Welcome to 363 IBEW Frontier Members Blog

Concession Update From Session 2

2012-03-06T10:08:00.001-05:00

On Monday March 5th both sides met for the second of the five scheduled dates agreed upon with the arbitrator.

The outcome was that the company was willing to give 50% concession to part of the membership which would have been acceptable.

The deal breaker was that the company wanted the North and Central members who wouldnt receive the 50% concession to get $30.00 off concession, whereas the South would receive only $ 20.00 off . We stated to the company that all three areas would either have to get the same percentage or the same dollar amount off. We firmly believe an arbitrator will rule that all areas have the same percentage.

We advised the company that will proceed to the arbitrator on May 3rd unless the company has a counter offer.

IMPORTANT DATES

2012-03-02T12:11:00.002-05:00

Monday March 5 - Concession Arbitration Session 2 in Johnstown

Monday March 5 - Jtown Meeting Dates Changed to this date. 5:15pm and 7:00pm

Tuesday March 6 - Norwich Recorder Election. Election will be held 8:00am to 7:00pm at the Sherburne Plant Center Cafeteria. Members who cant make it to the plant center or who want to vote online may vote online starting March 2 till March 6th @ 7pm. The candidates are Heather Burrell and CJ Lowe.

Thursday March 8 -Norwich Union Meeting Location TBD

Thursday March 15 -5:00pm Hulbert House Meeting

Concession Arbitration Update

2012-02-21T13:25:00.000-05:00

On Friday February 17th we met in Albany with the arbitrator. After the opening statements by both attorneys the arbitrator ordered both parties back to the negotiating table to discuss the concession language. The arbitrator ruled that he will oversee the process and that we had sixty days to agree to an arangement for concession. If we can not come to an agreement within the sixty days then he will proceed with the testimony process.
The following dates were agreed upon to meet an negotiate.

Feb 17

Mar 5

Mar 20

Mar 21

Apr 3

If more dates are needed prior to our return date of May 3rd we will schedule more.

Frontier layoffs in Fort Wayne, Ind

2012-02-08T16:01:00.002-05:00

Frontier layoffs in Fort Wayne, Ind. will cause customer disruption, argue unions

February 8, 2012 — 11:02am ET | By Sean Buckley

Local union leaders think that customers will have to pay the price with longer wait times to activate service and repairs.

Bruce Getts, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 723, argues that since only 60 of 142 service technicians in the Fort Wayne area actually conduct service activity in the field, they are reducing the local service staff by almost half.

"I tried to tell them that this isn't the way to be going, but they obviously didn't listen to me," said Getts, whose union represents about 850 Frontier employees in Fort Wayne, in a Journal Gazette article. "If someone is going to champion the cause of the customers, it's going to be (the union)."

These technicians, who are about to begin negotiations on a three-year contract that expired last November, will be offered positions in another part of the state or in Michigan. Getts thinks that the majority of the employees will likely take local call center positions that will reduce their hourly rate from $26 to $13 an hour.

Matt Kelley, a Frontier spokesman, maintains that the move is just part of an ongoing effort to "work more efficiently."

"It is a rebalancing of our (resources)," he said, adding that some Fort Wayne workers are already servicing customers in other parts of the state and Michigan. "Employees will have the opportunity to relocate to one of our locations in Indiana or Michigan."

For more:
- The Journal Gazette has this article

Great Turnout !!!!

2012-02-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Last night in Sherburne over 54 members attended the member orientation meeting. We want to thank everyone who attended and participated in this event. It is nights like last night that will move us in the right direction and keep our unity alive. Thank you and look forward to seeing all of you next month. Remember bring a friend.

January & February Anniversaries

2012-02-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

45 Years

Ed Page

40 Years

Gary Lee
Alicia Livingston

30 Years

Carol brown Malcolm

25 Years

Richard Ernst

15 Years

Michelle Buell
Scott Ernst

10 Years

Jennifer Hyrniak

UNIT UPDATES

2012-02-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

As of today February 1, 2012 Kelly has returned back to work in the retail store.
As of January 26, 2012 we submitted the paperwork to go to Arbitration for Shelley.
Friday February 3rd, All Retail stores will close.
Monday February 6th Middletown Visit
Tuesday February 7th, in Sherburne will be a Member Orientation Meeting
Friday February 17th will bo our concession Arbitration

Frontier Contract Updates

2012-01-09T23:25:00.001-05:00

1. IBEW 1245 California Voted down the companies Last and Best Final offer for the second time.

2. IBEW 1087 Tennessee is back at the table Tuesday and Wednesday after
voting down the companies Last and Best offer

3. Cecilia and Bobby C in Baltimore to discuss the Spinco contract that was
voted down before the holidays

This months union meeting in Johnstown we will discuss the Retail Store Closings in NY and the status of two of our members that were terminated due to the Retail store Closings.

2011-12-25T12:53:00.001-05:00

Updated Information

2011-12-09T13:09:00.001-05:00

1. The $50.00 Contract Anniversary Bonus due Oct 16, 2011 will be paid in the Dec22nd pay check

2. Tennessee IBEW 1087 Voted their contract down 60 -2

3. The Spinco locals with Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina voted their contract down

4. California IBEW 1245 Voted their contract down

5. Januarys union meetings will be an informational meeting for all union members on procedures, contract and steward information.

Union Meetings

2011-12-03T10:35:00.001-05:00

This Week we Have Two(2) Union Meetings

Tuesday Dec 6th - 6:00pm Exec Comm Mtg Sherburne

Tuesday Dec 6th - 7;00pm Sherburne Union Mtg

Thursday Dec 8th - 12:00pm Meet New Hires in Jtown

Thursday Dec 8th - 6:00pm - Exec Comm Mtg Jtown

Thursday Dec 8th - 7:00pm Jtown Union Mtg

I will discuss the topics that were discussed at the bargaining table in Tennessee IBEW 1087. I was invited to sit at the table with them on Thursday (12/1) and Friday (12/2).

If there is an item that you would like to discuss and be posted here please write it in the comment section so all the members can see what will be discussed.

Thanks

Clarkstown South Eliminates Clarkstown North

2011-10-28T08:45:00.000-04:00

http://www.msgvarsity.com/hudson-valley/chester-academy/clarkstown-south-eliminates-north-1.771362#

Tired of our concerns and questions being ignored

2011-09-07T08:08:00.006-04:00

To whom it May concern,

How long will it take for us to have our meeting with Cecilia !! We have been asking for a very long time with no response. Where is the concept that we are conversationilsts, here to provide excellent customer service. The only thing we are getting are NO calls, NO support to make this company excel over our cable companies and our pay staying at base pay with NO chance to achieve higher. We asked to speak to Cecilia whether it be in Johnstown or Stamford. It is now over a month and we have heard not one peep.

