April 26, 2011

CWA 7906 members in CenturyLink,

Your bargaining committee met in Lebanon Oregon starting on April 19th 2011. The company presented 15 proposals, most are regressive in nature. We presented the proposals that the bargaining unit complied, and for the most part the company has “rejected” all or indicated that they are “not interested at this time”. The talks have been very different as we expected, it seems that the company wants to have standard language except when it benefits you. 

Your committee has tentatively agreed to 4 proposals, the company has not agreed to any of yours.

Some of the items the company presented are as follows:

1. Changes to the Grievance and Arbitration procedure, (removing the 3rd step and the portion in section 2.8 forfeiting if timelines are not met)

2. Loss of seniority, ( making the non-represented employee language stand)

3. Reduction of forces,( T/A similar language to our proposal)

4. Job assignment, ( company wants to hire off the street, giving little or no weight to existing employee or seniority)

5. Workers compensation, ( Company wants to reduce the amount of money paid to you)

6. Retirement and Insurance, ( company want to add language that allows them to unilaterally amend, change or terminate a plan without negotiating with the Union for any reason)

7. Leave of absence, (Company proposes striking all language under 9.3 and making a policy that requires a renewal every 30 days by the company)

8. Overtime and Premium payments, (Company proposed removing double time)

9. Working rules, ( we did T/A  a small increase in lunch and dinner one dollar respectively)

10. Tools, ( company wants to remove the $60.00 safety clothing allowance and make uniforms mandatory)

11. Duration, (Company proposed a 3 year contract)

12. Recognition and incentive, ( company wants to effectively require sales referrals)

13. Direct Deposit, (we t/a  a proposal on direct deposit)

14. Cross boundaries, ( Company wants to be able to, at the discretion of management move people from one area to another)

15. Revise job title, ( company wants to change members from Customer Care Associates to Customer Care Specialist’s but no increase in pay)

So as you may imagine, there’s not a lot we can agree to at this point. Stay strong be patient, and we will continue to work on your behalf. As things develop we will try to keep you in the loop.

Please share this with your Brothers and sisters, this is a progress report not a final report.

 
In Solidarity:  Chuck Carroll, Lorin Newberry, Craig Bullock, Ken Saether, Rick Sorensen

January 18, 2011

The collective bargaining agreement between the Communications Workers of America and CenturyLink of Oregon and Eastern Oregon expires on April 30, 2011.  It's time to start thinking about bargaining proposals.  We are in the process of selecting a couple of dates for bargaining unit meetings to get the preliminary proposals together.  If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in the the next contract, get with your steward.

April 22, 2010

An announcement was made today of the intention for Qwest Communications and CenturyLink to merge as one company.  Please check out the announcement below for more information.  We will post updates as they become available.  Check back often.

CenturyLink/Qwest Merger Announcement



CenturyTel of Oregon and CenturyTel of Eastern Oregon CBA