Join with us in CWA:
Get Dignity, Respect and a Real Voice in Your Job
You and your coworkers deserve to be respected where you work – no matter where you work. Every employer, from the smallest company to the largest corporation, should treat employees with dignity and provide decent pay, benefits and working conditions. Unfortunately, many employers are more concerned with profits and the bottom line than your welfare.
You can change this. By joining together with your coworkers in CWA (the Communications Workers of America), you can improve your working conditions, plus get a real voice in your job.

By joining with us in CWA, you will have the legal right to bargain over your pay, benefits, employment security, health and safety, retirement, and many other issues. Union representation also gives you the ability to negotiate over company policies that affect promotions, job bidding, layoffs, and many other aspects of your and your coworkers' jobs.

Why Organize?

Getting union representation is the best way to gain the working conditions that you and your co-workers deserve. With a union, you have the legal right to bargain over your pay, benefits, employment security, health and safety, and retirement, etc. A union also gives you the ability to negotiate over company policies that affect promotions, job bidding, layoffs, and many other aspects of your job.

Having a union and the right to bargain collectively with your employer is not some old-fashioned idea that's time has come and gone. Top executives of every major corporation negotiate their own compensation, retirement and severance packages with the companies for which they work.

Through CWA, you and your co-workers will have the same ability to improve your working conditions.

What Your Employer Might Say

  • "You can't afford to pay union dues."
  • "The union is only interested in you for your money."
  • "The union can raise your dues or charge you other assessments whenever it feels like it." Your employer may try to make you think that, once you are in the union, there will be costs you didn't know about.
  • "Your employer may talk as though the whole purpose of the union is to call strikes."
  • "It you strike, CWA will not support you." Your employer may put out scary information asking how your family could survive without your income.

Your employer may do things like:

  • Giving you two checks on payday—one of which is a phony check with union dues taken out.
  • Passing out a mock check and saying this shows how much dues you will pay as a group each year.
  • Bringing in a basket of groceries with a label: 'What you could buy with one year's dues?'"

What Your Employer Won't Say

You can't afford NOT to have a union . The improvements in pay and benefits which you can only win with a strong union will more than offset the dues you pay—plus you'll get the improved treatment and respect that comes with a union contract

  1. CWA is a financially strong union which exists only to serve workers.
  2. CWA members decide how to spend our dues on services. All decisions about the CWA budget—including salaries for the union officers who serve us—are made at annual national conventions of delegates elected by the local unions.
  3. Workers join CWA to improve their jobs, not to strike. In 97 percent, of the cases, CWA negotiates contracts without a strike.
  4. Signing a union card simply means you want a union. All union decisions are made democratically. There are no "union bosses."

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Click here for information about how to organize a union.

Prem Tech Organizing Campaign

Nov 16, 2011

Ninety percent (90%) of the requested information for Premise Tech Bargaining has been received.  After review, the information has been forwarded to our Research Team in Washington, DC to formulate a new bargaining proposal.  We hope to be able to call the Bargaining Team back in the near future and present our demands to AT&T.

October 31, 2011
The Company is making sure all techs meet the Weight Load requirements. Techs are being terminated for being over the limit twice within 24 months. If you know you exceed the limit, now would be a great time to take some time off before they ask you to step on a scale. 

October 25, 2011
  

After discussions with the company regarding the validity of our information request, it appears that we will receive the remaining information very soon.

We had a lengthy conversation with Carlos Munez regarding bargaining, grievances and the basic treatment of Premise Techs which is causing much churn in the workforce.

We did agree philosophically on some basic issues. Now we need to see if we can capture these issues in writing and agree they will become part of a first contract.

Once we receive the requested information we will work with our research team in DC to formulate some new proposals.

We expect to be back at the bargaining table in the near future.

 

09/28/2011

Bargaining Report #8 http://district3.cwa-union.org/

    Thus far we have had little success with the company. We are reviewing the first installment of the information recently received from the company. However, we are still waiting on the company to supply us with the additional information we have requested. Once all this data has been received we will be in a position to make a new proposal. There have been numerous conference calls at the highest levels but thus far we have been unsuccessful.