Retail Centers across the country look at our PFP and let that be your guide.

Brothers and Sisters lets sing it loud and clear that we are united and will not allow our thoughts and ideas to fall on deaf ears anymore.

Update

2011-08-24T10:47:00.000-04:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Over the last two days we held a Labor Management meeting in Sherburne, visited our brothers in Keeseville and concluded our trip last night in Adams.

Our brothers and sisters across the state have raised many questions and concerns. The two common concerns that have been raised are the lack of training and the under staffed departments. We will be speaking to the company about these two major items.

In regards to the Retail Stores we have another call on Monday August 29th and then will present to the company our list of questions.

We need to hear your concerns and questions, please use this page to write your concerns and thoughts. Let your voice be heard. Stay focused and united, we need to pull together in order for all of us to survive.

Thank

Fraternally yours,

Gil

Scare Tactic

2011-08-18T15:57:00.000-04:00

Verizon to strikers: Stop picketing, or lose benefits

Published: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 6:45 PM Updated: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 9:12 PM

By Leslie Kwoh/The Star-Ledger

Ed Murray/The Star-Ledger

About 45,000 Verizon union workers could lose their benefits Aug. 31 if they don't agree to a new deal, the company said today.

Thousands of Verizon union workers could lose their benefits on Aug. 31 if both sides cannot agree on a new contract, the company said today.

Verizon said it sent out letters to its 45,000 picketing workers reminding them about a contract provision, approved three years ago, stating that medical and other benefits would be suspended at the end of the month in the case of a strike.

"It’s not a surprise to them," said company spokesman Lee Gierczynski. "If the striking employees are not serving our customers, our investors should not be expected to pay their benefits."
Union representatives responded by accusing the company of employing "scare tactics."
"The point was to scare workers, of course," said Candice Johnson, a spokeswoman for the Communications Workers of America. "The best for everybody is to just get serious about negotiations and move forward."

The two sides have been locked in a standoff since Aug. 7, when negotiations for a new three-year contract broke down over provisions for health care and pensions. Verizon has filed court injunctions against the picketers in four states, including New Jersey, accusing them of harassment and obstruction at its facilities. The CWA, meanwhile, has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.

The strike ends more than a decade of peaceful labor relations between the telecommunications giant and its two unions, the CWA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which together comprise one-fifth of the company's national workforce.

A Charelston Gazette Article

2011-08-16T17:42:00.000-04:00

August 12, 2011

Union assails Frontier CEO's $8.6M pay package

Execs make out big while workers ignored, CWA leadership says

By Eric Eyre

CHARLESTON, W.Va. --

Frontier Communications CEO Maggie Wilderotter's total compensation jumped from $4.8 million to $8.6 million last year, and the increase is drawing criticism from union workers who are seeking pay raises in West Virginia. The Communications Workers of America said Friday that Frontier is rewarding its top executives -- to the tune of $2 million in bonuses -- but snubbing rank-and-file employees.

The union also took issue with recent statements from Wilderotter and Frontier West Virginia operations chief Dana Waldo that the union's contract demands were "rich and unrealistic."

"The priority for Frontier's top executives is to cut middle-class jobs and enrich themselves," said Elaine Harris, a Communications Workers spokeswoman in West Virginia. "If things are so good up there [for executives], then what about us?" Waldo responded that the union's attack on Wilderotter's compensation package is nothing more than a "red herring" designed to "distract attention from the real issue.

"We want to reach an agreement that reflects the reality we face in a very competitive environment, a contract that best serves the interests of our customers, company and our employees," Waldo said Friday.

Stamford, Conn.-based Frontier has 2,300 employees in West Virginia.

The Communications Workers and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are negotiating with Frontier on two new contracts that would cover workers in Bluefield and more than a dozen communities in central West Virginia.

Those employees -- referred to as "legacy" workers -- worked for Frontier before the company purchased Verizon's landline business in West Virginia last year. Former Verizon employees who joined Frontier after the July 2010 sale earn significantly more -- about $6 an hour -- than Frontier's "legacy" workers. The former Verizon employees work under a more lucrative contract -- one that Frontier inherited from Verizon -- that doesn't expire until 2013. The union wants Frontier to raise the "legacy" workers' salaries so their pay matches former Verizon workers' wages. "We've got people working side by side, getting paid different amounts," Harris said. "All we want is parity." Harris said Frontier could have reduced top executives' bonuses by $1.5 million and used the savings to "achieve parity for every single one of its employees" covered by the contracts now being negotiated.

"But in its infinite wisdom, the compensation committee of the Frontier board simply chose to line the pockets of the company's highest-paid employees," Harris said.

Last year, Wilderotter's compensation included stock awards worth $5.6 million, $1.2 million in incentive pay and a $750,000 bonus, according to a March filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Frontier also paid $39,843 in legal expenses that Wilderotter ran up while negotiating her employment contract.

Among other top executives:

Frontier Chief Financial Officer Donald Shassian's total compensation increased from $1.8 million in 2009 to $2.7 million last year.

Chief Operating Officer Daniel McCarthy's compensation increased from $1.2 million to $2.2 million.

Human resources executive Cecelia McKenney's pay package jumped from $952,434 to $1.6 million.

Commercial sales Vice President Peter Hayes compensation increased from $1.02 million to $1.3 million.
In July 2010, Frontier purchased Verizon's landlines in West Virginia and 13 other states as part of an $8.6 billion deal.
Frontier tripled in size with the sale.
Waldo said Frontier's board awarded Wilderotter a "market-based" compensation package.
"We want an agreement with the CWA that's also market-based and appropriate," Waldo said.
Reach Eric Eyre at http://www.wvgazette.com/News/contact/revprler+jitnmrggr+pbz+return=/News/201108122650?page=2&build=cache or 304-348-4869.

Protest, vigil held at Verizon CEO's West Nyack home

2011-08-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

A coffin carried by pallbearers clad in red T-shirts led a march Friday as 500 supporters of the 45,000 striking union members employed by Verizon marched to the home of the company's chairman and CEO.

Verizon Update !! Support our Brothers & Sisters in The IBEW and CWA

2011-08-07T10:24:00.004-04:00

A Letter from CWA to the Rockland County Central Trades Unions on an update of their negotiations. keep our brothers and sisters in mind. verizon is stating that they want to reduce things because of industry standards not that they can not afford. We are at the table in 11 months

Communications Workers of

America

Local 1107

3 E. Evergreen Road

New City, N.Y 10956

Robert E. Milone

Secretary/Treasurer

Legislative and Political Coordinator

Verizon at the Bargaining Table:

Tens of Billions in Profits, a Quarter-Billion in Executive Compensation, Intent on Destroying Middle-Class Jobs

DATE: August 5, 2011

President RCCLC Gil Heim

8 Taylor Lane

New City, N.Y 10956

Dear Gil,

We are writing to update you on the very serious situation currently taking place in our collective bargaining with Verizon Communications.

