Comcast News and Bargaining Updates

This is Monday May 24, 2007 update.

Bargaining resumed for the Cortland facility on May 18, 2007. Local 21 conveyed our disappointment to Comcast that the company did not respond to the union’s proposal on the Cromlech program. The company had the nerve to say they didn’t think it was a real proposal. Again, due to Comcast, we had a very unproductive day. All members receiving this news should listen and act appropriately beware this effects us all.

Did the company come back on Tuesday May 22nd ready to bargain? I know this will shock our readers, but the answer is no. Comcast came true to form - while acting unprepared, they did bring someone new to the table, a UNION BUSTING lawyer from the notorious high paid law firm of Seyfarth and Shaw. Brothers and sisters we must stay united against this anti-worker company

On Wednesday May 23, 2007, our union took its issues straight to the top as 10 Comcast workers from Cortland and the west area went before Comcast CEO Brian Roberts at the shareholders convention in Philadelphia and voiced their discuss and distrust for this company. The speakers ranged from newly hired employees to seasoned veterans. Brothers and Sisters from other locals as well as the AFL-CIO, CWA and various religious groups also spoke on the anti-union ways of Comcast. But not only did workers stand up Comcast’s’ own customers and shareholders took to the microphone to try to get the company to respond. One bright quick witted woman told Mr. Roberts “You should look people in the eye when they talk to you and you say one thing but your body language says another.” Another Shareholder who has been a shareholder for 20 years said “I’m concerned that there are workers who have shirts that say Comcast doesn’t care about its workers.” Before leaving the meeting workers urged Brian to make a call because bargaining was the next day in Chicago. They said Comcast should start acting like a responsible company and have good relationship between the union and company. Brothers and sisters the cat is coming out of the bag, as this is only the tip of the iceberg and we are about to show more.

Bargaining did resume today, on May 24th, with the union cautiously optimistic that the company would maybe now come to the table and be fair. But the company team stone faced rejected the Union’s proposal on the Com-Tech program. They did up their offer a whole whopping .015% to make an even 2% yes that’s right still under $11 per hour for a starting installer. THEY JUST don’t want to treat us fairly. The message was clear COMCAST DOES NOT WANT A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH it’s EMPLOYEE’S, they can’t be much clearer.

As stated before Brothers and Sisters in the Cortland facility - it is imperative that you talk to your alderman if they have not received a packet from you. TAKE them one; if they have your packet follow up with them let them know that you want them to support immediate hearings on the complaint filed by your onion. See a Steward or bargaining committee member for more Information

News at the Merrillville Unit

Members in the Merrillville shop have been getting disciplined for high repeats some of which are out of their control. Management doesn't seem to care what the reason for the repeat is they just want to issue discipline. Local 21 is looking into the issue.

Our Union wants ALL members to protect themselves against repeats. Do your job safely and follow all company practices when doing your job. Go to whatever means necessary to avoid a customer repeat. The customer is number one they pay exorbitant rates to Comcast give them the service they expect. Remember Safety First - Quality Second - and the rest doesn't really matter.