Tape updated 05-15-2008
Today is Thursday,
May 15, 2008 President Cheryl Ahern speaking
I am proud to announce newly org unit located in So China +
Winthrop ME. Please welcome 73 brothers and sisters from
classic Fairpoint to the cwa local 1400 family through card
check this morning at the aaa in boston. This is a great group
of employees that take pride in their work as service reps for
the classic Fairpoint Company who remained nuetral during this
process. Thanks to all those that helped out in the campain.
John Putnam, Jeanne Picardi with help from Michelle Dunphy Ann
Musinden, help and support from District 1.
CWA District 1, 2, and 13 as well as the IBEW have agreed to
once again enter into “Early” Negotiations with Verizon. CWA
President Larry Cohen and District One Vice President Chris
Shelton met with Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg on Friday May 9,
2008, to discuss the possibility of early negotiations. Since
that meeting, we have received agreements with the CWA 1,2,13
and IBEW Bargaining teams involved and are making arrangements
to begin negotiations. We have a tentative start date of
Tuesday May 27, 2008. We will update you as soon as we have
more information involving these negotiations.
Tape updated 05-14-2008
The Union is demanding that the 93's in the SRC that were
forced to the CSSC be brought back. Grievances have been
filed against Verizon on this issue as well as the 17's being
TP'd to do 93 work as well as their own 17 work.
Keep in mind that the key to the 2008 Presidential
election is to have the Democratic Party win the White House.
Congratulations to the Temporary members in the VCCD who
have been made permanent.
Verizon has determined that Andover will not be open for calls
on Memorial Day.
Please take part in the District 1 leafleting effort on May
15, 2008, and remember to wear red on Thursdays.
Kerri Quinlan
Recording Secretary
CWA Local 1400
Tape updated 04-15-2008
Thank you for calling CWA Local 1400. It is April 15, Kerri
Quinlan speaking.
The Verizon to Fairpoint transition went smoothly although
there are issue with the 401k going from Verizon to Fairpoint.
As soon as the issues are resolved the company
will notify all affected members.
Please
fill out your proxy's and give them to your stewards by the
end of the week so they can send them to the local. We need
to have them to the National by the 21. If you have any
questions on filling out your proxy's please calll the local
at 603 436 4388.
April's membership meeting will be held April 26 from
12-2. The location will be:
The Lawrence Elks
652 Andover Street
Lawrence, MA
Rememer
to wear RED on Thursdays
Tape updated 03-31-2008
Today is Monday March 31, 2008 744am President Cheryl Ahern
speaking.
NH and VT PUC followed suite w/ ME. They scolded Fairpoint
but are allowing the sale to still go through despite the
significant change in the bond issue. NH is the only one that
acually did anything besides take them out to the woodshed. VZ
in NH agreed to change the line loss agreement from if line
loss exceeds 10% in the 1st and 2nd year to pay $15m both
years to $15m guarenteed the 1st year no matter what and $15m
the 2nd year if line loss exceeds 7 1/2%.
Tape updated 03-29-2008
Today is Saturday March 29, 2008, 3:19pm President Cheryl
Ahern speaking.
The Maine PUC held an emergency hearing and deliberation
yesterday on the Fairpoint Communications takeover of
Verizon's land-line. The issue is that FP sold bonds to
finance the deal at interest rates that were much higher than
expected.
The commissioners decided that the $2.35 billion deal can
still go through but the New Hampshire and Vermont regulators
announced that they will hold emergency meetings Sunday to
reconsider the sale.
All three states must agree to the deal for it to take effect
on Monday as planned.
The SRC in Manchester NH has an opening for a 2nd level
manager and Verizon is advising Fairpoint that the position
should be filled by Jennifer Cieslik. Currently she holds a
team leader position. Jen's past actions towards reps in the
IDC center does not make her the candidate of choice for the
union or its members. This manager has been unethical when
dealing with members in the past and we are fearful of what
she may try to do to CWA members if she is the Center Manager.