CWA’s contract with Verizon—covering 16,000 workers in New York, approximately 800 here in Rockland (and a total of 45,000 CWA and IBEW members from Massachusetts to Virginia)—expires on August 6^th.

The short story is this:

Despite over $19 billion in profits and $258 million in compensation to its top five executives over the last four years, Verizon seems hell-bent on destroying the middle class jobs CWA has fought so hard to create over the last 50 years of collective bargaining.

In the first several days of negotiations, Verizon has put on the table demands to:

· Eliminate all job security provisions of the contract.

· Vastly increase contracting out of work to low-wage contractors, including outsourcing jobs overseas.

· Freeze pensions for current workers and eliminate them for future employees.

· Replace the current high-quality health care plan with a high-deductible plan requiring thousands of dollars in premium cost-sharing.

· Eliminate accident disability benefits, and slash sickness disability benefits.

· Eliminate long-standing subsidies for employee child care.

· Slash paid holidays to seven.

· Reduce annual paid sick days to no more than 5, with none at all for employees with fewer than 2 years of seniority.

· Even eliminate the half-day off that was historically granted on Christmas Eve.

There is little question that the telecommunications industry is rapidly evolving. New technologies like FiOS, cable telephony, and wireless 4G are surging. Many young consumers are switching to wireless only. But all these technologies continue to depend on a robust land line network maintained and serviced by skilled workers. And millions of consumers remain dependent on landlines, no matter how eager the company may be to abandon them

Despite the rapid changes in the industry, and despite the worst economic environment in 75 years, Verizon has managed to remain enormously profitable. Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg alone pocketed $80.8 million in the last four years. Even more outrageous, Verizon actually managed to squeeze a $1.3 billion tax rebate out of the

U.S.

government despite its billions in profits. And in New York alone, Verizon has cut its workforce in half in the last decade —almost entirely through attrition and buyouts—a reduction of 15,000 workers.

At a time like this, corporations like Verizon should not be destroying middle class jobs. They should be helping to rebuild the American economy and sharing their success with the workforce that made it possible. And they should not be “redlining”

America

by refusing to build out FiOS in our upstate cities like Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Albany and Binghamton.

Instead, Verizon should be working with its unions to provide high quality service to the public and building out FiOS as broadly as possible. It should be ensuring that the unionized workforce—with good family-supporting jobs—grows with them. It should not be slashing living standards and contracting out work to low-wage contractors or to overseas companies.

If Verizon refuses to modify its outrageous demands at the bargaining table, there could well be a costly and economically damaging strike beginning on August 6^th.

We ask you to write Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg and President Lowell McAdam today and urge them not to destroy middle-class jobs across the Northeast. Urge them to moderate their bargaining demands and work cooperatively with their unions.

Thank you in advance for your support and we will keep you posted as the situation develops.

In Solidarity,

R. E Milone

Robert E. Milone

Legislative and Political Coordinator

CWA Local 1107

Chris Shelton Bob Master

Vice President, CWA District One Legislative and Political Director

CWA District One

Updated Info

2011-07-21T14:39:00.004-04:00

Saturday June 11 - We had 11 brothers and sisters complete the Basic
Electricity Class at the Harriman Training Center.

Congratulations to :

Rose Albert, Irene Benjamin, Darren Emmons,
Rafael Gonzalez, Lori Iacono,
Virginia Landin, Pricilla Page, Joe Rivenburg,
Lou Sciucco, Donnie Semple and Sandra Wright

Friday July 1 - Sam Fratto became the Business Manager of IBEW 363

Monday july 11 - We met with the 911 group to discuss the possibility
of temporary jobs. The company wanted to have them
extend past the contractual 6 months. The union gave
the company 3 options, which the company refused all 3.

Tues July 19 - We had an arbitration case regarding the awarded
position in the Business Sales and Service group.

Sam has sent a letter and a pin to all our brothers and sisters asking them to wear the pin with pride and to attend your local union meeting. Sam will be attending the August meetings in each unit. If you have not received your pin please contact me. Thanks Gil

June 9th Unit 12 Election Results

2011-06-09T19:37:00.000-04:00

UNIT 12 ELECTION RESULTS:

Chairman - Shelley Brockert

Vice Chair - Kathy Kalesa

Secretary - Janet Tyler

Exec Comm - Kathy Howell

Exec Comm - Ed Ruby

Exec Comm - Phyliss Santangelo

Exec Comm - Troy Thomas

Unit 43 Results

2011-06-07T20:34:00.000-04:00

UNIT 43 ELECTION RESULTS:

Chairman - Jeff Wathen

Vice Chair - Cindy Gumble

Secretary - Cheryl Bartle

Exec Comm - Pete Dinicola

Exec Comm - Kelly Carnachan

Exec Comm - Chad Morris

Exec Comm - Lori Reynolds

JOHNSTOWN ELECTION JUNE 9th 7am to 7pm

2011-06-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

JOHNSTOWN UNIT ELECTION

The Techs in the following areas can either vote at Johnstown Holiday Inn or by fax.

Keeseville

Boonville

Lowville

Pulsaki

Adams

NOC

WAH

To vote by fax you can print a copy of the ballot from the web site. http://www.363ibew.info/.

Once you print the ballot, you must put your name on the ballot and fax it back to 845-215-0062

Faxed Ballots must be received by 5:00pm on Thursday June 9, 2011

Faxed Ballots can be sent as early as 7:00am Monday June 6, 2011

Norwich Vote Tuesday June 7 7am to 7pm

2011-06-06T08:38:00.000-04:00

NORWICH UNIT ELECTION

The Techs in the following areas can either vote in Norwich, Sherburne or by fax.

WALTON

CHENANGO BRIDGE

NEWARK VALLEY

SIDNEY

WALTON

To vote by fax you can print a copy of the ballot from the web site. http://www.363ibew.info/.

Once you print the ballot, you must put your name on the ballot and fax it back to 845-215-0062

Faxed Ballots must be received by 5:00pm on Tuesday June 7, 2011

Faxed Ballots can be sent as early as 7:00am Monday June 6, 2011

Norwich Election June 7th

2011-05-30T20:14:00.001-04:00

ELECTION 1 Week Away Tuesday June 7

7am - 7pm @ Sherb. Am. Legion & Howard Johnsons

UNIT 43 - Candidates For Unit Office

Chairman ** - Jeff Wathen

Vice Chair ** - Select One (1)

Deb Bonanno

Cindy Gumble

                                   CJ Lowe

Recorder -                   Cheryl Bartle

Executive Committee - Select Four (4)

                                  Pete Dinicola
                                   Kelly Caranchan
                                   Jean Faucett
                                   Terry Greco
                                   Chad Morris
                                  Carolyn Powell
                                   Michelle Reilly
                                  Lori Reynolds

Elections will be held Tuesday June 7th 7:00am to 7:00pm
Sherburne American Legion & Howard Johnsons Norwich

** When elected as Chairman and Vice Chair they are also elected as the Unit's Bargaining Committee .

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Memorial Day

2011-05-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Brother and Sisters,

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day – to many of us that means a long weekend, barbecues, and maybe a quick vacation. But all too often we forget the true meaning of the holiday. We found a great article from another IBEW Locals web, and we are posting it below. Please read it, and join us in giving thanks to those soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And on Monday while we’re all enjoying our day off, join us in pausing briefly to give thanks.

