Boot Camp was again conducted on Friday, June 8, 2007 with member activists of Local 2336. This training was the first phase of the Union’s effort to build an Army of activists that will re-ignite the vigor and muscle of the labor movement—muscle that is required to make necessary changes for workers in this country.

This training will be conducted again (on a date to be announced) in July. Any member or retiree interested in attending this training should contact the Local on 202 291-1500.

The U.S. Senate’s vote on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, on the Employee Free Choice Act clearly demonstrates that a majority of Senators supports workers’ rights and the ability of working people to have a voice on the job by freely choosing union representation.

Fifty one (51) senators showed their support for workers’ rights by voting to move the legislation forward. Working people now have the House of Representatives and a majority of the United States Senate on their side and on record in support of real collective bargaining rights for workers.

This vote—along with the March vote by the House of Representatives—is a huge accomplishment for union activists and members of the Stewards Army who have invested their time and effort to make a real difference.

CWA Retiree Chapter 2336 of the Greater Washington, D.C. area is sponsoring its First Annual Crab Feast on Sunday, August 5, 2007 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Martins Crosswinds—7400 Greenway Center Dr., Greenbelt, MD. The cost is $55.00. For more details or to purchase tickets, call Patricia Cauley at 202 820-4135 or Betty Brooks at 301 336-5177.

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS

"Executive Level Grievance Filed"

>CWA District 2 has filed an executive level grievance related to the Denial of Pension Death Benefits to Shared Services Employees. This grievance affects both active and retired employees who worked for the Bell System during divestiture, and because of a break in service, qualify as Shared Services Employees.

The Union’s issue, on behalf of all affected bargaining unit employees within the jurisdiction of District 2, is the incorrect application of language in the 1986 MOU regarding "Limitations on Sickness Death Benefits" to "Pension Death Benefits", resulting in the denial of members’ death benefits under the Pension Plan.

CWA seeks the cessation of the denial of the Pension Death Benefits to Shared Services Employees, as well as, complete make whole relief for all affected CWA members.

The Local will keep the membership informed of any further developments regarding this grievance.

On Tuesday, June 19, 2007, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2336 and the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) reconvened for their third bargaining session.

PIW submitted to the Union a counter proposal for a restructured disciplinary policy. In response to the Union’s proposal for a reduced case load for Social Workers, PIW submitted an analysis of Social Workers’ caseloads. They also responded to the Union’s economic proposals submitted back on May 31^st with reports on Art Therapy and a PIW cost analysis.

The Union is currently reviewing the data submitted by PIW and will respond at the next bargaining session which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 6, 2007.

The Union will continue to keep the membership informed as appropriate, and appreciates your patience, as we progress.