thing. Apparently, A. T. Anderson is unable to come to grips with both the contract and reality. He has told you that he will pursue “disciplinary action” for those who don’t work his assigned schedule. Let him. The Union is now prepared to file as many grievances as necessary backed up with NLRB board charges for violating the contract against CenturyLink.

Sisters and Brothers, 07-02-2010

As you are aware, the Company management is again trying to “force” you into working as much overtime as you will give them. One supervisor, A.T. Anderson has allegedly resorted to threatening peoples jobs. If Mr. Anderson has communicated a threat to you, please let me know as soon as possible. That sort of behavior will NOT be tolerated. Currently, Local 2277, is looking into the possibility of filing NLRB charges against the Company because of Mr. Anderson’s alleged behavior.

As for the “mandatory, assigned or scheduled” overtime, it is a farce. Since the language for overtime was removed from the contract, at the Company’s request, we have had this battle with them. Just remember, they are not about to change this attitude.

Sisters and Brothers,

Please take a moment to read and go online to take the survey below:

Heat Stress is an occupational safety and health problem for thousands of CWA members who perform their work outdoors as well as in residential attics and industrial settings. In order to increase leader and member awareness and action as well as ensure represented employers are providing affected workers with safe and healthful working conditions, the Union has developed the "CWA Heat Stress campaign" supported by the Telecommunications Strategic Industry Fund.  This effort seeks to create safer working conditions through the education of our members as we have had several deaths related to heat stress.

As part of this program we will distribute a background education piece and a survey on industry practices and member issues.  Our new fact sheet and the on-line survey which we will utilize can be accessed on the CWA web page. 

The backgrounder is found at:
http://files.cwa-union.org/national/issues/osh/2010_heatstress.pdf
And the survey can be accessed at:
http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/cwa_heat_stress_survey

Most of you have seen the email about overtime from Rhondi Ferguson. As soon as I saw it, I forwarded it to CWA Telecom VP Jimmy Gurganus and our rep Carol Summerlyn. Rest assured, CenturyLink is not going to get away with any attempt to circumvent the negotiated contract by setting “policies” of their own.

Speaking of policies, you have by now received an email about the companies “employee handbook”. Again, CenturyLink will not be allowed to get around the contract by setting a conflicting agenda. If you would like to see the communications between the Union and CTL, let me know and I’ll furnish you a copy.

Sisters and Brothers,

How do we protect and even grow our jobs, while embracing changing technology? Do we oppose or work with CenturyLink to make the company both Union friendly while helping to make them financially successful?

These were just a few of the questions the Martinsville Area  Rep. Dan Dodrill and I discussed with other CWA District 2 local leaders on Friday May 21 at the “Facing the Jobs Crisis” pilot workshop in Richmond.

The goal of the workshop was to get local leader input to devise a plan to move the CWA Telecom sector forward.

A few of the issues discussed throughout the day included:

1)      Corporate Strategy / Fighting the Status Quo.

2)      Organizing non-Union telecom, wireless and cable workers and how to proceed.

3)      Informing our members about the education opportunities that exist so they can keep up with changing technology.

The District’s goal is to have 10% of each local’s membership to attend the training once it is completed. If you are interested in attending future workshops please send me an email or call your Steward.

Keep your calendars clear for the next membership meeting on June 10 at 7 p.m. I hope to see you there.

Sisters and Brothers,

This past week as you know I was in Washington D.C. for the 2010 Good Jobs Green Jobs National Conference, as one of five members of the Virginia delegation.

What an eye opener this was. For the CWA it was all about expanding broadband to meet the latest FCC ruling of 1 gig to all anchor institutions i.e. hospitals, schools and libraries by 2015. We also discussed the need for higher speeds to make broadband compatible and capable of working with the smart grid.

The “Smart Grid” would give both consumers and power companies the ability to more closely monitor power consumption to save money, with the added benefit of helping to move America away from its foreign oil dependency.

Personally, I was fascinated by the new and diverse technology that is already available, and so I managed to bring back a lot of information which will be available to you at the Union Hall.

Stewards and officers please remember the E-Board meeting May 13, at 7 p.m.