Fraternally yours,

IBEW Business Agents and Officers

Memorial Day is the time for Americans to reconnect with their history and core values by honoring those who gave their lives for the ideals we cherish.

More than a million American service members died in the wars and conflicts this nation fought since the first
colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 to fight for independence. Each person who died during those conflicts was a
loved one cherished by family and friends. Each was a loss to the community and the nation.

The observance of this day was born of compassion and empathy in 1863. As the Civil War raged, grieving mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and other loved ones were cleaning confederate soldiers’ graves in Columbus, Mississippi, placing flowers on them. They noticed nearby the union soldiers’ graves, dusty, overgrown with weeds. Grieving for their own fallen soldiers, the confederate women understood that the dead union soldiers buried nearby were the cherished loved ones of families and communities far away. They cleared the tangled brush and mud from those graves as well as their own soldiers’ graves and laid flowers on them too.

Soon the tradition of a “Decoration Day” for the graves of fallen soldiers spread. On May 5,1866, when the Civil War was over, Henry Welles of Waterloo, New York, closed his drugstore and suggested that all other shops in town also close up for a day to honor all soldiers killed in the Civil War, union and confederate alike. It was a gesture of healing and reconciliation in a land ripped apart by conflict.

Sixteen years later, in 1882, the nation observed its first official Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who died in all our nation’s wars.

For decades, Memorial Day was a day in our nation when stores closed and communities gathered together for a day of parades and other celebrations with a patriotic theme. Memorial Day meant ceremonies at cemeteries around the country, speeches honoring those who gave their lives, the laying of wreaths, the playing of Taps.

In some places, these ceremonies continue. Sadly, many Americans have lost this connection with their history. All too many Americans today view military service as an abstraction, as images seen on television and in movies. For a growing percentage of the American people, Memorial Day has come to mean simply a three-day weekend or a major shopping day. Families might still gather for picnics, but for many of them, the patriotic core – the spirit of remembrance – is absent.

Many Americans have no experience with or connection to the military. There are many reasons for the disconnect. We have fewer and fewer veterans to share their stories. And many of our older veterans – especially those from World War II and Korea – tend to be reticent. They often don’t talk about their service.

Today, we have the smallest Army we’ve had in 50 years. Unlike past periods in our history, the majority of members of Congress today have not served in the military. Many Americans do not have any relatives or even neighbors who serve now or have ever served in the military. In fact, many Americans today have never even met a soldier.

In May 1996, Carmella LaSpada met a group of school children on the Mall in Washington DC. She asked them what Memorial Day meant. They all paused and then said, “That’s the day the pool opens.”

Ms. LaSpada decided she wanted to show these children and others like them why they are free and who paid for their freedom. She started the “Moment of Remembrance” campaign. Her goal is to put the “Memorial” back into Memorial Day.

She would like to see all Americans observe one minute of silence at exactly 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, as Taps plays, to honor those who sacrificed their lives for us.

That first year, 1,000 shopping malls in this country did what she asked on Memorial Day. They announced the moment of silence at 3 p.m.; so did several baseball stadiums, including those of the Yankees and Orioles; so did transportation centers, such as Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Amtrak, and bus lines. Several amusement parks announced the moment of silence.

Each year since 1996, the “No Greater Love Foundation” has worked to expand the campaign further. The goal is for every American to hear an announcement on Memorial Day at 3 p.m., calling for a moment of silence, one minute out of the year to remember those who made the greatest possible sacrifice.

I encourage you to join in the effort to spread the word about the Memorial Day moment of silence, to make it observed in more places.

2011-05-25T16:15:00.001-04:00

BASIC ELECTRICITY COURSE

Saturday June 11, 2011

9:00am – 4:30pm

IBEW 363 Harriman Training Center

67 Commerce Drive South

Harriman, NY 10926

Cost – Free to IBEW 363 Members Employed by Frontier

Upon successfully completing this course you will receive the Basic Electricity certification needed to bid on a Com Tech(I/R) position and Testboard.

To register for this course please email Gil stating that you will attend the course.

REMINDER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 10
VISIT WEB SITE FOR APPLICATION

UNIT 12 Candidates

2011-05-13T17:29:00.009-04:00

UNIT 12 - Candidates Nominated For Unit Office

Chairman ** - Shelley Brockert

Vice Chair ** - Select One (1)

                          Eric Dillenback

                          Nancy Harden

                          Kathy Kalesa

Recorder - Janet Tyler

Executive Committee - Select Four (4)

                            Kathy Howell

                           Ed Ruby

                          Phyliss Santangelo

                           Troy Thomas

Elections will be held Thursday June 9, 2011
7:00am to 7:00pm @ Johnstown Holiday Inn

** When elected as Chairman and Vice Chair they are also elected as the Unit's Bargaining Committee .

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Happy Mothers DayTo All Our Moms. !!!!!

2011-05-08T00:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day ! Thank You for everything you do for us !!

Unit 43 Candidates

2011-05-04T09:50:00.011-04:00

UNIT 43 - Candidates Nominated For Unit Office

Chairman ** - Jeff Wathen

Vice Chair ** - Select One (1)

Deb Bonanno

Cindy Gumble

SPINCO BARGAINING UPDATE !!! SUPPORT YOUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

2011-04-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

IBEW Locals 289, 986, 1106 and 1431 Bargaining Update

Posted by 5150 on April 28, 2011

Frontier Communications and IBEW MIFA #1 locals have finished bargaining the additional 14 days as per the MOA. The Company has refused to back down on all its concessionary proposals. To date there is still not one proposal by the Company that is an improvement for the membership. Frontier refers to these contracts, as the gold plated, unrealistic, over compensated Collective Bargaining agreements of the past. Yet the company awarded their executives lucrative bonuses and continues to pay its shareholders the highest yielding dividend of any S&P 500 company.

We apologize for the delay in updating the site. The date of the next meeting with Frontier was just agreed to and we wanted to include it in this update. We are currently scheduled to meet June 6-11 with the company and a Federal Mediator per the MOA. The main topics of bargaining are the Pension, Medical and Dental benefits, Short term disability, 401K and Combining job titles with the work. There are many MOA’s in the 5 Collective Bargaining agreements that expire and need to be renewed. Please make sure you attend your union meetings for more detailed information. We need every member to where there union shirt on every Thursday and at every Company Meeting. United we bargain Divided we beg!

