As you recall (Q-179 November 13, 2007), the Qwest Bargaining Unit meeting is scheduled to begin the afternoon of Tuesday, May 6 2008 following the close of the District 7 meeting.  

During this meeting delegates will review the reports from our research department regarding various topics such as the financials of both the industry and this specific employer as well as expected trends in issues such as healthcare for actives and retirees. The delegates will review and discuss the proposals submitted by the various Locals as well as recommendations by the elected committee and ultimately adopt our agenda for the talks with Qwest to negotiate a replacement agreement when the current contract expires on August 16^th, 2008. 

Prior to the May 2008 meeting in Layton, Utah the elected bargaining committee will compile the information received for presentation to the delegates for discussion. 

Attached are the Bargaining Proposal Forms for Qwest Communications. All Bargaining Proposals must be submitted on these forms and signed by the Local President.  Bargaining proposals received in our office that are not on the provided form and do  not have a Local President’s signature will be returned. 

Each form asks that the Locals list their five (5) priority proposals in order of importance, i.e. one (1) being the most important. You should not list wages, pensions or other benefit issues like healthcare. Priority items subdivided into distinct categories such as 1A. 1B, 2A, 2B, etc. will not be accepted. 

Attachment  - Proposal Form 

RWR:vk/opeiu5/afl-cio

c:  CWA District 7 Staff