IBEW Local 21

Labor Day 2010

The officers and staff of IBEW Local 21 would like to wish all of our members Happy Labor Day. The observance of Labor Day began over 109 years ago it was conceived by America's labor unions as a testament to their cause. Labor Day honors the contributions of working men and women to America’s social and economic life. The U.S. Department of Labor describes Labor Day this way: “It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.”

This year, working families will spend Labor Day marching, rallying, and picnicking to honor the nation's workers and their work. For more information on an event near you visit the Illinois AFL-CIO website or Indiana AFL-CIO website.

AT&T Terms Get Jobs Instead of Pink Slips

July 22, 2010 - After numerous discussions over the fate of the remaining seventy (70) Term employees, in a meeting just concluded this morning, IBEW Local 21 and AT&T have reached an agreement where all terms will be offered a position in the Prem Tech organization. Short of this agreement, AT&T had planned to end employment for these employees tomorrow on Friday, July 23, 2010

Term employees will be attending meetings this afternoon, on Thursday, July 22nd in company locations and garages so they can hear the details of the new job offers, where the jobs will be located, and to preference for the new work locations. IBEW Local 21 will have representatives present in these meetings.

AT&T to Cut More Jobs in Illinois

Friday July 9, 2010- AT&T management announced their plans to terminate the employment of the remaining term employees working for the company. Our Union knowing a good paying job with benefits is hard to find in these tough economic times asked that the term employees be allowed to fill open positions including those in the U-Verse Department as Premise Technicians to keep these members employed. Upper level management turned their backs on their own highly trained employees when they said; we can get better people off the street. [More]

AT&T Preferences Complete

Wednesday July 7, 2010 - The Construction and I&M preferences are complete. Members will be reporting to their new work locations on Monday July 19, 2010. Our Union attempted to fix the problems created when AT&T forced members into the Cermak garage. However, AT&T Management decided to allow that arbitration to proceed forward rather than dealing with the concerns of those members today. [More]

IBEW Local 21 Wage Increases Kick-In at AT&T

Tuesday June 29, 2010 - This week, effective Sunday June 27, 2010, union negotiated wage increases were implemented. Based on Article 13 of our collective bargaining agreement, basic weekly wage rates are increased 3% at the maximum rate, exponentialized with no change in the start rate. The minimum, progression and maximum weekly rates for all covered job titles will be as provided in the wage schedules included in Appendices B and T of our collective bargaining agreement. [More]

A Big Thank You to all that Participated!

Last week’s Michael A. Kunas Memorial Golf Outing and the related Michael A. Kunas Memorial Fund Charity Auction were both a huge success. Your attendance, participation and overall support helped us all assist a union family, and honor and remember our good friend Mike Kunas.

A sincere Thank You goes out to all!

News for Members Working at AT&T

June 17, 2010 - Our Union’s commitment to improving safety in the workplace has taken another step forward. In construction, safety committees will be formed at each garage location. The committees will be comprised of one member from each crew. [More]

I&M Preference in Construction - Preference forms were distributed by managers to C&E splicer’s to fill both OPT and half of the available DEG positions. The preference forms must be returned to management by Tuesday June 22nd.

The I&M preference is completely voluntary and therefore, no employees will be forced into C&E positions. [More]

In I&M, our Union was able to negotiate the ability for members to voluntarily work four ten-hour days. The ability to work 4x10’s will be negotiated for each work location by your designated Business Representative and Company Director responsible for your area. [More]

The Central Office scheduling trial has been determined to be successful. There will soon be a meeting with all CO Union stewards so the process can be implemented in all Central Offices.

News for Members Working in the City of Chicago OEMC

Wednesday June 9, 2010 - The Illinois Labor Relations Board for a second time has denied IBEW Local 21’s petition to sever from bargaining Unit 2. We are attempting to create our own bargaining unit minus SEIU. IBEW Local 21 is appealing the Board’s decision to the Illinois Appellate Court.

The “COUPE” hearing at the Illinois Labor Relations Board will begin at 9:00 am on Monday, June 14, 2010 and if necessary continue on Thursday June 17th. It’s a public hearing and any member can attend. The Illinois Labor Relations Board is located at 160 N. LaSalle, Suite S-400.

Donate to the 2010 4th of July Pizza Party for our Troops

Sunday, May 23, 2010 - In our October, 2008 issue of Frontline, we covered the story of how IBEW Local 21 member Mark Evans started Pizzas4Patriots, and how he helps feed our Troops overseas, making their lives just a little bit easier on a pizza devouring special day of the year.

Well, Brother Evans is dishing it up again! Just a few weeks from now, on this July 4th, Evans is planning a five-continent pizza delivery for our Troops in the Middle East and other countries. This is his third year of providing a slice of home for our troops. IBEW Local 21 supports Mark in his efforts. Now - he’s enlisting your help. If you would like to make a donation, please visit his website http://www.pizzas4patriots.com to make a donation or call Evans at 847-357-0000. Please donate and feel great knowing you made the 4th of July, 2010 special for our troops overseas!

2009 AT&T Bargaining & Mobilization News

Archived News Stories

I.B.E.W. Local Union 21
1307 Butterfield Rd., Suite 422
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
(630) 960-4466
(630) 960-9607 fax