Also, she refused to come back to Manchester because she did
not want to be a Fairpoint employee. By her and other managers
not being there in the time of transition, has already caused
great harm to our members. Why would Fairpoint want to reward
a person with a 2nd level position when she did not want to
even be a Fairpoint employee? This will deteriorate the moral
of this newly formed office and overall harm our members.
Tape updated 03-22-2008
Today is Saturday March 22, 2008 730am. I am
happy and please to announce that the CWA and Faipoint reached
a tentative agreement Thurs morning March 20th 230am and the
IBEW this morning 430am. The result of our ongoing discussions
and negotiations last week was a true extension of the contract
significant upgrades.
A summary as follows:
- Term of contract, 5 years beginning April 1st, 2008 through
August 3,2013
- 3% raises for every year of the agreement
- Cola will remain as is, in effect for the last 2yrs of
agreement
- Pension band increases per year for every year of the
agreement
08-3%
09-one band level
alternating as such
- Lump sum will remain with 2 closed windows. Aug 3, 2008
through Dec 31, 2008 and July 1, 2012 through Dec 31, 2012. The
existing methodology will continue to be used for the life of
the agreement and in the event a surplus declaration during a
period when lumps sums are suspended will be lifted.
- No premium sharing for Medical including retirees
- CPS will continue
- Co will continue to funding Work and Family
- CWA New England will have it's own HCC position
- Improvements in transfer of jobs language from .7 to .0
- We now have successor ship language
- CWA will get an additional pension band increase of 2 levels
begging at the end of the contract to match NY and IBEW New
England.
In Unity,
Cheryl
Tape updated 03-19-2008
Today is Wednesday March 19th 2008 President
Cheryl Ahern speaking. Discussions of local issues with
Fairpoint concluded at 1:30 am this morning. Talks went very
well to ensure that we maintain our current level of benefits
and local language. We hope to release details sometime early
next week.
An agreement with Verizon was reached in ensuring that all
temps with 1+ years ncs will be made permanent including the
northern states and we were able to come to an agreement of
effective date of 3/30/08 ipo 4/1/08. We will also be taking
on 10 surplused operators from Greenfield Mass as service reps
in Worcester and Springfield. Our membership continues to
grow and unite.
Great job to those members who got up early before work and
took time out on your lunch to carried signs demanding that
Verizon honor our contract. If Verizon hopes to reach an early
agreement on a new contract, it must respect the existing one.
Stand strong, stand united,
In unity, we are one
Cheryl
Tape updated 03-10-2008
Today is Monday March 10th CWA Local 1400
President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
We are no longer asking the TP and Acting's to step down as
of Saturday March 8th. The Executive Board met with the
company as of Friday March 7th. A tentative agreement was
reached to make the Temps with 1+ service permanent. We want
to thank all of you for standing united to achieve this
victory. Especially the TP's and Acting members that stepped
down from their positions. By standing united we were able to
work out a fair agreement. The northern state Temps must be
cared for while they are Verizon employees and the company
agreed to pursue getting all permanent on April 1st, 2008.
Talks with Fairpoint are scheduled for March 18th for local
issues. The first day with new employer will be 4/1/08.
Thank you for calling.
Tape updated 03-02-2008
Today is Sunday march 2nd 11:16 pm President Cheryl Ahern
speaking. On behalf of CWA L 1400 executive board, we are
asking that all tps and acting step down immediately. The
mistreatment of our members must end. Mistreatment by Verizon.
Pressure to sell, forced to work mandatory ot for months on
end . Taking away our vacation allotments, closed time,
violating our bid process with “ reassignment” to name a few.,
we have an enormous amount of temporary employees on the
books who deserve to be made permanent. Stand strong, stand
united and stop the mistreatment
Tape updated 02-26-2008
Today is Tuesday February 26th 3pm President Cheryl Ahern
speaking. Last night the NH PUC approved the sale from
Verizon to Fairpoint. NH was the last of the utilities to
decide. Of the many conditions, Fairpoint must establish a
prefunded trust for retiree benefits and assurances of land
line loss from Verizon if line loss falls below 10%, Verizon
must pay $15 million per year for 2 years. The order also
states that labor interveners played a key part in the
outcome. This could not have been done by itself. As
president, I am happy and proud of all of you who actively
participated in this working toward a common goal of saving
jobs and benefits.
