CWA NEWS
October 7, 2008
CWA
Election 2008
CWA members are working hard to elect pro-worker candidates in this November's federal, state and local elections. The passage of the Employee Free Choice Act and other legislation on jobs, fair trade, health care and retirement security is vital to strengthen the middle class and improving the economy.
Click these links to find out more;
http://files.cwa-union.org/national/news/source/Issues_at_a_Glance_Chart_1.pdf
http://files.cwa-union.org/National/news/source/TAX_CUT_Comparison.pdf
http://files.cwa-union.org/national/news/source/hillary_womens_issues.pdf
http://files.cwa-union.org/national/news/source/Retired_issues_flyer.pdf
Arbitration case schedule update;
Retiree Travel arbitration-
The Arbitrator denied our grievance-here is a summary of Arbitrator Bonnie Weinstocks’ decision on the Retiree Boarding Arbitration; The arbitrator ruled that we don’t have maintenance of standards or past practice provisions in our contract, which would have required the continuation of all practices. Since the Company had made several changes in the past, such as charging for taxes, segment fees and changing the seniority year for SA3 travel to 20 years or more, we never grieved those issues because we felt the charges were to help sustain the Company due to the bankruptcies and uncertainties of their financial status. Without the “provisions” in our contract to protect us, Article 3-H (management rights clause) reserves to the Company “the right to establish rules and regulations.” The arbitrator stated in her decision: "The grievance is denied. The Company did not violate the parties’ collective bargaining agreement when, effective January 1, 2006, it changed the space available boarding priority from SA3 to SA4 for retirees with more than twenty years of service. "
Arbitration case schedule update;
Pay seniority Grievance; This hearing was held on August 14, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ. We are awaiting a decision on this grievance.
Immediate Family travel benefits Grievance; This was arbitrated on July 1, 2008 in DC and we are awaiting a decision on this case as well.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
Employee Free Choice Act - EFCA
This crucial legislation will protect workers' freedom to choose a union and bargain, without management intimidation. Allowing more workers to freely join unions and bargain with their employers will help rebuild the middle class by expanding health care, improving retirement security and raising the standard of living for America's working families. My bargaining rights are worth working for and voting for!
The goal for obtaining Million Member Mobilization cards from 15 percent of the membership is August 29, 2008. Please sign the petition today by clicking the link above to the web site.
RECALL TRACKING
We suggest to anyone on furlough to call the local Admin rep in the city where they have recall to double check their recall status. We have had some incorrect information given out by some of the local Station managers. We suggest you get something in writing from them if there are any doubts.
HOW TO AVOID AN INJURY ON DUTY WHEN ASSISTING A PASSENGER
We have had some recent OJI's reported in some of the stations accross the system because agents are trying to lift passengers on their own. If you are called upon to lift a passenger into a straight back or push a wheelchair up a jetway and the passenger weighs over 70lbs, you should always ask for and insist on assistance. Do not attempt to do this yourself, the consequences are very costly. The company should always have enough staff on duty to handle any wheelchair assist passengers. If you find yourself in this situation, wait for assistance and please advise local management of the problem if you are unable to get any help in a timely manner. Your safety should be your main concern. Work safe and work smart. If a situation looks unsafe, it probably is.