Michael J. Brousseau
SCT-7 Chairman
Business Manager
IBEW Local 1106

IBEW Locals 289, 986, 1106 and 1431 Still negotiating with Frontier

2011-04-27T07:37:00.000-04:00

IBEW, Frontier Negotiations Continue

April 13, 2011

After months of talks, the latest round of negotiations between Frontier Communications and IBEW workers in four states came to a close April 1 – with no tentative agreements on any proposals put forth by the two parties.

Talks now move into a new phase of negotiations after the March 26 expiration of the current contract, which covers nearly 1,000 technicians, administrative workers and other employees. IBEW and Frontier representatives will meet again at the table from April 11-21. Members will remain covered under the previous agreement as discussions continue. Union negotiators are fending off company attacks on members of Durham, N.C., Local 289; Norwalk, Ohio, Local 986; Mason, Mich., Local 1106; and Sumter, S.C., 1431, who worked for Verizon before the company sold its rural landline services in 13 states to Frontier last year. Frontier’s current proposals include concessions and takebacks regarding wages, benefits, changes in overtime pay, schedule requests and other issues. Said Local 1106 Business Manager Mike Brousseau, who is lead negotiator and chairman of System Council T-7, which has about 3,500 former Verizon workers nationwide:The company believes that all of their concessionary proposals to diminish the level of benefits and working conditions are reasonable. Our bargaining committee has vehemently expressed its disgust with Frontier’s attempt to gut our contracts. If Frontier and the IBEW do not reach an agreement by late April, discussions will move to federal mediation. Brousseau said:

We need every member to support their bargaining committee throughout these contract negotiations.

The four locals help comprise the union’s System Council T-7.

Negotiators are also in talks to improve wages and benefits for members who are covered under the buried service wire agreement – a separate national contract for employees who lay and maintain wire underground.

Frontier purchased Verizon’s landlines in July 2010. Frontier has proven to be a successful company, avoiding the fate of FairPoint Communications, Inc., which acquired a chunk of Verizon’s landlines in 2008 before declaring bankruptcy the following year.

UPDATED INFO

2011-04-18T16:46:00.005-04:00

On Friday April 11, 2011 we received notice from the Arbitrator that we WON Penny Ferguson's Arbitration. Penny will start back in Directory on Tuesday April 19th. Penny was terminated in June 2010, Penny must be made whole with pay and benefits.

Arbitration Date for LD Job is set for July 19th.

UPDATE ON SAVE TEAM MEETING THURSDAY APRIL 14th.

The company and union agreed to the following terms of the save team project.

1. By May 12th the company will inform us if they plan on posting new Save Team permanent jobs or continue to utilize save team as a project.

2. If the company chooses to continue as a project, then four new individuals will fill the positions of the members who have went over six months ago.

3. If posting as a new job classification the union will be looking for pay to be on Schedule B.

4. All time worked on project can not be used towards experience.

5. Company will post new WAH jobs by the end of July.

A Call To All NY Work at Home Reps

2011-04-08T08:18:00.000-04:00

Ok NY WAH

Message From Kathy Kalesa:

We have a Labor Management meeting Thursday May 12, 2011

I need to have all your issues and concerns.

I would like to have them ASAP so I can put it all together, you can contact me via home email or at the union meeting , Thursday April 14th. Johnstown

Please do not sent via company email.

UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL

Check Out this Video

Rally in Newburgh

Hudson Valley, NY

Top Executives " In The Money"

2011-03-29T10:45:00.001-04:00

It's Nice to see while Frontier is bargaining contracts with Locals and stating they need to save money. That times are tough !!

But its OK to give our top executives 70 to 90% Raises !!!!

Frontier top execs' compensation jumps

By WILL ASTOR - 3/28/2011 2:57:51 PM

Frontier Communications Corp. chairman and CEO Maggie Wilderotter received a 77 percent bump up in pay last year.

Wilderotter’s total 2010 compensation of $8.6 million was up from $4.8 million in 2009, a proxy statement filed Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission shows.

Augmenting $974,167 in Wilderotter’s base pay were a $750,000 bonus, stock awards worth $5.6 million and $1.2 million in incentive plan compensation. Frontier picked up the tab for $39,843 in legal expenses incurred in the negotiation of a restatement of Wilderotter’s employment contract, the filing shows.

Next most highly paid after Wilderotter were:

· • Chief Financial Officer Donald Shassian, whose 2010 compensation of $2.7 million was up 52 percent from a $1.8 million pay package in 2009;

· • Chief Operating Officer Daniel McCarthy, whose 2010 compensation of $2.2 million was up 90 percent from $1. 2 million in 2009;

· • Cecelia McKenney, executive vice president for human resources and call center operations, whose compensation of $1.6 million was up 72 percent from $952,434 in 2009; and

· • Peter Hayes, executive vice president commercial sales, whose $1.3 million 2010 pay package reflected a 23 percent bump up from $1.02 million in 2009.

Frontier Update

2011-03-22T17:21:00.000-04:00

On March 14, 2011 thirteen(13) bilingual reps started working in Middletown.
IBEW Local 503 ratified their contract last week.

     1. 3 year contract
     2. Medical 21%   21% 23%
     3. GWI   2%   2.25%   2,25%
     4. Uniform Cleaning Allowance $7.00 per week

North Carolina - still in negotiationsgoing very slow. Company wants them to get to 20% in medical from zero.

Union Rally

2011-03-04T13:54:00.000-05:00

IBEW Local 363 Members Attend Rally in the Hudson Valley at Teamsters Union Hall

Ohio senator: GOP tries to take down unions, and so did Hitler and Stalin

By Jordan Fabian - 03/03/11 02:00 PM ET

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) took to the Senate floor Thursday to defend labor unions, saying that dictators like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin opposed them.
Brown said that unions have wrongly come under attack from Republicans and conservatives, who are pitting workers against one another in states like his, where governments are taking action on anti-union legislation. Though he said he was not making a direct comparison, Brown claimed that "some of the worst governments we've ever had" have opposed labor unions.

"As a nation, I look back in history and some of the worst governments we've ever had, you know one of the the first thing they did? They went after the trade unions," he said. "Hitler didn't want unions, Stalin didn't want unions. [Former Egyptian President Hosni] Mubarak didn't want independent unions."