Tape updated 02-16-2008
Today is Saturday February 16th
2008 President Cheryl Ahern speaking .
The Vermont Public Service Board approved the sale of Verizon
Land lines to Fairpoint Communications with substantially less
conditions than in Maine. Vermont settled for $6.7 million in
dual pole removal and $25 million for a Perfomance Enhancement
Plan both from Verizon. NH Public Service is still reviewing
the case. Exploratory talks with Fairpoint continue this week
to discuss transitional issues on the extension of benefits of
our contract . Talks will continue next week. Thanks for
calling
Tape updated 02-10-2008
Today is Saturday Feb 10, 2008 CWA Local 1400
President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
"
LL Sale update:
Regulators in NH + VT are reviewing the case.
Two days of hearings took place in NH last week before the
Utility Commission who must still decide whether to accept or
reject the deal. The Public advocate continues to question the
shaky deal.
In VT, CWA/IBEW research analyst Randy Barber answered
questions before the Economic Development Committee chaired by
Senator Vince Illuzzi. Illuzzi
and other lawmakers raised concerns with the Public Service
Board.
Fairpoint will not have the financial resources to meet the
additional commitments it made and Verizon's contributions are
woefully inadequate. See more Barber testimony at
www.stopthesalenow.org.
CWA National President Larry Cohen attended the Workers Center
Conference at UVM in Burlington VT to speak against the sale.
Stating that other alternatives should be considered such as
an independent phone co as opposed to a company that is debt
laden from the starting gate.
The CWA and IBEW continue exploratory discussion for a
contract extension to retain our current level of benefits in
the event a sale is approved. We discussed topics such as
wages, pensions, medical,401k to name a few.
Thank you for calling.
Tape
updated 01-13-2008
Today is Sunday Jan 13th 10:16p President
Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The CWA and IBEW met again Fri Jan 11th to discuss early
bargaining for a possible contract extension in the event a
sale goes through. Talks will continue next week.
A motion was file by the Maine OPA. The OPA thinks the VT
stipulation could cost FP an additional 70-80 million dollars
w/o funds from VZ. Funds to be used for Maine now going
towards the VT stip. The question still remains, what about
NH?
The CWA1400 executive board meets this Wed 1/16th. Your link
the meeting is through your District Vice President. Please
communicate with your DVP and remember, communication flows
both ways.
In Solidarity,
Cheryl
Tape Updated 01/10/2008
Today is Thurs Jan 10th President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The CWA and IBEW met jointly today with Fairpoint
Commununications to begin a possible early contract extension.
The parties will meet again friday to continue this
exploratory process. These discussions are being held so that
in the event the sale is approved our memberships will be
protected
Tape Updated 12/13/2007
Today is Thursday December 13th
2007 10pm President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
Hours before deliberations were held at
the PUC office in Augusta ME this morning, a partially
contested settlement with a disappointing sign on by the
public advocate and advocacy staff was presented
CWA & IBEW commend the Maine regulators
for refusing to be rushed into a Fairpoint sale. The Public
Utilities Commission set a hearing date for December 20th
to address the proposed settlement. We hope that if the
commission decides to consider the proposal, the proposal
stipulation, that it will hold evidentiary hearings to analyze
the full implication. The northern states current and future
economic well being depends on the financial health of the
provider. And these stipulations fall far short from the
recommendations that were made by the PUC’s hearing examiner.
We are also in agreement with the examiner that the deal
should be rejected.