     Additionally, there is a petition circulating in the field for signatures to be presented to CEO Randall Stevenson. We are also putting together a plan for Prem Tech mobilization activities and will soon roll this out. We will be soliciting support from our bargaining unit members to stand up and participate in some concerted activities to encourage the company to move from their current position at the bargaining table.

09/27/2011

The Prem Tech Bargaining Team would like all ATT employees including Prem Techs to sign this petition. CWA feels that AT&T is stonewalling and not bargaining in good faith with the CWA bargaining team. Please print the flyer, sign it, ask all of your coworkers to sign it, and return it ASAP via fax to 404 688-1236. Click Here for Petition.

09/06/2011

Bargaining update #7 from District 3 website  http://district3.cwa-union.org/
 
A conference call was held with the bargaining team to discuss the status of our information request and how we can move forward at the bargaining table. After weeks of calls, the first installment of our information request will be received right after Labor Day. We have been told that the remainder of the requested information is voluminous and will take more time to compile.
In the meantime, the Premise Tech grievances are being met on with little success which has given rise to filing NLRB charges against the company with more charges being written and processed. We have asked the company at the very least to negotiate a meaningful grievance procedure memorandum to give some relief to the Premise Techs many of whom are being mistreated on the job.
If we could get an MOA with arbitration rights it would make a significant difference in the way our Premise Tech members are treated. Thus far we have met resistance on the part of the company. We will be soliciting support from our bargaining unit members to stand up and participate in some concerted activities to encourage the company to move from their current position at the bargaining table.

Click Here for Suggestion Form

08/25/2011


A conference call was held with the Premise Tech Bargaining Team and Alternates on Tuesday, August 11, 2011. We reviewed the lengthy information request which encompasses information from all Premise Tech Units throughout ATT. Although we are still waiting for the requested information, we started developing a strategy to get us to a contract. This information, with the help of CWA’s research team in Washington, DC will paint a very different picture then the one the Company wants us to believe.

After having spoken to the CWA Bargaining Chairs from around the Country, we believe the Company cannot substantiate its cost model comparison between District 3 and other Regions. Hopefully this will stop the Company from dismissing our Bargaining Demands as simply not cost effective.

Bargaining remains in recess while we insist on getting the information relevant and necessary to proceed.

 08/17/2011         

      After hearing many of your concerns, its time to take action. We created a document for you to fill out detailing your issues and concerns from day to day work. Despite being in the mist of negotiating a contract, we recognize that there are issues that need to be addressed NOW!!!! The form is not for contract recommendations. We plan to request a meeting with the director of Premise Technicians here in Georgia, and use your forms to discuss the issues you and your co-workers are experiencing on the job. Please give me examples of safety issues, the lack of respect from managers, threats, issues with schedules being changed, and all other issues you feel needs to be addressed NOW!!! Of course we have heard them all, but having examples on paper will help a lot.

 
 If your group would like us to visit your shop before or after hours please let us know.

 
 Remember if you're called into an investigatory meeting you have the legal right to request and have union representation present during that meeting. It is your responsibility to request representation and call us 404 688-1256. The company must allow you to get representation after you make it CLEAR you want representation. Any intimidation after such request please notify us immediately.


 Remember. All CWA TECHS WEAR ORANGE ON THURSDAY TO SHOW SOLIDARITY! See you at the next union meeting!

 

08/09/2011

Since the last bargaining session, a request for additional information has been sent to the Company and we are awaiting a response. Next week the bargaining team will discuss the information requested.
Upon receipt of the requested information the bargaining team will reconvene in Atlanta to formulate a plan to move bargaining forward. We will then request to meet with the Company to resume bargaining.
In the interim we have met on Premise Tech grievances. Needless to say, absent a normal grievance procedure it has been tough going. We were able to settle one termination case and return the Technician to work. We have filed a labor charge on another grievance and are reviewing the remaining grievances on which we have already met and will meet on new grievances next week.

In Unity,
Your Bargaining Team

 

07/12/2011 

This week is the CWA National Conference. The bargaining team will resume bargaining with the AT&T next week.

06/18/2011

Premise Technicians was the highlight of President Cowen's speech at Tuesday's union meeting. The Bargaining Team was on hand to formally introduce themselves, assure us that they are focused and ready to represent you at the table when negotiations begin on Monday June 20th.