Rhetoric over anti-union bills in Wisconsin and Ohio has reached a fever pitch, and politicians in Washington have adopted the cause to make political points.
Republican-backed bills in those states would limit public employees' ability to collectively bargain with the state. Supporters say that removing collective bargaining would make it easier to cut costs for states that are broke.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) said this week that abolishing collective bargaining rights would be akin to reinstituting slavery. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) said that collective bargaining has no place in representative government.
After Brown invoked Hitler and Stalin, he immediately said that he was not comparing Wisconsin to the Nazi and Soviet regimes.
"I'm not comparing what's happening to the workers in Wisconsin to Hitler and Stalin," he explained, "but I am saying that history is teaching us that unions are a very positive force in society that creates a middle class and protects our freedom."
Brown did repeatedly attack Republicans for going after unions.
"We've seen a real play on fear. They're trying to pit the private sector workers against the public-sector workers," he said. "That is the most base Karl Rove-type politics to turn working-class people one against another."

West Virginia Frontier Employees "Frustrated"

2011-02-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

February 16, 2011
Frontier workers 'frustrated' by expiring contracts
By Eric Eyre

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Frontier Communications' union workers are frustrated about expiring labor agreements and slow contract negotiations, the Communications Workers of America said Wednesday. Frontier's board of directors is meeting this week in Charleston, the site of the company's southeast regional headquarters.

"We felt it was important to let the board know workers around the country from both the new and old Frontier have serious concerns about their jobs," said union spokeswoman Elaine Harris. "We've watched as two labor agreements with Frontier have expired. Talks for those new contracts have dragged on but there's still no agreement in sight."

Contracts between Frontier and union workers in North Carolina and Rochester, N.Y., recently expired.

"It all comes down to simply maintaining quality jobs and benefits," said John Puloski, a CWA representative in Rochester.

During the next five months, six more employee contracts with Frontier -- including West Virginia ones in Bluefield and St. Marys -- are set to expire.

Frontier CEO Maggie Wilderotter and fellow board members are expected to conclude their meetings in Charleston today.

CWA members have started a campaign called "We're fighting for our future." Union workers also distributed leaflets about stalled contract negotiations at Frontier's regional headquarters at 1500 MacCorkle Ave. S.E. this week.

On July 1, Frontier bought Verizon's telephone landline business in West Virginia and 13 other states as part of an $8.6 billion deal. Frontier picked up nearly 600,000 landlines from Verizon in West Virginia.

Stamford, Conn.-based Frontier has about 2,300 workers in West Virginia, with plans to hire 80 more this year.

Happy Valentines Day !

2011-02-14T09:51:00.003-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We would like to wish all a Happy Valentines Day !!

When you get a chance, if you have not seen this video take time out to watch the Techs and Conversational Expert segments

http://www.myfitv.com/faces_of_frontier/nationwide/539579

Email Sent Today

2011-02-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

From: Gil Heim [mailto:gjh363@optonline.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 3:06 PM
To: Decuyke, Catherine
Cc: Slocum, Kathleen; Robbins, Joyce; Schaaff, Tom; Brockert, Shelley; Kalesa, Kathy; Harden, Nancy
Subject: Noble issues

NOBLE ISSUES STILL HAPPENING

Was talking to customer 9286593214 and lost my Noble “again” 3rd time today. G001 ext 2464

Was with customer 6514335316 at 9:13 and lost Noble and then hung up my system. G001 ext 2464

Just lost my caller middle of conversation AGAIN

Catherine,

We are still dealing with issues on Noble, when will I hear from the company that the members will not go down in pay next quarter due to all the issues.

I have still not heard back from Cecilia. With a date that she is available for a meeting.

Gil

A MEMO SENT FROM COMPANY YESTERDAY

From: PST Team

Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 8:20 PM

Subject: RE: noble Go38

We have had network issues all day across the Enterprise. This greatly impacts Noble on your desktop. Please either turn your PC off and restart it or restart your remote session – whichever is applicable. This should reset your network connection and hopefully improve your issues.

Dave Velleu

Technical Analyst

Projects and Supporting Technologies (PST)

Why was this sent out at 8:20pm and not earlier to all reps?

Joint Statement From Frontier, Centurylink, Qwest & Windstream

2011-02-09T14:41:00.000-05:00

Joint Statement by CenturyLink, Frontier, Qwest and Windstream on Chairman Genachowski’s Remarks Today at the Information and Innovation Foundation on Modernizing and Streamlining the Universal Service Fund

2011-02-07 23:35:15 -

The following statement is attributed to CenturyLink Inc., Frontier Communications Corp., Qwest Communications and Windstream Corp. on Chairman Genachowski’s remarks today regarding reform of the Universal Service Fund and intercarrier compensation.

“CenturyLink, Inc., Frontier Communications, Windstream Communications and Qwest Communications are committed to broadband deployment and providing top-quality communications capabilities to the largely-rural territories we serve. We applaud Chairman Genachowski’s call for comprehensive and rational reform of the nation’s intercarrier compensation regime and Universal Service Fund. We agree that such reform should encompass the pursuit of modernization, fiscal responsibility, accountability, market-driven and/or incentive-based outcomes, and sensible transitions. While there are many important details yet to be worked out, we are eager to participate in the Commission’s process moving forward. It is imperative that any of the proposed changes are focused on true consumer benefit and will facilitate long-term network investment, job creation, and improved broadband and voice services.

The National Broadband Plan highlighted the importance of rural broadband, echoing the priority that FCC Chairman Genachowski has repeatedly given to rural broadband deployment for all providers. We agree that the digital divide within rural America cannot be allowed to persist. We, therefore, look forward to a sensible reform process that creates effective and predictable mechanisms that will serve the public interest by promoting consumer choice through support of existing networks and bringing affordable broadband services to all Americans in high-cost rural areas.”

Frontier Communications Steven Crosby, 916-686-3333SVP,

Government and Regulatory Affairs steven.crosby@ftr.com : mailto:steven.crosby@ftr.com

Information

2011-01-24T13:34:00.001-05:00

Please Let a Steward Know if you are having a hard time getting your vacation selection approved. Also the two day rule has to do with vacation time only.

On Monday January 24, 2011 I received a call from Frontier informing us as of June 30, 2011 Monroe assignment will be going to Sherburne.

When we receive more details I will post them on our website and here on the blog. Monroe IBEW 503 is currently in bargaining with the company.

Tommy went to a TCC4 meeting in Washington DC today and was going to discuss with Bob and Cecilia the following issues. We will inform you of the outcome

1. OSHA regulations on polyester clothing

2. Dress Code policy

3. WAH reps pay and the issues with the phones

4. Uniforms

401K Notice

2011-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Email Sent from Robert J Costagliola regarding 401k.

Gents –

You may heard, but Fidelity made a major error this week and instead of sending out a letter to only Frontier non-union employees about the match improvement (increasing the current 3% potential match on a 6% contribution to 4% potential match on an 8% contribution), the letter (sent under Brian Carlo’s signature) was sent to all Legacy employees, including unionized employees, even though the improvement was not negotiated and not approved for non-union employees (except the IBEW 363 bargaining unit, as I discussed with Gil and as per the e-mail below I sent to Gil on 12/16/10).

