This is where we will place news, notices, updates and
anything else affecting our unit.
20 April 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today the Union had no choice but to walk out on
the bargaining session due to this Company's inability to bargain in
good faith.
The company cannot push another Unions
contract down our throats.
One Union does not bargain both Union contracts!
It is not unusual for a Union or even the company
they are bargaining with to pull away from the bargaining table.
There are lot of words that can be used for what this company is trying
to do to this Union....and none of them resemble 'bargaining'.
Do not believe the propaganda sent out from the
company today.
They think this is a weak Union and that they can push your buttons in
order to bypass negotiating a fair contract.
in all the many years the union has bargained
with this company, this is the first time they have sunk so low as to
send out to all the represented the garbage they did today .
Fraternally,
Linda Mitas
18 Feb 2006
Attendance program:
Employees with more than one year's service
Ist review will be issued if
employee has or exceeds 7 absences of ANY duration
OR has 2 Absences of 6 work days or more each in the
immediate past 12 months.
For example an occurrence taken
October 1st, 2005 DOES NOT drop from your record
until October 1, 2006. It does not go January to January.
Irregularities:
Employees with more than one year's service.
Issue 1st review if employee
meets or exceeds 13 occurrences in the immediate
past 12 months.
New Business:
Contract negotiations will most
likely start in March. They will not start until
Local 1974 is finished.
Handouts will be given out at
the February Union Meeting for you, the members to
prioritize what you feel is the most important
issues.
Handouts will be available from any officer after
the meeting.
Grievance No. 1-05:
Improper Administration of ATTOP will be going to Arbitration
in March. Union contends the company should offer
all employees the chance to take any (ATTOP) or as it is now
called, CSMCTOP offer (pg. 161).
The company contends they can offer it only in the
"affected areas".
We currently have 3 grievances sitting at the 5th step which means it is
now between the Union and Labor Relations.
Lean Manufacturing
is still in the plans for Connectivity Solutions Manufacturing.
70 CSMFG management and 64 represented are way too many people
for the Lean concept. If the company needs to cut head count you can
bet it will be put on the backs of the represented
personal.
Watch your job. Question any
changes. Contact any Union Officer. If they
aren't trying to send it to Richardson, Texas or Commscope in North
Carolina the management here could be trying to do it.
29 Dec. 2005
Attendance program: Employees with more than one
year's service
Ist review will be issued if employee has or exceeds 7
absences of ANY duration
OR has 2 Absences of 6 work days or more each in the
immediate past 12 months.
For example an occurrence taken October 1st, 2005 DOES
NOT drop from your record until
October 1, 2006. It does not go January to January.
Irregularities: Employees with more than one year's
service.
Issue 1st review if employee meets or exceeds 13
occurrences in the immediate past 12 months.
As you have all probably heard 1974 has been offered
an incentive package for pension eligible
members. Congratulations to the officers of 1974 for securing this
offer. I know it wasn't easy.
Since the offer was announced all we hear is when are we going to
get an offer? Listen people you need to stop and
think about why an offer was made.
What it ultimately means is that they want to cut
people. The cable production after 40 years in
Omaha will cease to exist possibly into July 2006.
The cabinet business is not increasing as they expected.
Instead of looking at what they have gotten stop and think about what
we have all lost. In a meeting with Labor
Relations it was stated "today we need all
the tiered workers".
If and when they decide to cut the tiered work force
we will do everything in our power to persuade
the company to offer an incentive for people to
leave.
Article 2 - Rights and
Obligations in the contract state "The right
to manage the business and to direct the working forces
and operation of the business, subject to the
limitations imposed by this Agreement"
in other words the company manages
the business the job of the union it to make sure they follow the
contract.
These are frustrating times with this company. The
uncertainty of our future and what it will bring,
but please direct your anger and frustration where it
should be and that is at the company and how
they operate. Don't use the Union as the scapegoat. We
need to stay united and strong.
I have seen the comments on the web and believe me I
do understand people cannot always make
it to the union meetings and without the communication a person will
feel left out and not looked after.
I am considering a monthly newsletter to keep everyone informed.
Please be patient.
21 February 2005
Effective Monday, February 2 1 , 2005, Mary Terry has been appointed
to fill the vacancy of Vice-President, Local 1614.
Also, upon approval from Mr. Eads in the District Office, the office
ofFinancial Secretary will be combined with the office of Business
Manager.
The combining of these two offices is common in locals with smaller
memberships.
In our case, it is also an effort to cut down on the expense of running
the Local.