Going forward you will hear many rumors. Make sure you check here for the truth. If it's not posted here it's more than likely not true!!

Our hearts go out to our fellow tech that was life flighted to the hospital Monday evening. We know that you all are worked 6 days straight only to have your only off day of REST, and FAMILY TIME taken away with little to no notice. While others from the comfort of their home, tell you to keep dispatching. 

 To whom it may concern, Techs in Chamblee, N. E. Expressway, Decatur, and Campbelllton Rd. just to name a few,  demand respect now.  You (supervisors) will soon have to face the Union my friends. You should start by treating techs with the respect they deserve.  There's a book coming soon and in it will be what's called a grievance procedure!!

FIRST DAY OF BARGAINING STARTS Monday JUNE 20th. LET'S SHOW OUR SUPPORT BY EVERYONE (DISTRICT WIDE) WEARING WHITES SHIRTS ON MONDAY!! 

And remember all CWA Techs wear orange on Thursday!!!

06/05/2011

Presently the bargaining team will consist of one core local president with two alternates and three Prem Tech’s with two alternates.

The team consists of the following:

Ken Worthen – CWA Local 3912 President

Ken Worthen has been a Facility Tech for the last fifteen years. He has been a Services Tech for ten years, a Service Rep for 3 year, a Repair Tech for 5 years and a Cable Splicer Tech for one year.

Norman Daniels – CWA Local 3121 President - Alternate
Gene Redd – CWA Local 3207 President - Alternate

Michael Bartoli – Local 3122 Prem Tech

Michael Bartoli is currently a Prem Tech. He was a Services Tech for 2 years, a Craft Support, Sales Agent and a Sales Consultant.

Errol “Keith” Logan – Local 3204 Prem Tech

Keith Logan is currently a Prem Tech. He has over twenty-five years in the electronics industry supporting computer chip testing and customer service. He was a Customer Service Rep, a Network Analyst -Customer Service and a Customer Service Rep-Technical support.

Christopher Davidson – Local 3112 Prem Tech - Alternate
William Storm – Local 3205 Prem Tech - Alternate

Bargaining Chair – Don LaRotonda

Staff Support – Gerald Souder

It is anticipated the team ( including alternates) will be brought in as soon as possible for training, to review the data requested, to go over proposals and ultimately to meet with the Company. 

Please don't forget to make plans to attend the June 14th Union Meeting at Local 3204 in Atlanta. The CWA National President Larry Cohen will be there.

05/18/2011

 District 3 is now going through many of your letters and resumes to select members of the Bargaining Committee. Afterwards they will notify those selected, and train them to be able to negotiate with the company. Then the Bargaining Committee/Team will  go through all of your bargaining suggestion and prioritize them by what you all submitted the most. The contact person at the district office is Donald A. Larotonda, Assistant to the
Vice President (404) 296-5553 /fax(404) 299-6165 dlarotonda@cwa-union.org

  The district has a website for you as well.
 http://district3.cwa-union.org/news/entry/welcome_prem_techs_to_cwa

  PLEASE REMEMBER YOU HAVE RIGHTS TO REPRESENTATION AND YOU NEED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT!!!

     Many of you are continuing to go into meetings with management and not request representation. It is your right and choice, so why not take advantage of it. Please read and print the Weingarten info from the April 21th posting.

     If you have a situation you feel, think, know, or believe warrants CWA attention download and fill out this form and or  don't hesitate to call your local or me if need be.
http://files.cwa-union.org/district3/ATTPremTechRecordofIssue.pdf  Return via email or fax to 404 688-6236.

    CWA National President Larry Cohen will be at CWA Local 3204 union meeting June 14, 2011 at 7:30pm. Make plans now to be there.

If you are threaten by ANYONE at work, please use the ethics hotline to report it. 1-800 664-4231

WEAR ORANGE ON THURSDAY TO SHOW YOUR UNION SOLIDARITY!!!!!

