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Comcast News and Bargaining Updates
On Monday April 17, 2007 negotiations between IBEW Local 21 and Comcast began for 100 members working at the companies Chicago [Cortland] work location. The bargaining unit mobilized and stands strong in solidarity. The current contract is set to expire on May 31, 2007.
The day started with the unions bargaining team wondering whether Comcast’s negotiators were going to participate or walk away. Comcast was shaken when they learned who was on the Union bargaining team.
Comcast attempted to rebuff rank-n-file members of the bargaining unit from participating in contract negotiations. The company stated that only union stewards should be allowed to sit in at the bargaining table. Our Union would not budge, demanding that the workers be allowed. After a lengthy discussion, Comcast finally agreed.
Comcast next objected to Frank Snyder being a part of the Local 21 team. Brother Snyder is a National Senior Organizer with the National AFL-CIO. Frank Snyder is an audacious activist in the Fight for Justice at Comcast and for all workers across our Nation. Comcast took a position that no one from the “outside” should be part of the contract negotiations. Local 21 told Comcast they had no right to restrict who was on the Union bargaining team. Our Union was and remains clearly prepared to charge Comcast with Unfair Labor Practices if Comcast negotiators make any attempt to limit the composition, or size, of the Union Negotiating Team.
After another unyielding discussion, Comcast negotiators agreed to begin negotiations, but not before requesting a copy of the Comcast Code of Conduct complaint recently filed by bargaining unit members, who sent the official complaint to Comcast’s Corporate headquarters in Philadelphia.
When the parties finally sat down at the table, the Union immediately laid out our demands. Local 21’s team passed all demands to the company negotiators. The union team passed 16 progressive contract proposals, including language for improvements in Overtime language, Sunday Pay, Holidays, and Wages, along with a new wage progression scale. The Local 21 team absolutely made it clear to Comcast that their blatant discrimination against workers that have chosen to be represented by a union must end!
Comcast passed 4 regressive proposals that would take away some rights that members have in their current contract. The union team is reviewing those disappointing company proposals.
After reviewing some of the union’s proposals, Comcast stated they were prepared to agree to some of the minor changes proposed by our Union. Comcast however, did not respond to any of Local 21’s economic proposals.
Brothers and Sisters your solidarity is more than apparent. Stand strong! Your voices have already been heard on the first day of negotiations.
The next bargaining dates are set for April 23 and April 24, 2007. The parties have agreed to several other dates throughout the month of May.
News for Members in Merrillville, IN
A meeting was set for Friday April 17, 2007 to discuss standing Merrillville grievances. The Merrillville transition vacation dispute will also soon be heard by an arbitrator. That case is scheduled for April 30, 2007.
News for Members in Comcast West Comcast West [the former Jones unit] -- in a huge arbitration win for our Union, Local 21 prevailed in the dispute about whether or not employees continue to accrue vacation and sick time while out on a workmen’s compensation disability. The Arbitrator disagreed with the Comcast’s position, and ordered Comcast to make whole all affected members who had lost this benefit, along with an order for the past practice to continue.
IBEW Local 21 Newswire
630.415.2711
Comcast News – Ext. Mailbox 2
We must all join in unity and support our Brothers and Sisters at the
Chicago Cortland shop as their contract negotiations continue. Solidarity!
News and other Resources for Workers at Comcast