Dana Konchalski
President / Business Manager
16 February 2005
The Office of Vice-President of IBEW Local 1614 has become vacant. If you
would like to self-nominate for this position, please prepare a letter of
self-nomination and turn it in to the Union office by Friday, February
18, 2005, at 12 noon. After all nominations have been received, the
Executive Board will review the applicants and appointed a member to fill the
vacancy.
12 Janury 2005
January 10
, 2005
Fellow
employees:
Everyone at Connectivity Solutions Manufacturing, Inc. joins
our nation and the world in expressing our deepest sympathy and concern
to the millions of people who were affected by the devastating tsunami
of December 26, 2004. While
we do not believe any of our employees were tsunami victims, our
heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the many people from the region
and around the world who have been touched by this terrible tragedy.
These people could be our friends, family or even our customers, but
they are all part of our world community.
We also
extend our deep appreciation to all the countries, agencies,
organizations and individuals from around the world who have been
responding to this massive crisis.
Many
employees have been asking how CSMI can provide assistance.
In combination with CommScope, Inc., CSMI is offering a 100%
match for any monetary donation (up to $1,000 per current employee and
$50,000 in total) given by an employee by January 31, 2005. To qualify for this match, the donation must be made to
either the UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund or the American
Red Cross International Response Fund.
Employees may deliver their checks or money orders (no cash,
please) directly to Joyce Gosch or provide a receipt from one of these
two charities as long as the check or receipt is delivered before the
cut-off date of 1/31/05. Please
remember that even the smallest contribution will be appreciated.
We encourage everyone to participate so that together we can make
a real difference in the recovery efforts.
In deepest
sympathy for all who have lost so much,
Eddie
Edwards
Acting President
Connectivity Solutions Manufacturing, Inc.
1 December 2004
CSMI Performance Award
The CSMI award for represented employees will be on their December
10th paychecks - it will be with their regularly
weekly pay for that week.
The award amount will be the
target amount of $595, less applicable taxes and allotments.
(Federal, state and FICA withholding, CSMI Saving plan allotment,
union dues)
Employees who are not on the payroll, due to retirement, LOA, etc. will
receive a pro-rated award.
4 November 2004
Due to the resignation of Nick Sirian, as President of
IBEW Local 1614, the following appointments have been made by the
Executive Board, effective close of business day, Friday, November
5, 2004:
President
Dana Konchalski
Acting
Vice-President Ray Yates
E-Board
Member
Sally Swoboda
At this time, Ray Yates will remain as
Treasurer and Sally Swoboda will remain as Acting
Financial Secretary
Effective 11/08/04, the following positions may
be vacant :
**Vice President
**Financial
Secretary
**Treasurer
The positions will be filled, by appointment of
the Executive Board. Anyone interested in these positions should
present a letter of self-nomination to the Union Hall. The
deadline for self-nomination is Friday, 11/12/2004. The
new officers will be announced at the November Union meeting.
5 February 2004
The E-Board has appointed:
Nick Sirian, Jr. to the
President/Business Agent office left empty by Cory Aesoph-Mangiaruca's
retirement,
Sally Swoboda to the Financial Secretary
position left open with Nick's appointment,
and Dana Konchalski to fill Barb
Kirchman's position on the E-Board.
To those officers that are leaving us, THANK
YOU for serving this Local in the manner you did. Your
dedication to the Union, your personal sacrifice and the 'face' you
presented to the world on behalf of Local 1614 made a difference and
was appreciated.
And to all the rest of our membership
that have retired, thank you for your support and your membership in
this Local and we wish you all the best.
3 February 2004
CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS,
MANUFACTURING
On February 2, 2004, CommScope, Inc. announced that it has completed the
acquisition of the Omaha Connectivity Solutions (ACS) business of Avaya, Inc.
The acquisition was effective January 31, 2004. CommScope assumed the Collective
Bargaining Agreement in its entirety.
27 January 2004
CONNECTIVITY
SOLUTIONS MANUFACTURING RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
For those of
you who are interested in participating in the ConnectivitySolutions
Manufacturing Retirement Savings Plan (401k), you must callFidelity or
log onto the website to request the contribution election percentage
and request their investment options. The Savings Plan is not
automatically carried over like some of the other benefits.
This must be done by February 1, 2004 in order for
the deductions to start being taken from their first Connectivity
Solutions Manufacturing pay check.
Nodeductions will start until you
make your elections. The phonenumberis1800-835-5095 and the web
address is www.401k.com.
Note: Previously it was communicated that
Fidelity Investments is experiencing technical difficulties with the
web and automatic phone line process for the CommScope Solutions
Savings Plan. They are aware of the problem and are working to
correct the problem. In the interim, employees can call the
automated telephone system and ' # out ' to the Customer Service
Representative (CSR) for assistance. The CSR can take their
contribution and election decisions manually over the phone.