04/21/2011

         There are two avenues available to provide representation to Premises Technicians before we obtain a contract.  First, now that CWA has been certified, Premises Technicians have full Weingarten rights.Second, as the certified exclusive collective bargaining representative, in the event a Premises Technician has a “grievance” about terms and conditions of employment, CWA has the legal right to demand a meeting with the Company to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the grievance. The following provides more specific guidance:

Weingarten Rights

        As CWA has now been certified as the exclusive collective bargaining representative in the Premises Technician bargaining unit, under the National Labor Relations Act, as interpreted in the Board’s Weingartendecision, Premises Technicians have a right to request representation when asked by management to participate in an investigatory interview that could lead to discipline. However, only Premises Technicians are allowed to serve as such representatives. While this does present an opportunity for leadership development and establishing a network of representatives in this bargaining unit, this also presents a training challenge to assist Premises Technicians in getting up to speed to fulfill this representation role. The District Office can supply both training materials and staff to assist Locals in setting up this training. Until training can be set up, the following guidance should be considered:

 

​(1) In order to trigger a right of representation under Weingarten, the interview with management must be an investigatory interview and the employee must have a reasonable belief that the interview could result in discipline. When in doubt ask.  

 

​(2) If the only purpose of the interview is to announce discipline that has already been decided upon, there is no right to representation. However, because an interview to announce discipline sometimes turns into an investigatory interview, it is recommended that Premises Technicians always ask for representation if they are called into the Boss’ office.

 

​(3) Management has no legal obligation to offer representation, the employee must request it.

 

​(4) If the circumstances are appropriate for a Weingartenrepresentative, and management refuses, the Premises Technician should ask that the interview be terminated.

 

​(5) The Weingarten representative must be an employee in the Premises Technician bargaining unit who is reasonably available. A Premises Technician cannot insist on someone from another location or who is not scheduled to work if there is another potential representative present and available.

 

​(6) In a Weingarten interview, the designated representative stands on an equal footing with management and must be allowed to speak and ask questions. The representative should also be afforded a reasonable opportunity to confer with the employee before the interview begins and to ask for reasonable recesses during the course of the interview to confer, if necessary.

Representation by CWA

       As the certified bargaining representative, CWA has a right to insist that the Company meet with at reasonable times and locations and bargain in good faith. This includes bargaining over Premises Technicians’ grievances concerning terms and conditions of employment. However, absent an agreement, CWA would not be able to force the Company to arbitrate unresolved grievances.

4/11/2011

QUESTION:​What rights of representation do CWA Premises Technicians have prior to negotiating a ​contract?

 

ANSWER:​Legally, we have two avenues to pursue.

 

First, now that CWA has been certified, Premises Technicians have full Weingarten rights. This means that any Premises Technician that is asked to participate in an investigatory interview with management that could lead to discipline has a right to demand that another employee be present and able to participate. This employee would essentially perform the same functions as a Union Steward in these circumstances. This presents an opportunity for leadership development and establishing a network of representatives in this bargaining unit.

 

Second, now that CWA has been certified as the exclusive bargaining representative in this bargaining unit, in the event a Premises Technician has a “grievance” about terms and conditions of employment, CWA has the legal right to demand a meeting with the Company to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the grievance. We hope to eventually develop a formal interim grievance procedure pending the negotiation of a complete contract. 


Grievance issues from February 24  forward only. Can't be something that happen prior to the certification date. 


http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weingarten_Rights?wasRedirected=true


DO NOT BE AFRAID TO INVOKE YOUR RIGHTS. YOU CAN NOT BE PUNISHED FOR INVOKING YOUR RIGHTS. Call and notify your local that you have notified the company that you want a union rep during their investigatory meeting. 
Please send us your bargaining suggestion forms!!!  Deadline is fast approaching!!!    Send as many as you like with one suggestion per form. 

Union meeting TONITE, Tuesday 04/12/2011, 7:30pm local 3204. We look forward to seeing you there. 

NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICE!

We are now ready to take bargaining suggestions FROM MEMBERS ONLY!!!!! If you have not signed up to become a member and would like to, please contact me or your local job steward for a membership card. I invite you/members to start attending our union meetings that are held on the second Tuesday of every month for Local 3204. Remember Union Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm. The address is 279 Logan St. SE, Atlanta Ga. 30312. It sits on the corner of  I-20 and Hill St directly across from the Shells Gas Station. If you belong to a different local please contact them to find out when and where their next meeting is. remember to show your solidarity by wearing your orange work shirts on Thursdays. Its time to start showing the company that CWA PREM Techs  are sticking together for what you deserve. Try to get all your new coworkers signed up as they come in the door.