A letter was then sent by Fidelity (under their own letterhead) to all unionized Legacy employees explaining and apologizing for the error.

Of course, the Company still intends to offer the improved match in IBEW 363 to new hires as well as anyone who may elect to move from the pension to the 401(k) Plan during the one-time election that will take place later this Quarter. I just learned today that the mini re-enrollment will take place from March 8 to March 15, 2011 for IBEW 363 employees. Changes will be effective 4/1/2011. The Plan is to offer the option to switch to the 401(k) during the mini re-enrollment process and we are hoping to have a Fidelity rep present at employee benefit meetings to discuss and answer questions about the 401(k) Plan.

Anyway, once the dust clears from Fidelity’s blunder, we will send something out (as discussed) letting your members know they (and post 10-21-10 new hires) are eligible for the improved match.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Gil, I don’t believe you ever replied to the attached e-mail with a confirmation the Union’s agreement to the improved match. Could you do so by replying to this e-mail please.

Thanks and have a good (snowy) weekend.

Bob

2011-01-06T12:28:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to All !

Questions and Answers:

1. Once I select my vacation can I change it, company states I am locked into those dates?

A member can change their selected vacation as long as you give 2 calendar days of notice and you have a compelling reason See Article 10.08

2. What is a Conversational Expert?

Work at Home reps are still classified as WAH reps, we did not change your title to Conversational Experts

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

On Behalf of all the Officers, Members, Agents and Staff we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

2010-12-17T16:27:00.008-05:00

An employee can change their scheduled vacation up to two days prior to taking their vacation if there are compelling reasons.

NEW CONTRACT LANGUAGE:

10.08 If conditions arise either because of the needs of the business or personal consideration of employees requiring changes in the vacation schedule, such changes may be made by arrangement between the Company and the employees affected. It is agreed that employee requests to cancel or change previously scheduled vacation shall be kept to a minimum; such requests must be made at least 2 calendar days before the scheduled start of the vacation and must be based on unforeseen developments or compelling personal circumstances

CECILIA MCKENNEY ALLOWS REPS TO PARTICIPATE IN TTL

I have received some emails from employees who think they cannot participate in Take the Lead. I want to clarify eligibility for Take the Lead. Commissioned Representatives are eligible for Take the Lead for the segment they don’t sell to.

· For example, a Residential Call Center representative can refer business leads and a Business call Center representative can refer residential leads

All Classifications in all areas should be selecting their vacations for 2011.

WAH Reps Can partcipate in TTL

2010-12-15T12:03:00.000-05:00

From: McKenney, Cecilia
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 2:49 PM
To: McKenney Call Center
Cc: Guy, Betty; Woods, Bob; Tobe, Mary A.; Slocum, Kathleen; Clapp, Terry; Mailloux, Kevin; Snedegar, Steven; Quinn, Aoife; Oddo, Jim; Carlo, Brian; Costagliola, Robert; Kruger, Mike D.; Homes, Peter; Monaco, Lynne; Barratt, Gregg; Stitts, Dewayne
Subject: RE: Ending the year

Hi again everyone,

· For example, a Residential Call Center representative can refer business leads and a Business call Center representative can refer residential leads

· The Powerpoint presentation attached outlines all the Take the Lead Program details

Take the Lead Contacts:

Minnesota: 866-454-3706 option 1 for Residential, option 2 for Business

North Central Properties (NCP): 888-772-3501

WV (New Frontier): 800-220-5894

All other areas: 888-392-5323 (LEAD) option 1 for Residential, option 2 for Business

Residential Leads for East Region After Hours or Community Events- 866-544-5585.

· The Link has all the submission information…cut and paste this in your web browser to get to it:

· http://home.fcinternal.net/take_the_lead/default.asp?ID=2

So all employees are eligible in the call centers for the Super Bowl incentive, beyond the great incentives month by month that we have like Wrap It Up that we don’t offer to all employees.

Thanks,

Cecilia

Cecilia K. McKenney
EVP, HR and Call Center Sales & Service
Frontier Communications
3 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905
203-614-5047
cecilia.mckenney@ftr.com

I can help you!

Welcome to the IBEW 363 Frontier Members Blog

2010-12-06T12:18:00.003-05:00

WE ARE PROUD UNION WORKERS AND MEMBERS. WE ARE IBEW 363!

WE WILL ALWAYS WORK HARD, DISPLAY A GOOD ATTITUDE AND WE WILL DEMONSTRATE OUR SOLIDARITY FROM NOW ON.

This blog will work in conjunction with our web site. It will be another tool for our brothers and sisters to communicate and express their ideas and viewpoints.

To start us off, here are some topics we can exchange ideas about or any other topic you would like to discuss. The items below are just suggestions.

1. Yearly Get together What, where and when
2. Times of union meetings
3. Topics and format of meetings

Contract Vote Today !!!

2010-12-03T01:23:00.000-05:00

The spirit of the people at Frontier is high! The Genie is finally out of the bottle and we are ALL TOGETHER! Everything is right where it should be!

Today Friday Dec 3 is our Contract Vote 7:00am to 7:00pm

Middletown John Street
Sherburne Call Center
Johnstown Harrison Street

The results of our contract vote will be posted here and on the web site tonight after 9:30pm.

WE ARE PROUD UNION WORKERS AND MEMBERS. WE ARE IBEW 363! WE WILL ALWAYS WORK HARD, DISPLAY A GOOD ATTITUDE AND WE WILL DEMONSTRATE OUR SOLIDARITY FROM NOW ON.

Tentative Agreement

2010-11-24T12:18:00.000-05:00

The spirit of the people at Frontier is high! The Genie is finally out of the bottle and we are ALL TOGETHER! Everything is right where it should be!

There is much work being done right now - everyday - by your reps who are working hard in these contract negotiations.

You have made great choices and selected Unit Chair and Vice Chairman who truly look out for their fellow workers. The people you selected are fair, experienced and level headed. These are the people you want at the table representing you.

We have reached a Tentative agreement. The following schedule will be followed to provide contract informational meetings.
Monday Nov 29 - Middletown 7:00pm
Wednesday Dec 1 - Chestertown 12:00pm
Wednesday Dec 1 - Johnstown 8:00pm
Thursday Dec 2 - Boonville 12:00pm
Thursday Dec 2 - Norwich 8:00pm

Friday Dec 3 Contract Vote 7:00am to 7:00pm
Middletown John Street
Sherburne Call Center
Johnstown Harrison Street

Let them see and read that we are together. USE THIS BLOG TO COMMUNICATE YOUR THOUGHTS. Let it rip!!!

WE ARE PROUD UNION WORKERS AND MEMBERS. WE ARE IBEW 363! WE WILL ALWAYS WORK HARD, DISPLAY A GOOD ATTITUDE AND WE WILL DEMONSTRATE OUR SOLIDARITY FROM NOW ON.