Tape Updated 12/11/2007
CWA/IBEW
BARGAINING TAPE MESSAGE
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
At 1PM today District One
Vice President Chris Shelton notified Verizon Labor Relations
that CWA was formally breaking off early negotiations. There
was just no possibility of going further based on the onerous
medical proposal Verizon put forward. The CWA Bargaining Teams
have an interest in bargaining a fair and equitable contract
and we are always available to listen to reasonable proposals
but we could never agree to the retrogressive demand Verizon
put forth.
Tape Updated 11/29/2007
Today is
Thurs 11/29 10:50pm President Cheryl Ahern speaking
Barganing update. The Union and the company met yesterday Wed
11/28. The company had a rep from Hewitt attempt to explain
the cost savings they would reap from their medical proposal.
The company was unable to answer all of our questions and in
fact additional ones arose. The union committee held a caucus
in the afternoon during which proposals to be presented to the
company were reviewed. Negotiations resumed this morning 11/29
in Rye NY. While waiting for the company to provide the
balance of our requested information, the Union presented some
of our proposals. This process continued into the afternoon
sessions until the parties recessed to the evening. The union
and the company will resume negotiations tomorrow morning Fri
11/30/07.
Liz Dailey continues to partake training in NH resulting in
the loss of our jobs. Unlike sister Daphne Plummer who we can
give sincere thanks to for returning to her job in Andover.
Tape Updated 11/27/2007
Bargaining
Today is Tues 11:11pm Pres Cheryl Ahern speaking.
In an effort to fully explain their proposal related to
perscription drugs, Verizon brought two reps from Medco to the
bargaining table today. Your bargaining committee questioned
the Medco reps on all aspects of the plan and the potential
impact on our members. There were questions that both medco
and verizon were unable to answer. The Union requested
addltional information on this proposal. The company stated it
will need time to provide it to us. Bargaining is scheduled to
resume Wed 11/28 in Rye NY. The company will bring in another
expert to answer the unions questions on their initial
proposal. Another update will be issued at the conclusion of
tomorrows negotiating session.
Unfortunately one of our fellow union sisters, Liz Dailey has
decided to assist in the sale of the Northern States by
training in Manchester for Verizon to take work out of her own
home office in Taunton Mass and transfer it out of state to
NH.
Check out CWA/IBEW full page adds in major newspapers ME,NH+VT
starting tomorrow.
Thanks for calling the CWA1400 informational tape.
Cheryl
Tape Updated 11/26/2007
Tape update
Today is Mon 11/26/07 1154pm President Cheryl Ahern speaking.
The Union+the Company were scheduled to meet today at the
Ryetown Hilton but the Company was not prepared to answer any
of our questions regarding their proposal. The company
exchanged some limited data which we had requested but
unfortunately this info was insufficient. The unions have made
several data requests + the company is attempting to answer
those requests and also provide experts to explain this
information. The parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow.
The Verizon/Fairpoint deal is not a done deal. The Maine
hearing examiners just released their report. They agree with
many of the points made by the Public Advocate + the CWA+IBEW.
Reject the deal. As a wholethis transaction subjects the
ratepayers and shareholders to substantial risks + harms that
are not outwieghed by any of the potential benefits of the
transaction. If the PUC disagrees with the overall assessment
then conditions must apply see CWA1400 website for more
details.
In Unity,
Cheryl
Tape Updated 11/21/2007
Tape message 11/21
Hello brothers+sisters, today is wed 11/21/07. The Union+the
Company met Mon 11/19/07 at the Ryetown Hilton for the first
day of early contract negotiations. The Company discussed
their Health Care proposal + the Union gave the company a list
of issues we intend to address.
The Union + the Company met again 11/20/07 at the Ryetown
Hilton for the second day of early contract negotiations. The
Union made several data requests. No proposals or responses
were presented. The meeting recessed and is scheduled to
reconvene at the Ryetown Hilton on 11/26.