12 January 2004
$5,000 Payout Update
Apparently the payout for the second week in February
is the Company's 'goal' right now (no firm date)
depending on any problems that may occur.
I personally feel there is no good reason why everyone shouldn't receive
their checks the second week of February.
Actually I feel the check should be handed to you as you walk out the
door...along with a thank you for the years of unappreciated service you
gave to this company.
This must be high tech at it's very finest, they
can't get a check printed out in a month....seems to me there's a glitch
in the system somewhere.
I hope this doesn't get as screwed up as the health insurance conversion
to Aetna...we may not see the check until February 2005.
11 January 2004
$5,000 Award Payout
I was informed by labor relations all eligible
employees will receive their $5,000 payout the second week of
February.
For those that are retiring at the end of January,
you should receive your pay in lieu of vacation the second week of
February also.
Aetna Medical Insurance
Many of us are having problems with our
new insurance, some have not gotten their insurance cards, Aetna is
saying our doctors are not in their POS (and they are), can't get your
prescriptions filled, being denied medical attention because you have
no insurance and that is to name a few of the problems.
Corporate is aware of the problems and hopefully they will have them
straightened out soon.
In June we were all aware of the switch to
Aetna as of January 1st and I can't understand why the transition
wasn't a smooth one it wasn't like they didn't have enough time to
prepare for the switch.
Is this the reason Connectivity
Solutions Coporate Office is in Richardson, Texas???????
go to the link below and read what the
former leader of Connectivity Solutions interests really were.
17 December 2003
SALE OF CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS TO
COMMSCOPE
Avaya has announced the transition date
for the sale to be January 31, 2004.
All of the represented people that took
the SRE will be entitled to their full amount of vacation for 2004. For
all unused vacation you will be paid in lieu of vacation and
you will receive this check after you are off roll which can
take 2 to 3 weeks to receive.
EWD's for 2004, the Company designated
Excused Work Day will be used January 2, 2004 and you will have (3)
paid EWD's and (1) unpaid EWD remaining. The remaining
EWD's must be used before January 31st if you don't use them you
will lose them.
For those that took the SRE and are absent
under the Sickness and Accident Disability Plan as of January 31,
2004, will not be paid out their vacation entitlement and any unused
vacation days will be lost. You must be back on active roll to
receive vacation pay.
In a few weeks following January 31st you
will also receive your $5,000 award. When I get a date on that I
will post it to the web site.
Congratulations and the best of luck to
all of you who chose to retire.
4 November 2003
12% SPECIAL RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT (SRE)
The window for the SRE will be from November 17,
2003 through December 1, 2003 and if the sale of the business does not
close by March, 2004, those who have elected the SRE and are still on
roll with Avaya, shall be given an option to revoke their decision to
retire and remain employed by the Company. The offer is only
revocable if the Company does not sell.
The week of November 10th all pension eligible
employees should receive their pension packets.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 October 2003
Today the Unions and the Company have
reached a settlement on the arbitration cases. Dick Sigmond our
lawyer has bargained a fair and equitable settlement for all our
members.
The settlement is as follows:
The parties have conditionally agreed to
resolve all grievances relating to subcontracting/outsourcing or MOA
issues that are pending as of October 30, 2003, and these grievances
shall be withdrawn, with prejudice;
1. No later
than March 1, 2004, or the date of the closing of the commercial
transaction, whichever is earlier pay to all Union represented Union
represented employees the sum of $5,000.00, less applicable
taxes.
2. Eligible
employees are Union represented employees who are on roll
(including employees on disability or approved leaves of absence) as of
October 30, 2003, or on roll as of March 1, 2004 (or the date of the
closing with
the Buyer, whichever is earlier), and all Union represented employees
that were
involuntarily laid off in August, 2002; (those employees who
rejected a recall
shall not be eligible for the payment). Tradesmen who may have rejected
recall
to production
jobs and persons who could not accept recall due to physical or
medical
restrictions shall be eligible for the payment.
3. The
Company shall offer to all represented employees on roll and are
otherwise
pension eligible as of November 30, 2003 a Special Retirement
Enhancement
(SRE). The SRE shall be substantively equivalent to the retirement
enhancement
package offered to employees in August, 2003, except for the revocation
provisions provided herein. Employees that choose the SRE shall
remain
employed until March 1, 2004 (or the date of the closing of the
commercial
transaction, whichever is earlier) unless otherwise agreed by the
Company.
If the transaction does not close by March, 2004, employees who have
elected
the SRE and are still on roll with Avaya, shall be given an option to
revoke
their decision to retire and remain employed by the Company.