All we want is a fair written contract - nothing more. THIS TIME WE ARE READY TO STAND STRONG FOR THAT.

The union is behind us - we shall not be moved.

I Got Those Empty Feed Bag Blues

2010-11-13T07:37:00.000-05:00

Time to fill the feedbag! All we want is a fair contract!

WOW!!! 25,000 Hits!!! Wake Up Maggie!

2010-11-05T23:40:00.001-04:00

The World Is Watching!!!!!

All we want is a fair contract and Offline Work brought back to Johnstown!

If the company is really concerned about their customers and the company kicking the competitions tail !!

THEN OFFLINE MUST COME BACK TO JOHNSTOWN !! Deland is choking you !!

Which Side Are You On?

2010-11-02T22:17:00.000-04:00

Now is the time to band together as never before -
support your co-worker and support yourself!

Nuff said.

You Say You Want A Revolution?

2010-10-29T22:56:00.001-04:00

We don't wanna change the world! We just want a fair contract......nuff said.

You Can't Scare Me! I'm Stickin To The Union!

2010-10-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

Nuff said.

WOW!! 15, 000 Hits!! I Ain't Gonna Work On Maggies Farm No More!

2010-10-20T19:59:00.008-04:00

Time to take a stand Brothers and Sisters!

We were there for the company - giving them their furlough when they said they "needed" it.

They spit in our faces, took our money and gave it to other employees for being LOYAL!

It's their turn to make that up to US now!

That was deceptive and cruel to do to your loyal New York employees!

I ain't gonna work ( for nothing ) on Maggies farm no more!

I Won't Back Down - Gonna Stand My Ground

2010-10-12T22:12:00.000-04:00

NO.....WE WON'T BACK DOWN.

What we want is fair bargaining and a fair contract. That is what is important to us. Last time around did not make us feel good about our company.

This years bargaining preparation was different. This time the people came out and voiced their opinion. We have had many discussions between ourselves, many meetings and even rallies.

Our people want fair compensation and treatment.

If SOME are worth millions - we are surely worth a middleclass wage.

We give a lot to this company, we work hard and we care about this company. We just care about ourselves too and this time we aren't going to get bit.

We have our blog now to express ourselves and to discuss what our opinions and concerns are. It is empowering to people to be able to express themselves. We hear them loud and clear.

.....and they are solid and they are strong and they are determined to get that fair contract.

No........ WE won't back down.

As Never Before! Solidarity Forever!

2010-10-08T21:59:00.030-04:00

IBEW Local 363 would like to thank all of the other locals and members who have shown their support for us. We also want to congratulate OUR MEMBERS for taking an active role in these very important negotiations.

We heard the peoples concerns. In all of our locations the CONCERNS were the same no matter where we went! The people want a fair negotiation and a fair wage. We don't want to be lied to AGAIN and we want to be treated with RESPECT.

We are truly together and UNITED. Not only locally but statewide and nationally. We are getting more locals calling us asking what they can do to support us. Our members are emailing us, calling us and commenting on this blog.

We are following a plan to help us reach our goals. We will be having more meetings with our membership. Our POWER IS IN THE PEOPLE.

Get on this blog and let's let our opinions, concerns and feelings be heard!

The time for sitting on the sidelines went away with the FIRST HOUR OF FURLOUGH!

LET'S HEAR WHAT YOU GUYS THINK! ...BOTH MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS!

Stay Solid, Stay Strong.......
............... and don't drink the koolaid!

Who Are You?

2010-10-02T10:18:00.002-04:00

Our bargaining committee is unified and together. We know we have the people behind us as never before.

One of the biggest issues that the people have is that they have hard time believing what the company tells them. There is a certain lack of trust that needs to BE REPAIRED. We are told that we will see more jobs come to our area, only to be disappointed.

We are told because of company finances we need to choose between layoffs and a furlough. We do it. We reluctantly take the furlough. A DAY LATER we see proof that it did NOT have to happen at all. A terrible slap in our face.

All we get is demands for more work with LESS PAY. As we watch others get loyal employee rewards.

It wasn't always like this. Not like this.

What happened to the company?

Who are you?

Stay Strong, Stay Solid, Stay United.

Come Together!

2010-09-30T19:55:00.001-04:00

We had some special guests at our negotiation session today. Besides our committee we had John Pusloskie, President from CWA Local 1170 Rochester, Brian Scott, Business Manager from IBEW Local 503 Monroe and John Kaiser, Business Manager from IBEW 320 Sylvan Lake,NY. CWA 1170 commences bargaining in January and IBEW 503 commences bargaining in January.

Working people are under attack everywhere. We ALL STRONGLY feel that it is time to "Come Together" and help each other.

We all have responsibilities and families to take care of. We need a FAIR CONTRACT THIS TIME. The people feel they were taken advantage of with the furlough. We are through with the disrespect shown to us as loyal employees at the bargaining table.

It seems that the company has been pushing for us to keep losing ground. The people are at their breaking point and we are not asking for the moon either. We, your loyal employees, are done being pushed around just for the sport of it.

It's time for you to be fair to us.

Everyone who works for their paycheck.....

Come Together.

United United United We Stand!

2010-09-26T10:52:00.001-04:00

We are doing a great job of mobilizing ourselves to stand together for GOOD OF ALL Frontier 363 members. Together we are strong. We cannot be divided.

Our paychecks and jobs are not a game or joke to us.

We ALL have families. EVEN THEY question how much more the COMPANY can try to take from us. That is not right. Some fairness and dignity in this job is worth standing up for. We want a fair contract and we want to give a fair contract back.

It is time for all of us workers in every unit, in every location, in every state to start talking, communicating and supporting each other.

Solidarity! 363 United!

TO POST A COMMENT CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW

Which Side Are You On? 363 Members Meet Here, Talk Here

2010-09-23T23:26:00.001-04:00

After having met with our members to formulate our plan, bargaining has already begun for the new contract. We know that we have a tough negotiation ahead of us this year. IBEW Local 363 wants our members to be able to voice their opinions about what they want, what they fear and what they feel.

IBEW 363 wanted to provide our members and members from other locals with a way to compare notes and exchange things they may have heard or just to express themselves. It is important that we all stay as tight as we have been leading up to this. This is a different negotiations for us too. We are strongly together this year!

Let's talk about what we hope to see happen in these meetings. Open discussion is encouraged and we want our people to show that we ARE together in this. We are one. Everything about our contract and SOLIDARITY is what we want to open dialog on.

Comments that are not suitable for the general public will not be processed. Personal attacks on any member will not be processed. Profane language will not be processed.

Which Side Are YOU On?

TO POST A COMMENT CLICK ON COMMENTS BELOW:

Keep it clean and let it rip.