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Sisters and Brothers,

Local 2277 and your President have been given the opportunity to make a difference in Southside Virginia. On May 3 – 7, 2010 I will be attending the Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference in Washington D.C.  http://www.greenjobsconference.org/

The conference will bring together Labor, Business and political leaders for a discussion on promoting good paying sustainable green jobs.

From the stand point of the CWA, broadband expansion is crucial to the referendum. The FCC has issued guidelines to bring America “up to speed” by the year 2015, and the CWA will be at the forefront in making those rulings a reality.

Don’t forget the Executive Board meeting at 7 p.m. on May 13^th at the Union Hall.

CWA: Qwest-CenturyLink Deal Must Focus on Jobs, Investment in High Speed Broadband

CenturyLink has announced plans to buy Qwest Communications in an all-stock deal.

CWA has stressed that in its discussions with management of both companies, we will focus on the employment security and rights of our members and continued critical investment in high speed broadband.

CWA represents about 15,000 workers at Qwest in District 7 and about 3,700 at CenturyLink, formed by the merger of Century Tel and Embarq.

CWA pointed out to reporters and analysts that Wall Street terms like "merger synergies" used in these deals are often just shorthand for job cuts or pay cuts. President Obama's job summit and recent legislation put jobs front and center, not just at a conference but in all governmental decision-making.

The Federal Communications Commission's broadband plan calls for a one gigabit build-out to anchor institutions in every community and by 2015, a build-out of 50 megabits down and 20 megabits up to 80 percent of households. 

CWA will work with management, and with the FCC and state regulators, to make sure that this merger offers specific commitments to meet these goals.

 

Sisters and Brothers,

At the 2010 District 2 Conference several issues were placed on the floor for delegates to consider. The idea of merging Districts 2 and 13 was offered. District 2 covers Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and D.C., while District 13 is comprised of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

On the surface this would be a good match, but we as delegates have asked the two district Vice Presidents to furnish us with more information.

Next, the recommendation from the International is merging the C&T and Telecom offices under one Vice President. With current Telecom VP Jimmy Gurganus set to retire, this move also appears good on the surface. My concern is that even though the telecom industry is shrinking rapidly, would our sector continue to be represented properly?

The next item from the CWA Executive Board is moving to a Biennial Convention schedule. I am not in favor of this move for one important reason. Grievance and arbitration appeals would be heard by an elected Appeals Committee that would have the final authority, by-passing allowing the membership to vote to accept or reject the committees’ decision. In my opinion, this takes away the transparency of the process we have always enjoyed as Union members.

I would like to hear your thoughts on these issues prior to the July convention, so that when I cast our ballots, our voices are heard.

At the April 8 membership meeting, you passed a resolution allowing me to make the following resolutions on behalf of Local 2277;

1)      Honoring CWA Representative Carol Summerlyn for her 10 years of continuous service as a CWA staff rep.

2)      Honoring Telecom VP Gurganus for his many years of service to the Telecom sector.

3)      Send a letter to the West Virginia Coal Miners union to show our condolences and support for our sisters and brothers in their time of tragedy.

4)      Send a letter of solidarity with the West Virginia Verizon employees battling the company sell off of land lines.

There will be an Executive Board meeting next month on May 13. I hope to see as many members and stewards there as possible.

In solidarity,

Jim

Sisters and Brothers,

The Uniform Program with CenturyLink will begin in the near future with some changes that Carol Summerlyn and I bargained and accepted.

The company will supply us with 6 shirts and a hat initially and set each of us up with an account at Cintas with a $200 a year credit. With that credit you may purchase additional shirts, outerwear, pants and/or caps.

The company will no longer furnish pants as a part of the uniform. Acceptable pants may be khaki, charcoal grey or blue jeans, and all can be purchased through the Cintas website, but you can purchase your own elsewhere if you choose.

Ralph and I reviewed the new Cintas catalog and prices are very reasonable. For example, Dickies blue jeans are $18 a pair, shirts range from $12 to $14.70 and so on.

Don’t forget the Membership meeting on April 8 at 7:30 pm. I’ll try to have a copy of the catalog available for you to look at.

In Solidarity,

Jim

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

On Sunday March 21, 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives passed Insurance reform by a vote of 219-212.

