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.

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.

Alaska AT&T Workers Join CWA

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on January 14, 2010, the American Arbitration Association certified that a majority of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Alaska Retail Sales Group (formerly Dobson) indicated, through their Consent Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

This victory was the result of a coordinated effort involving CWA members from AFA, AT&T Mobility, Avaya, and Qwest including: Kurt Baker, Stephen Couckuyt, Terilynn Dietrich, Robin Niemuth, Jeanne Stewart and Elizabeth Tomlinson.

Despite an Article XXI dispute, frigid temperatures, a busy holiday season and locations that were hundreds of miles apart, the Alaska Team reached a majority in about 45 days.

The 92 new members will be represented by CWA Local 7803 in Renton, Washington.

AT&T Mobility Employees Join CWA in Idaho

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on December 17, 2009, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Idaho Network Group (formerly Edge) indicated, through their Consent Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

Local 7621 Organizers Jen Winterbottom and Valerie Packer led the state-wide campaign along with support from Local Presidents Dirk Marsden, Brent Duvall and Mike McKinnon.

The 8 new members will be represented by Idaho Locals 7603, 7610 and 7621.

Organizing Win in Washington State

CWA District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on September 14, 2009, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Washington State Network/NOC group indicated through their signed authorization cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

CWA Local 37083 (WashTech) 75/25 Organizer Malachy Sreenan led the state-wide campaign which covered 141 workers. WashTech President Les French, along with Vice Presidents Anna Bloomquist and James Burdick, assisted on the campaign.

Inside Committee Members Marilyn Barton (Spokane), James Warren (Tacoma), Ben Moore (Redmond), Christopher Boothe (NOC), Daniel Fisher (NOC) and Robert Rexroat (NOC) were also very instrumental in achieving recognition.

Idaho AT&T Workers Join CWA

District 7 Organizing Coordinator Al Kogler reports that on August 10, 2009, the American Arbitration Association certified that 50%+ of the AT&T Mobility employees of the Idaho Sales Group (formerly Edge) indicated, through their Consent Membership cards, that they desire to become members of CWA, and appointed CWA as their collective bargaining representative.

Local 7621 Organizers Jen Winterbottom and Valerie Packer led the state-wide campaign along with support from President Dirk Mardsen. The 40 new members will be represented by Idaho Locals 7603, 7610 and 7621.

Workers in New Mexico Join CWA

Local 7076 President Robin Gould and local organizer Mark Esrig report a win yesterday at New Mexico's Sequoya Adolescent Treatment Center. The unit is made up of 101 workers who work for the State of New Mexico. It is a 24/7 facility and the majority of workers are psych techs, nurses, therapists, and teachers' aids. This representation win was a result of a card check agreement with the State of New Mexico. The internal organizing committee of 7 people, led by Tim Baca, signed up a majority of their coworkers knowing that having a voice in the workplace was very important for patient and worker safety.

Congratulations to Local 7076!