CWA and ATT Advertising Solutions Bargaining Report October 15, 2009
There appears to be some confusion on BAPCO bargaining and the status of ratification. A tentative agreement was reached in August for issues addressed in the contract regarding work rules and compensation plans for the commissioned titles. Although this will represent an increase in the non-selling pay scales for most titles it did not signify a contractual wage increase.

Wages and benefits are currently being negotiated at the ATT/CWA Common Issues Table. We have agreed to accept the negotiated changes and apply them to the BAPCO contract. This is commonly referred to as a "Me Too" agreement.

When the percentage yearly wage increases are ultimately agreed to at this table then those percentage increases will be applied to the non-sales titles in our contract. Retroactivity for those wage increases will have to be negotiated as well.

Also, the company and Union are currently discussing how the additional December days off will be handled should ratification be scheduled beyond December 2009.

CWA and ATT Advertising Solutions Bargaining Report #19 August 24, 2009

The Bargaining Team and ATT Advertising Solutions reached a tentative agreement today, Monday, August 24, 2009.
Although benefits and wages still remain to be worked through the Core Bargaining Table, all other issues pertinent to Advertising Solutions are resolved.
The following is not all inclusive but represents some of the highlights of the new contract.

• Target compensation for MAR increased to 100K
• Target compensation for DASR increased to 85K, base passed increased by approximately $3,500
• Target compensation for DTSR increased to 60K

Based on these increases the new commission plans will compensate employees for ITA and non billing on a Gates and Rates Basis. In other words, as certain plateaus of sales are met, commission percentages increase. Also, based on the increase targets for DTSR and MAR, the non-selling wage scales have increased proportionately (DTSR Zone A – top goes from $951.00 to $1154.00)

The Titles Directory Artist WS 18 and Publishing Artist WS 21 and Sales Team Support Artist WS 22 are all eliminated. One Title ?Artist? will be paid at the WS 22 for all in the former Titles.

Automobile allowances for all areas have been increased by a minimum of 7%. For those areas affected by toll roads and/or downtown parking fees there is an additional increase of $5.00 or $10.00. Commuting allowance was increased to $33.00 and change of place of reporting increased from $7.50 to $9.00. Also, if gasoline prices exceed $4.00 a gallon an increase will be provided in the following quarter.

Definition of immediate family was expanded to include sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law and son-in-law.

The retention duration for disciplinary entries have been reduced - for warnings from 36 months to 12 months and suspensions/LIL?s from 36 months to 24 months.

On line SIPP will change to a monthly opt-in/opt-out procedure for any surplus declared in the following month.

Employees who are in steps of discipline or performing in the 4th Quartile may be offered termination allowance if a surplus is declared. This is strictly voluntary for the employee but if accepted will be paid out at the higher term pay table.

The Title Premise Collector has been changed to Field Collector. Employees holding this title will no longer be eligible for car or cell phone allowance. Any use of a personal car will be paid at the IRS Mileage Rate.

Should the company redesign or restructure a work unit/group, employees can exercise their seniority for the job assignments.

CWA will have full negotiation rights to any new products introduced by Advertising Solutions.

There are many more changes to the existing agreement that involve both Market Assignment and Vacations. These will be explained in more detail when the ratification ballot is prepared.

And, should the agreement be ratified, all employees will receive paid time off for the December Days between Christmas and New Years.

Your bargaining team thanks you for your support.