Organizing

Interested in getting a real voice in your workplace? If you are, then CWA, the Communications Workers of America, can help you and your co-workers build the majority support that you will need to organize your union. Our union’s purpose is to help workers like you organize together so you will have the power to negotiate good contracts, increase your standard of living, and have a real voice in decisions about your workplace and working conditions.

CWA represents about 700,000 men and women in telecommunications, cable television and information technology; media and publishing; health care, higher education, law enforcement and public service; in the airlines, and in manufacturing.

Getting union representation is the best way to gain the advances in working conditions that you and your co-workers desire. Statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor show that unionized workers enjoy higher wages, better benefits and pensions, and have greater job security than workers who don’t have a union. In almost every industry, union workers fare better than non-union workers doing the same type of work.

Without union representation, you are an employee “at will”. This means that all of your wages, benefits and conditions of employment, including your employment itself, may be reduced, modified, or terminated by your employer at any time, and for any reason. Your employer has no legal obligation to you at all.

With a union, Federal law requires your employer to bargain with you about your compensation and working conditions including: pay, benefits, job security, health and safety, paid time off, retirement, etc… And a union contract is a legally enforceable document that will hold your employer to their word. Contract violations and unfair management decisions can be challenged through the grievance process, and if necessary, a neutral third party arbitrator.

Working under a contract will provide the stability, equality, and security in working conditions, pay, and opportunities for advancement that you deserve. You are invited to join 700,000 CWA members who have decided that being a union member is best for them, and for their loved ones who depend on them.

If you would like to speak with someone about how CWA can help you gain a voice at your workplace, contact CWA District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler at (303) 770-2822 or email: akogler@cwa-union.org.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on January 6, 2012 the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Montana Network Group (formerly Alltel), indicated through their Consent Authorization cards, that they desired to become represented by CWA.

There are 15 new members in this unit. Shari Wojtowicz from Local 7250, and Marsha Beck from Local 7818 which will represent the workers, helped on this campaign.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on December 14, 2011 the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Colorado Retail Sales Group (formerly Alltel), and the Minnesota Retail Sales Group (formerly Alltel), indicated, through their Consent Authorization cards, that they desired to become represented by CWA.

There are 28 new members in Colorado and 7 in Minnesota. Shari Wojtowicz from Local 7250 organized the Minnesota group.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on December 2, 2011 the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the New Mexico Retail Sales Group (formerly Alltel) indicated, through their Consent Authorization cards, that they desired to become represented by CWA. These 85 new members will join 53 of their CWA represented colleagues at AT&T Mobility in New Mexico.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on November 17, 2011 the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Utah Retail Sales Group (formerly Alltel) indicated, through their Consent Authorization cards, that they desired to become represented by CWA.

These 36 new members will be represented by CWA Local 7704 in Salt Lake City, UT.

The Fund for Public Research, (TOP) Call Center Workers Voted 19 to 5 in an NLRB Election on October 12, 2011 to form a Union and join CWA Local 7901

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that The Fund for Public Research, (TOP) call center workers voted 19 to 5 in an NLRB election on October 12, 2011 to form a union and join CWA Local 7901 in Portland, OR. The workers at this call center toil into the late hours dialing cold calls for donations to the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG), a non-profit that concentrates on the environment and government waste.

As in many other call centers, the workers have performance matrices that are unreasonable, plus their management is disrespectful and inconsistent.

Management waged a bitter anti-union campaign, but the core organizing committee remained tight and strong. They are in the process of electing a bargaining committee and training to be stewards without a contract. Joe Crane, Local 7901 Organizer, led this successful campaign

Super Shuttle Drivers in Denver Chose CWA as their Representative by a Vote of 77 to 4

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on October 18, in an NLRB directed election, Super Shuttle drivers in Denver chose CWA as their representative by a vote of 77 to 4. There were 94 eligible voters and 8 ballots were challenged by the NLRB. Local 7777 Organizer Abdi Buni led this campaign with help from Local 7777 President Lisa Bolton. Abdi did an incredible job of holding this mostly African immigrant group together through many delays and challenges.

This election came nearly two years after the original petition was filed in December of 2009. Super Shuttle claimed that the workers were independent contractors, and that CWA Local 7777 had a conflict of interest because they also represent 300 Union Taxi workers. But ultimately, the Board ruled in CWA's favor and directed an election. CWA also prevailed on seven Unfair Labor Practice Charges that Super Shuttle committed along the way, including repayment of more than $65,000 to the drivers, and reinstatement of Inside Organizing Committee member Negede Assefa who was terminated for his union activity.

Also, on August 30 technicians at the " Valley View" ADT location in Cleveland, OH voted unanimously (8-0), for CWA.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on July 5, 2011 the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the South Dakota Network Group (formerly Alltel) indicated, through their Consent Membership cards, that they desired to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

These 16 new members will be represented by CWA Local 7500 in Sioux Falls, SD. Local 7500 President Rozanne Dubois, EVP Lisa Hicks and Steward Bobby Christian led this campaign.

