On Tuesday, July 3, 2007, members of Local 2336 with assistance from the district staff hand billed the AT&T location at Connecticut & L Street N.W. making the public aware of the Company’s unfair treatment of its employees.

The Union’s Commission Committee reports no progress in obtaining a workable commission plan in the contract. The problem with this company is they cannot be trusted with the dates they give us. For example, back in April we discussed a new accessory table, which could give our members some additional commissions, which they told us, could be implemented within 2-3 weeks—it’s now July.

The Local will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates with the intent to intensify mobilization activities if there continues to be no progress.

There will be an advanced steward training session held on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 in Lot 1 at Rock Creek Park. The session will begin at 5 p.m. All stewards are requested to R.S.V.P. by Friday, July 20, 2007.

Verizon Connected Solutions Inc. (VCSI) was created by Verizon to provide a lower cost subsidiary that would allow Verizon to compete in the deregulated services side of the business. It also created an enormous amount of tension between the bargaining units.

Verizon "CORE" technicians didn’t like VCSI technicians "stealing their work" and VCSI technicians didn’t understand why they were being disrespected for just doing their jobs. After all, they are CWA brothers and sisters too.

It took some time and effort, but CWA members at VCSI and Verizon united for the betterment of all. They understand each other’s role and respect one another. They also understand Verizon insisted on this arrangement and the division it caused among the workers was just an added bonus for the Company.

With the big push toward FIOS deployment along with other policy changes, constant confusion has become the norm. While the VCSI contract spells out their role, CWA is adamant that the VSCI announcement of their intent to start hanging ONT’s and installing triple plays is in violation of the Verizon Broadband Agreement. Work from the Central Office to the ONT is exclusively "CORE" work.

Again "CORE" techs will think their work is being stolen and VCSI techs will feel disrespected. The reality is "CORE" work is not being stolen; it is being given away by Verizon—all technicians are being disrespected by Verizon!

No matter where CWA members work or what work their contract allows them to perform, we will continue to stick together for the good of all, persevere in our struggles and always unite to make our lives better.