Comcast News and Bargaining Updates

Bargaining resumed for the Cortland Ave. garage on Thursday June 28, 2007, with the Company standing on it ridiculous 2.25% wage offer and other regressive language. Our Union is demanding fair and equitable wages and benefits. The parties have agreed to have a Federal Mediator sit at the bargaining table. A mediator is not an arbitrator, his/her neutral recommendations are not binding. A mediator is only at the table to assist the parties in reaching an agreement. The next bargaining date is July 13, 2007.

In other bargaining related news Comcast has responded to the City of Chicago on IBEW Local 21’s complaint to the Chicago Cable Commission. In a letter dated June 7, 2007 Comcast claims they hoped to conclude the negotiations by the time the contract expired on May 31, 2007, but they say they will continue to bargain in good faith with the IBEW.

Yeah right. Comcast hoped that the union members would agree to be treated unfairly and accept a 2.25% wage increase and also, that negotiations would have been done by May 31st. Remember folks this is the same company that gave its non union employees up to a 6% raise last summer just because. Makes you wonder?

As far as bargaining in good faith … is that why Comcast hired a union busting law firm to sit at the table?

Comcast’s letter to the City gets better. They go on to say that the allegations by our Union are baseless. Comcast claims that the Company does not pay different wages based upon an employee’s union status. What is Comcast hiding from? We know the truth. Comcast is a low road predatory employer.

Well folks we don’t have to convince anyone. Do you know people in non union shops doing the same work you do and getting paid more? If your skills are the same and your pay is lower, the only thing that is different is your union status. This company has a vested interest to discriminate against you because you have a voice in the work place. Comcast keeps throwing money at the non union shops because they are scared that the non union employees will demand a voice in the workplace. This company has the non-union shops right where they want them. No voice, no rights and on probation 365 days a year as at will employees.

You are fighting for your voice and your rights. If this company would try to discriminate against you with a union what stops them if you don’t have a union? It wouldn’t be any better.

Challenge your supervisors, managers, especially if you have unannounced visitors show up… Tell them you want a fair contract now and you will not accept discrimination!

In other Comcast news:
It is important to know what is in your union contract. Stay informed each of us needs to understand what our contract says. Don’t take the company’s word pick up your contract and read it. Comcast has no morals.

Brothers and Sisters we are asking for all Union workers at Comcast to get involved in our fight. When we stick together as one strong unit we will move mountains. Ask your stewards on how you can get involved, pay attention to your Union board, this website and most importantly speak up. If it doesn’t sound right ask!

Solidarity!