Al Kogler
CWA Organizing Coordinator
akogler@cwa-union.org
303.770.2822 (office)
303.324.2438 (mobile)

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AT&T Mobility Employees of the South Dakota Retail Sales Group Become Members of CWA

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on June 15, 2011, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the South Dakota Retail Sales Group (formerly Alltel) indicated, through their Consent Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

These 89 new members will be represented by CWA Local 7500 in Sioux Falls, SD. Rozanne Dubois, Lisa Hicks and Bobby Christian led this campaign.

AT&T Mobility Employees of the Minnesota Network Group (Formerly Alltel) Appointed CWA as their Collective Bargaining Representative

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on April 18, 2011 the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Minnesota Network Group (formerly Alltel) indicated, through their Consent Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

These five new members will join with the rest of the previously represented AT&T Mobility Network Technicians in Minnesota. CWA Local 7250 President Shari Wojtowicz led this campaign.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on March 30, 2011, the NLRB counted the ballots from a two-day election for CWA union representation for Dosha Salon workers in the Portland metro area. We won the vote 79 to 66 out of 156 eligible employees. There are 4 locations right now, but a 5th location is due to open shortly, which will bring the total number of bargaining unit members up to 180-190. The workers include: hair stylists, licensed massage therapists, nail technicians, esthetician, spa hosts, retail, central laundry, and scheduling call center workers.

The inside organizing committee worked hard with Local 7901 Organizer Joe Crane to sign cards and maintain a yes vote from the majority of workers. They are a large and very brave group of mainly young workers who stood up for what was right and fair under an onslaught of negative campaigning by the boss, including a personal appearance by Harry Beck and other Right To Work anti-unionists. While their boss ratchet up the fear factor, our committee remained upbeat and positive, and stuck together-wearing red T-shirts to anti-union meetings, distributing "respect" cookies, and wearing their organizing committee logo temporary tattoos. Angela McWhinney and other CWA members (who work at SEIU 503) also helped with organizing and getting the vote out. Local 7901 President and CWA Executive Board Member Madelyn Elder also worked on this campaign.

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports the following organizing wins:

On February 22, 2011 in a 5-2 vote, seven Administrative workers at MV Transportation in Seattle voted for CWA in an NLRB election. 99% of the employees at MV Transportation are now represented and protected by a union contract. This is a bargaining unit that began with 30 members, and has now grown to over 375. Local 7800 Vice President Craig Dameron led this effort.

On March 17, 2011 a majority of the grounds keepers and equipment operators at Westlawn Cemetery in Omaha NE voted to join CWA. The work place issues that drove these workers to feeling they needed a union were low pay, safety concerns and changing work rules. All six employees signed the recognition petition and pledged to stay united. The Company stalled the election to the last possible date while they moved local managers around and brought in executives from other states to convince the employees that a union would be bad for them. The final vote was 5 yes, 1 no. Local 7290 President Paul Coffman and CWA Rep Kay Pence worked on this campaign.

AZ-Workers at The Gloo Factory, joined Local 7000 through a card check process. This 3-person print shop specializes in products for progressive causes and movements. Local organizer, Maritza Broce, led this organizing effort.

AZ-All eight print shop workers in the Tucson Unified School District signed up for CWA. The school district will recognize CWA and roll the group into our existing unit. This is the Local's second print shop organizing gain in as many weeks. Local President Linda Hatfield and Local Organizer Maritza Broce worked with the group.

(This is being sent to you on behalf of Al Kogler, CWA D7 Organizing Coordinator.)

Workers at Free Geek in Portland won an NLRB representation election on November 3 with 12 yes and 2 no votes. CWA Local 7901 Organizer Joe Crane and President Madelyn Elder worked on this campaign.

Local 7101 won an election for 26 Dispatchers at the Joint Emergency Communications Center in Coralville Iowa by a vote of 18-0. Scott Rentschler, president of Local 7101, Steve Abbott, Carey King, and Staff Rep Bonnie Winther worked on the campaign.

15 Nurses at Mitchell Co. Hospital in Osage, Iowa voted on November 4 to affiliate with CWA. Organizer Teri Murphy and Staff Rep. Bonnie Winther worked on the campaign. This unit joins Hamilton Hospital patient care workers who affiliated with CWA last month as part of The Iowa Staff Nurses Association.

Hamiliton Hospital Patient Care Unit Organize with CWA

Members of the Hamiliton Hospital Patient Care Unit voted to affiliate with CWA. This is a small public hospital near Webster City, Iowa. The 90-person bargaining unit includes all hospital employees with direct patient care responsibilities including Nurses, CNAs, Therapists, etc. There are currently only 11 members of the Union, so we'll be concentrating on signing up more members as we begin to prepare for bargaining. Staff Representative Bonnie Winther and Local Organizer Teri Murphy worked on this campaign.

Organizing Win at MV Transportation

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on August 11, five Utility Workers at MV Transportation in Seattle, WA. joined CWA through an NLRB Election. All 5 voted yes even after the manager promised the moon on election day.

The Utility Workers will join 332 CWA represented MV Drivers and Dispatchers in the bargaining unit, and under the existing contract.

CWA Staff Rep Susie McAllister, CWA Local 7800 President Michael Lynch and CWA Local 7800 Vice President Craig Dameron led the organizing campaign.