30,000 Workers at AT&T Reject Company’s Final Offer, and More Bargaining News

by May Silverstein, May 18, 2009

Some 30,000 workers at AT&T reject what company is calling it’s final offer, and more updates from the “Bargaining Digest Weekly.” The AFL-CIO Collective Bargaining Department delivers daily, bargaining-related news and research resources to more than 900 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.

WORK STOPPAGES AND JOB ACTIONS
CWA, AT&T: Some 30,000 AT&T workers in five states, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), have rejected what the company declared to be its ”best and final” offer to resolve a nearly three-month contract dispute. Union leaders repeatedly have said they are optimistic a deal can be reached before workers walk off the job. 

IBEW, Central Maine Power: Central Maine Power workers, represented by the Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1837, voted to reject the utility’s final contract offer and have authorized their officers to call a strike. Both parties, however, have agreed to continue negotiations. The contract expired April 30. Contract talks have been under way since February. Retirement and health benefits are major sticking points.

BCTGM, Stella D’oro Biscuit Co.: After 10 months on strike in the Bronx, 135 Stella D’oro Biscuit Co. workers, represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), remain strong on the picket lines. The union rejected company demands for $5 in wage cuts and vacation and sick leave givebacks. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is holding a hearing after issuing a complaint that the company failed to open its books to the union while pleading poverty.  

NEGOTIATIONS
Multiple, Binghamton, N.Y.: In Binghamton, N.Y., public worker unions, including AFSCME, the Fire Fighters (IAFF), Teamsters and the independent Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), and city officials are engaging in a series of meetings to generate cost-saving ideas in advance of this summer’s budget process.

SETTLEMENTS
USW, Northern Indiana Public Service: Some 2,000 members of two locals of the United Steelworkers (USW), locals 12775 and 13796, ratified five-year agreements with the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. that provide wage increases totaling 15 percent over the contract duration.

IAFF, St. Charles, Ill.: St. Charles, Ill., firefighters, represented by IAFF, reached a deal for the new fiscal year in which they forgo wage increases in exchange for job security.   

ORGANIZING AND BARGAINING RIGHTS
AFT, UW: The Joint Finance Committee of the Wisconsin state legislature voted 12-4 to give organizing and bargaining rights to nearly 20,000 faculty and academic staff in the University of Wisconsin System. The measure will be included in the state budget plan, covering up to 30 separate collective bargaining units in the UW System of 13 four-year universities and 13 two-year colleges. ”This is all about fairness,” said Rep. Cory Mason (D-Wis.), who called the plan long overdue. The plan has been a top priority of AFT-Wisconsin.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for your information only. As it is compiled from published news reports, not from individual unions, we cannot vouch for either its completeness or accuracy; readers who desire further information should directly contact the union involved.

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