The IBEW New England and CWA District 1/IBEW Local 2213 Regional Committees and the CWA District 2-13/ IBEW Mid Atlantic Regional Committees

have continued bargaining these past few weeks in Rye N.Y. The committees from both regions have passed counter proposals to the Company addressing healthcare, call sharing, jobs and absence.

 

The Unions proposals on healthcare have addressed combinations of administrators and plan designs to lower cost. These proposals will not only lower expense and cost share, but maintain our current level of benefits. The company has responded to these proposals and has shown small movement in the area of healthcare.

 

The bargaining teams continue to work on call sharing with an end goal of diminishing contracting, achieving security and expanding bargained for work. With technology changing so quickly around us, it is more important than ever to secure work for our inside forces. The introduction of IP-ACD’s and skills based routing has given the Company an easier path to move work. The Union’s proposals look to freeze or end the level of contracting in many departments. This will provide better job security for members who work in a call center environment. The call sharing proposals are very detailed and contain a large amount of data. The committees will continue working on these proposals until we can reach an agreement that will protect and grow all call center work.

 

Bargaining will continue in N.Y. this week with new counter proposals from the committees. In the midst of yet another surplus declaration, the Unions have committed a stronger focus on growth and security. The end game here is an agreement that is fair and an agreement that insures a future. We will remain at the bargaining table as long as it takes to achieve this.

 

Remember that this fight is far from over. Stay United, Stay Strong and do not listen to rumors. Participate in your own survival and mobilize!!!