Regardless of your political leanings, this was a historic moment for our country, and for each of us as working Americans. There has been misinformation and untruths spread on both sides of the political fence, and many are scared, angry and confused about the legislation.

Here are 10 truths about Insurance reform that are certain:

 1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.

2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions—or to drop coverage when people become sick.

3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.

4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.

5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance—paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.

6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.

7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.

8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.

9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families' insurance plans until age 26.

10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.

This bill is by no means perfect. It is simply a start. A start towards real support for working class families and the “American Dream”, however it is not finished. Soon the U.S. Senate will do what is known as “reconciliation”, which by all indications will clarify the bill and make some of the more vague items transparent.

I will post more, as the legislation is clarified.

Jim

Sisters and Brothers,

The Communication Workers of America has a newly re-designed web site. While some parts are still under construction, I suggest that you take a moment to visit it at http://www.cwa-union.org/ . Some of the new features include slideshows of past Conventions as well as photos submitted from other locals around the nation.

Our local now has a FaceBook page of its own; the link is on the right of this page. At the time of this writing, several state delegates as well as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka have befriended us!

For everyone’s information, I have received a booklet concerning Workers Compensation benefits. If anyone has questions concerning WC please contact me directly as soon as possible and we can get those questions answered pronto.

Vice-President Russell Wells will be handling the membership meeting on April 8, 2010 as I will be in Baltimore for the District 2 Convention. I will however be posting to the website and our FaceBook page any general information from the event.

In Solidarity,

Jim

Sisters and Brothers,

I have just received word that for the first time in recent history Local 2277 has reached its quota for individual COPE contributions! Everyone that is participating deserves a big Thank You! If anyone that isn’t involved wants to sign-up, we are asking for $4 a month - $2 a pay period.  You can get a COPE signup card from me or anyone of the Stewards.

Rumor Control

CenturyLink has told COE Installers in non-bargaining areas that Friday, March 12, 2010 is their last day. Those in Florida and North Carolina were offered packages. The company has apparently waived the 1 year waiting period for these displaced techs so they can be re-hired as contractors. Union represented installers have not been impacted by CenturyLinks decision.

Up Coming:

March 11, 2010 – E-Board meeting- 7 p.m.

In Solidarity,

Jim

A Chance to Support Our Troops

Sisters and Brothers,

Here is a cause worthy of a few minutes. Write a letter to a vet in Afghanistan or Iraq, or collect a few non-perishable items and pass them along to me. My wife is a student at PHCC and will deliver them to the PHCC Veterans Club.

The PHCC Veterans Club is asking you to support our troops!  In the lobby of each building are several boxes with a list of nonperishable items suitable for mailing.  Please place items in the boxes, which will be collected and sent.  A smaller box is there to collect letters.  As one vet just told me:  “I devoured every letter I ever got when I was over there.  They all meant so much!” 

Kris Landrum
Public Relations Director
Patrick Henry Community College
(276)-656-0259
klandrum@ph.vccs.edu

Don't Miss Spring Deadlines for Beirne, Bahr College Scholarships

CWA members and their families are encouraged to apply now for scholarships that can help them attend college or pursue a distance-learning degree in the 2010-11 academic year.

An annual scholarship from CWA's Joe Beirne Foundation provides 15 students up to $3,000 toward their college tuition, an award that can be renewed for a second year if winners have a satisfactory academic record.

The deadline for the Beirne scholarship, named for CWA's founding president, is March 31. CWA members, spouses, children, grandchildren and dependents of active, retired, laid-off or deceased members are eligible. Winners will be chosen from a lottery of eligible applicants.

Applications are available online only at: www.cwa-union.org/members/beirne.

The second scholarship, named for CWA's President Emeritus Morton Bahr, covers full tuition and fees for college courses offered by Empire State College's Center for Distance Learning.

CWA members, their families and domestic partners are eligible to apply. Scholarship winners can continue to receive funding as long as they make satisfactory academic progress and enroll in four to eight credits at least two terms per year.

The Bahr deadline is May 15. Forms are available online at www.esc.edu/bahr. To request an application by mail, e-mail special.programs@esc.edu or call (800) 847-3000, ext. 2492.