Click to HERE for Prem Tech Bargaining Suggestion Form

Week 14 2/24/11

On February 23, 2011 and February 24, 2011, the American Arbitration Association certified that a majority of the AT&T Premise Technicians Bargaining Unit wish to be represented by the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO for the purpose of Collective Bargaining.

With 1932 names submitted, CWA had over 70% signed cards. In addition, Locals and Organizers were able to get membership and dues authorization cards signed.

All Locals who have Premise Technicians in their jurisdiction participated along with our 75/25 Organizers.

Booker Lester, Administrative Director
Liz Roberson, District Organizer
Sheila Williams, District Organizer

Week 13 2/16/11

Please be patient as we are still waiting on AAA to give us the results.

Week 12 2/11/11

No word yet... Still waiting on results.

Week 10 1/24/11

Cards have been packaged for delivery to AAA and should go out tomorrow. I will inform you of the results as soon as I hear something. Remember!!! Once AAA receive the cards, it normally take between 7-10 days to count the cards and verify signatures. As soon as I get the results I will post here and we can all celebrate.

Getting the majority to sign the cards is only the beginning.

I will inform you on the next process after we complete the first one.

Keep your fingers crossed and remember to show solidarity and support by wearing your orange on Thursdays.


Week 9 1/16/11

Great job!!!

Saturday January 15th marked the end on the card check campaign. District 3 will put together a package to send to the company that counts the cards sometime this week. After they receive the cards it should take around 10 days for them to verify whether or not you all were successful in getting 50 plus percent of all Prem techs in District 3 to sign the Authorization cards.

Once it is verified, CWA will be recognized as the official bargaining representative for Premise Technicians in District 3.

I want to thank each any everyone that helped us during the campaign. Continue to wear your orange on Thursdays to show your support.

!!!! I will update you when the cards have been sent!!!!

With

Week 8 1/10/11

With only 6 days left things are looking good throughout the entire district. The other states reported that they are doing just as good as Georgia. With that said don't stop asking people to sign the cards. We will need all that we can get to ensure we prevail without it being a close call.

CWA will send to cards to a third party company to confirm whether or not we indeed have the majority. That company usually take between 7-10 days to count the cards. Once it is announced that we/you prevailed, CWA will begin processing your membership cards. YOU WILL NOT PAY ANY UNION DUES UNTILL YOU HAVE A RATIFIED CONTRACT. We will then begin preparing a bargaining team to bargain with the company on your behalf.

Only Members will have a say in what you feel need to be addressed in your contract. As a member you will have the privilege to attend union meetings and voice any and all concerns.

As the new hires come out of training and begin to do ride alongs, I need you to be vocal and encourage them to join with you in your fight. Give them the facts on the issues you face as you work day to day. Remember the more members you have the stronger you are when it comes to bargaining power.

I hear your complaints about the scheduling, the objectives, even being threatening by management. Without a union you guys are subject to what ever the company decides to subject you to. Unjust suspensions and other disciplines not being consistent across the board. Were you promised the opportunity to progress in the company and later discovered you can't. Have you ever choose a vacation day and later was denied it. Have you ever missed family functions even if it was planed well in advance. Do you constantly bust your $$$ and fill like your unappreciated. How often do you just want to give up and look for another job. Well if so join the club made up of Premise Technicians throughout the district who signed the cards to better there working condition.

Decatur, N E Expressway, Alpharetta, Conyers, Loganville, Dallas, Villa Rica, Rosewell, Gainsville, Athens, Stockbridge, Newnan, Lawrensville, Norcross, and Macon all have Techs that's supporting this organizing drive. Let's get it done the first time around guys. Let's send a strong message to the company that you all want better working conditions NOW!!!!

The CEO's have contracts and soon will you.

!!!!!!WHERE ORANGE THURSDAY, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY THIS WEEK TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT DURING THE LAST WEEK OF THIS ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN!!!!!

