March 2008
UPDATE - MAJOR MARKET INITIATIVE
This is a six month trial for the Atlanta campaign. There are problems. Reps put in transfers for four different titles. Selections were made. Now one of the titles will not be used. There are major concerns over seniority, compensation and the selections in the other titles. It has been referred to the District. The Union still has unresolved MAR compensation issues.

CLUSTER MARKET TASK TEAM
A team is meeting to discuss the handling of Atlanta and the Metro market in terms "cluster" or "complex." The primary concern is sophomore advertisers. Having the same rep handle a second year advertiser no matter what zone it is located in. The Union has asked for data to substantiate the need.

CUSTOMER CARE AND COLLECTIONS
These departments are now under one director. Some "business need" changes are being made. So far the Union does not see contract violations. It is important for employees to keep communicating what is taking place. The Company is not giving the Union any kind of advance notice to the changes. A meeting is being planned to address the worries, needs and concerns of those employees who have been impacted.

IMPACT ON NUMEROUS AT&T CUSTOMER CONTACTS
Sales representatives have indicated there is a negative impact from numerous marketing calls to customers. Customers are angry and they are taking out their advertising. This impacts results and compensation. Senior management is willing to look at CWA's concerns but substantiated facts are needed. A form with a memo attached will be passed out to all sales representatives to identify dissatisfied customers and what happened on the sales call.

TEAM INCENTIVE AWARD
The overall bonus award results for 2007 Advertising and Publishing company performance was 97%. It will be included on the March 14th regular paycheck.

February 2008
COMPENSATION
The system changes have impacted just about everyone in sales; major problems with commissions and training pay. Managers are the first point of contact. If no resolution in a timely manner, contact a job steward.

EXTENDED HOURS FOR OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Again - If you have a personal valid reason for not working "mandatory" or "forced" hours beyond a normal work day, you should be excused. If you have met the sales criteria you are being "forced" to work on, you should be excused. If action is taken against you, contact a union job steward.

FLEX AGREEMENT SIGN IN SHEETS
These are not to be used as "time clocks." Any sheet used has to be one that is negotiated with the Union when the Flex Agreement is negotiated. If a department is not using the negotiated sheet, please contact your CWA Vice President.

MAJOR MARKET INITIATIVE
There is a trial that will go on in eight major yellow page markets. Sales representatives in Major Accounts and Premise Sales will be impacted. The Company's goal is to improve sales results in core print revenue and grow internet opportunities. In premise, four different sales titles will be created to address year round selling, winning back customers, sales leads and dedicated reps for certain headings. MAR reps will go back to the original intent of the title – customer relationship selling. Some aspects of this trial are still in discussion i.e. MAR compensation.

BAPCO Report January 2008
BAPCO Vice President was on vacation. There was not a report for January.

BAPCO Report December 2007
FLEX AGREEMENTS - OPERATIONS
Contrary to what your first and second line managers are telling you - Flex Agreements for E. Publishing, Sales Team Support and National Accounts have not been signed off yet. The Union has a meeting pending with management to discuss the feedback from the employee meetings.

TELEPHONE SALES FLEX AGREEMENTS
The Company has no intention of bargaining in good faith on this. What are you willing to do to support the Union in this effort?

GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENTS FOR CYBER LOSS IMPACT
Sales reps in Premise filed grievances on losses sustained as a result of questionable unethical selling. As settlement, the Company agreed to review records to ensure that no discipline was taken as a result of the loss.

EXTENDED HOURS FOR OUTSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVES
DASRs - It is happening again. If you have a personal valid reason for not working the "mandatory" extensive hours you should be excused. If you have met the sales criteria you are being "forced" to work on, you should be excused. This job title does not fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Company enjoys making a point of this. What is the Company going to do if you can't work after 5p? What is the company going to do if you can't start until 8:30a? Ask in a professional manner. If action is taken against you, contact a union job steward.