August 3,2022
The 2023-2026 CWA LQ/LUMEN contract has been ratified!
We are pleased to announce that the 2023-2026 CWA LQ/LUMEN contract has been ratified, with an 83.19 % yes vote and a 16.81 % no vote. The ratification bonus of $1000.00 will be paid within the 28 days of ratification for active employees on the payroll, effective August 6, 2022. After a follow-up conversation with the Company, we have agreed to change the effective date on a few provisions that are part of the new agreement to the ratification date (see attached). This will give all LQ employees covered under the current 2020-2023 CBA an additional paid holiday (Martin Luther King Day) on January 17, 2023, instead of waiting until the new contract comes into effect on April 2, 2023.
The Company will also start hiring Network Technicians to meet their commitment to having CWA Bargaining Unit employees perform the splicing work for the upcoming fiber deployments, and the WFH employees will now be covered upon ratification of the new agreement. This change will give all WFH employees the same benefits as other employees who are already covered under the 2020 WFH MOA.
Q – Why did we change the effective date on some of the new provisions to the ratification date?
A – This benefits our members and does not change or alter what was negotiated in the 2023-2026 CBA. The Company and Union agreed that MLK day is a very important day for our members to celebrate and reflect on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., and there is no reason to wait until 2024 for employees to be able to take this day as a holiday.
The Company is also ready to start their fiber build outs and wanted to start hiring now so we have a workforce to perform this work.
Q – How will my ratification bonus be taxed?
A – It will be taxed at the IRS supplemental holdings tax 22%, Social Security tax 6.20%, Medicare 1.45%, plus the state supplemental tax.
Q – Will employees on STD receive the ratification bonus?
A – Employees on STD are still considered active employees and are not on a leave of absence. They will be paid the ratification bonus.
Q-Will employees on a leave of absence be paid the ratification bonus?
A – It depends on the type of leave the employee is on. Employees who are on a military leave will be paid the ratification bonus based on USERRA considerations. Employees on STLA or a Union Leave of Absence will not receive the payment.
Q – What about employees who are on an ADA/Accommodation leave?
A – They will not receive the bonus payment unless the employee returns to work by the end of the year, the Company will then pay them the bonus.
In Solidarity,
CWA District 7 CenturyLink/Lumen Bargaining Team
Lisa Avila, Assistant to the VP
Paul Castaneda, Staff Representative
Michael Salazar, Local 7037
Anthony Scorzo, Local 7777
Val Packer, Local 7621
Thomas Denos, Local 7704
Attachments
Q-096a CWA District 7 Negotiations Effective Dates (455.0 KiB)
Q-089d Tentative Agreement Summary (315.8 KiB)
Q-089e Final TA Documents (685.7 KiB)