Since the conclusion of SBC bargaining the foremost question on every BellSouth employee's mind is whether or not CWA will strike against BellSouth. To be sure, the same issues that were debated across CWA/SBC bargaining tables will be at the top of the list for BellSouth negotiations. We are hopeful that we can secure a contract as good as or even better than our SBC and Verizon Sisters & Brothers but we need to bear in mind our differences. Our leverage is different. On the downside are these facts: Our region is largely Right-to-Work (for less), disproportionately young (less than 5 years' service) and we are not 100% organized.
But we also have some very positive factors that benefit us every day:

• We are one district and one union; SBC and Verizon cover multiple districts and are represented by 2 unions who did not always agree on all issues
  
• The economy is turning around and BellSouth has not reported declining profits during the life of this contract
  
• Our membership percentage is high and is comprised of a good number of young, active 2nd- and 3rd-generation CWA members who are ready to stand together to keep what we all want: NO GIVE-BACKS!
  

Bearing all of these facts in mind it is entirely possible that we may have to prove our dedication to our principles by walking off the job. Nobody wants to do our customers a disservice or put their families in a financial pinch, so we are all hopeful that the Company will come to the table like we will with open minds, ready to do the right thing. But what do we do if we are left with no alternative but to strike?

What is strike duty? What do I do if I don't go to work?
All strikers will be expected to perform a minimum of 8 hours of strike duty per week to be eligible for strike pay unless excused for just cause by the Local. Duties include, but are not limited to, picket-walking, video-taping/photographing the picket line and SCABS, phone-banking at the Local, refreshment transport and distribution to picket lines, child-care for picketers, etc,. If you feel that you will be physically unable to perform picket or other strike duties, it is important that you inform the Local as soon as possible to secure more suitable duties.

Additionally, several Temp Agencies have contacted the Local and are eager to offer employment opportunities to our members who may want to bridge the pay gap during the strike, or for those who would like to experience different jobs outside of BellSouth.

What about money?
The Members' Relief Fund pay-out plan is as follows: Commencing on the 15th day of a strike, $200.00 per striker per week will be provided (subject to availability of funds) for use by the for strikers' assistance. Commencing on the 29th day of a strike, $300.00 per striker per week will be provided (subject to availability of funds) for use by the for strikers' assistance. Payments to Locals will end on the 7th day following the end of the strike. In the event the last week of a strike is not a full week, the payments to the Locals will be prorated.
It is vital that you contact your creditors as soon as you can to advise them that you may have tough financial times ahead and you would like to make arrangements now to work with them. Most creditors will be happy to work with you and arrange a partial payment from a responsible account holder than no payment or information at all.

What if my manager decides to discipline me when I get back to work? What if I don't want to strike?
First of all, it is a violation of Federal Labor Law to discipline any represented employee for Union activity of any sort. Our most respected managers have been exactly where you are and recognize that benefits secured by CWA benefit them as well. Remember: your job security is their job security, too.
The best way to ensure that we don't have to go on strike is to stand united prior to August 7th. The more the Company sees our members wearing red on Thursday the more they see who won't be there if we walk out. Talk up the benefits we have and what we could lose if we don't stand together. If you don't want to strike, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. There is nothing to be gained by letting the Company know that you don't have the heart to back the people who back you. It will not get you promoted. Why would the Company promote you if you would sell out your coworkers? At least have the respect for the people who secured your benefits to not cross the picket line. Your loyalty or lack thereof will not be forgotten.