CSSC vaca selections should be ready early next week. I am
working with each office to ensure that the numbers are
correct and we have enough allotments. Relief is on its way
mandatory OT since the collapse capable + served we made 96%
service level Mon + Tue 80% today making way for Fios campaign
calls back. New classes will be going on line. In addition to
bids in Taunton + Andover, More new hires slated for 65 Jan,
45 Feb in Springfield,Worcester+Andover. Bids went out today
59 CWA service reps in Bangor.
In Unity,
Cheryl
Tape Updated 11/20/2007
CWA/IBEW BARGAINING TAPE
MESSAGE
November 20, 2007
The Union and the Company met today at the Ryetown Hilton for
the second day of early contract negotiations. The Unions made
several data requests. No proposals or responses were
presented.
The meeting recessed and is scheduled to reconvene at the
Ryetown Hilton on November 26th.
Tape Updated 11/19/2007
The
Union and the Company met today at the Ryetown Hilton for the
first day of early contract negotiations. The Company
discussed their Health Care proposal and the Union gave the
Company a list of issues we intend to address. Both sides are
reviewing the documents and are scheduled to meet again on
Tuesday at 10 am. Updates will be made as the talks continue.
Tape Updated 11/09/2007
"The Regional Bargaining
Committee met with the company today and received a
presentation regarding benefits. The committee had many
questions for the company in regard to the presentation and
had several requests for additional information. The
committee will meet next Wednesday, November 14, 2007 @ Pine
Street to discuss our position for early bargaining.
Early bargaining is scheduled to begin November 19th with an
additional meeting scheduled for November 20, 2007. We will
recess for the Thanksgiving Holiday and reconvene on November
26, 2007".
Tape Updated 10/31/2007
Thank you for calling CWA Local 1400, Kerri Quinlan
speaking.
President Cheryl Ahern attended a meeting with CWA National
Researcher Ken Peres who flew in from Washington on October
29, 2007 in Hooksett, NH. It was a great opportunity for
1400 members to ask questions regarding the proposed
Fairpoint/Verizon Sale. If any member has any idea on how
to mobilize members to attend these important meetings
please call the Local. Firefighters spoke out against the
proposed sale citing safety issues.
On 10/30/2007 President Ahern spoke at a press conference in
Concord, NH at the State House, where 5,000 Stop the Sale
post cards were delivered. Thank you
The Local has received little information regarding the bids
and is still waiting for information regarding who bid for
the jobs.
The Company has informed the Local that thirteen new bids
will be going out in Andover.
The District Vice President for Andover nominations will
close on November 15, 2007
The Melissa Morin scholarship applications have been
received and a winner will be announced after the November
Executive Board meeting.
Thank you for calling
Tape Updated 10/03/2007
Thank you
for calling CWA Local 1400. It is October 3, 2007 Kerri
Quinlan speaking.
The General Membership Meeting will be held October 20, 2007,
at 12:00 pm. The membership meeting will take place at the
Local 1400 Union Hall located at 155 West Road, Portsmouth,
NH.
The fight to Stop the Sale continues members from all over New
England have attended hearings, rallies and participated in
phone banking to voice concerns over the proposed sale. A
wheelbarrow full of postcards from Mainers protesting the
sale was delivered to Gov. John Baldacci's office coinciding
with the Maine PUC hearings. Before the sale can be completed
it must be approved by all three states and the FCC.
The deadline for entries for the 2007 Melissa Morin $500.00
scholarship is October 31, 2007. Details are posted on union
boards.
Thank you for calling CWA Local 1400.
Tape Updated 08/28/2007
Thank you for calling CWA Local
1400, it is Tuesday August 28, 2007, Kerri Quinlan speaking.
The Local has received written notification from Verizon of a
surplus in the SRC, both the Pleasant St and Myles Standish
locations. The surplus is (3) wgt 15’s and (9) wgt 17’s. The
total ITA Andover, Boston, Marlboro, Taunton, Worcester will
be involved in the offer. EIPP offers will be distributed to
the affected employees by Sept. 5, 2007. The offer is
irrevocable as of September 19, 2007. The off the pay roll
date is Oct. 6, 2007.