Week 6 & 7 1/2/11

We need more cards!!!!! With only 2 weeks left, it's still very important that we continue to sign up everyone that we can. Saturday January 15th is the cut off day for cards to be signed. If you need additional cards contact me.

Let's work together these next 13 days to do all we can to get the majority. Please try to get your work group at 100% signed.

!!!!!!!Wear your orange on Thursday to show your support!!!!!!

Week five. 12/28/10

Keep organizing your fellow coworkers. It's important that we have asked each and everyone of them to sign the card. If you need additional cards call me.

Week four. 12/12/10

Hello future Members. I want to thank each and every one of you that has been sending us CWA Union Authorization cards. I have received many cards from various locations throughout Georgia. However there are still locations with techs that home garage, and techs out on benefits. If you all can continue to reach out to them and get cards back to us we would truly appreciate it.

January 15th will be here before you know it. So we have to make sure we shake every bush and turned every leaf. I cannot stress enough how much we need your help in doing so. Any extra cards we get here in Georgia will help if there are any short coming throughout the other states. I believe Georgia is and has been ready to be organized, and represented by CWA. And our results here can be the best throughout the district.

The next four weeks we will continue to make contact with those that we missed. Remember to ask your coworkers if they have signed and if not have them contact us for a card.

Please continue to support this organizing drive and let us know how we can continue to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact me.

Let's start wearing orange on Thursdays to show solidarity with the rest of CWA members!!!!

Week three. 12/5/10

This week was filled with progress. We visited Villa Rica, N E Expressway, Marrietta, and Roswell. Thank you all for taking the time to come to work early to attend our meetings. I hope we have been able to answer all your questions and address all your concerns.

The next few weeks will be critical, and require your help. We still need cards from techs who missed us when we were there, home garage techs, and techs out on benefits. Make sure you ask your coworkers if they signed and if not contact us for a card. We need all the cards we can get for you be successful in getting the majority.

Once it is determined that the majority has signed the cards. The company will then recognize CWA as your Union. The locals will process your membership cards. Once you're a member please attend your union meetings and give input on issues that need to be addressed at work. Remember YOU are the Union.

Stick together and stay involved and you will have representation. I know it's been a long process but the end is near, and I believe we are on a road to success. The days of feeling unappreciated are almost over. I know and you know, you all deserve better.

Continue to HELP US HELP YOU!!!

Week two. 11/28/10

You are still very much in the driver seat. Although a short week due to the holiday, it was still a majority plus week. We visited Dallas, Norcross, and back to Decatur. All three locations the majority signed the cards. Throughout the other states things are going good.

It is very important that you come to work early on the day we visit your work center. Our time with you is limited to 8am. Normally around a quarter till we hold a meeting for questions and answers.

This week's schedule
Villa Rica- 11-29
Atlanta - 11-30
Marietta- 12-3

Week one. 11/21/10

Week 1 was a very good week. You are well on your way to joining with us in CWA.

I got a taste of why representation is important for you when I visited Techs in Chamblee Ga. I want to thank you all for standing up with me and each other. That's what being part of a CWA is all about. Standing together for what is right and fair.

The Card Check Agreement is an agreement between The company (AT&T) and The Union (CWA). With this agreement CWA has 60 days ( Nov 17th thru Jan 15th 2011) to get 50% plus 1 of all Prem techs in District 3 to sign authorization cards to prove that majority wants Union representation. If we are successful the company will immediately recognize CWA as your Union.

This process is fast simple and easy. Plus the company allow us access to your work centers. We have presented the new cards so far to six work centers and there has been no doubt that you all want union representation NOW.

  • Decatur-New St
  • Chamblee- American Dr
  • Stockbridge- Eagles Landing
  • Alpharetta- Justin Trl
  • Conyers- West Ave
  • Loganville

If we missed you while we was there or if you know someone who needs a card, call me and I will get it to you.

This week we will be in Dallas and Norcross Ga. Make sure you come by if your off and sign a card.

  • NE Expressway-11-30-10
  • Villa Rica - 11-29-10
  • Macon-call me
  • Gainesville- call me
  • Newnan- call me
  • Athens-call me

If you are at a work center that's not listed please call me.