Employees that
voluntarily retire prior to March 1, 2004 (or the date of closing of the
commercial
transaction, whichever is earlier), will not be permitted to revoke
their
acceptance of the SRE, unless the Company in its sole discretion, agrees
otherwise.
4. The
Company shall establish a training/retraining allowance up to the amount
of
$1,000.00 for each employee who accepts the SRE. This
allowance may be
used for any of the purposes (e.g. education, training,
outplacement and
relocation expenses) described in the FAED program of the
Company.
5. In the
event the commercial transaction does not close by that date, all
commitments by the Union to withdraw its grievances and
commitments by the
Company to offer payments or benefits
shall be null and void; provided, however,
that the Company shall have no right to revoke or recover
payments or benefits
that have already been made to employees (e.g. employees that may
have
already retired under the SRE).
6. During the
timeframe, November 1, 2003, through March 1, 2004, the provisions
set forth in paragraph 7 of the MOA shall be suspended, provided
that the
parties will continue to comply with the existing CBA language regarding
subcontracting/outsourcing; provided
further, that the Company will provide
notification to the unions regarding any new outsourcing
arrangements into
which the Company intends to enter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27 October 2003
CommScope to purchase Connectivity
Solutions
The sale of Connectivity Solutions to CommScope was
announced at approximately 6:30 a.m. today. We all knew that
Avaya has been trying to sell our plant for quite some time.
CommScope has agreed to purchase the Omaha facility
along with the contract and all the represented people. The
contract that was bargained in May will be your contract under the new
company for the next 3 years until expiration in 2006 then a new
contract will be bargained.
CommScope will rename Connectivity Solution's and
we will become a subsidiary company of CommScope.
The transitional period began today, there will be
a window for those who want to retire under Avaya rather than go over
to a new company. The window dates have not been established as
of yet but when they are I will post them on the web site.
I will keep you informed of all new developments.
CommScope
Discover the technical training center and investor
relations profile. Cable manufacturer offers products for voice,
data and video networks.
www.commscope.com
Commscope
Official Website
ARBITRATION HEARING
Wednesday, October 29th and Thursday, October 30th
are the hearing dates for the subcontracting/outsourcing and sale of
the business arbitration. Our lawyer Richard Sigmond will
be present in Omaha to represent the Union's in that arbitration.
ANNUAL BENEFITS ENROLLMENT
PERIOD
Anyone that takes out the Supplemental Life
Insurance is automatically placed under the Tobacco rate. In
order to change to non-tobacco coverage you must contact MetLife at
1-888-466-8659.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 September 2003
On Tuesday, 23 September 2003, one of the interested potential buyers
will be meeting with the Unions. Our advisors, Mike Quinlan and
Randy Barber, will be present at the meeting also.
We have been told this is just a 'hello' and 'get to know you' meeting
where the interested party will tell us something about themselves.
This does not mean the Company is sold....we've been through this
before.
20 August 2003
RETIREMENTS
As a result of the 12% Pension Enhancement Offer there will be (15)
Tiered employees retiring. The breakdown in job classifications
are as follows:
(3) Tier 3 Secretaries
(1) Tier 3 Associate
(2) Tier 4/5 Program Marketing Coordinators (CCC)
(1) Tier 4 Material Management
(1) Tier 5 Accounting
(3) Tier 5 Material Management
(3) Tier 5 Quality Assurance
(1) Tier 5 Safety
There was a total of 98 employees, who took the offer through out
the plant and office unions.
POTENTIAL SALE OF THE BUSINESS
Last week (4) interested bidders toured the plant and the 5th has
not done so as of yet. The next step will be their due diligence
so we will probably see more people coming through in the next two
weeks.
On the conference call today Corporate said they all showed
interest in the business after touring the plant. The next
conference call is scheduled for September 9th.
17 August 2003
The 2003 General Wage Increase became
effective Sunday, 8-3-2003, and will be reflected in your
8-15-2003 paychecks.
Retroactive General Wage Increase Lump
Sum payment will be calculated for all hours paid from 6-1-2003 to
8-2-2003. The Lump Sum will be paid in a regular
weekly paycheck on or before 9-26-2003.
The $400 Signing Bonus will be included in your
8-22-2003 paychecks.
29 July 2003
CONTRACT RATIFICATION
The
deadline for contract ratifications was July 25, 2003
The Contract was
ratified by a 13 to 1 margin.
POTENTIAL SALE OF THE BUSINESS UPDATE
A
conference call was held July 28, 2003 regarding the potential sale of
Connectivity Solutions. There
has been no new developments and the discussions are continuing with the
interested buyers and Corporate. The
next conference call will be on August 6th.
2003 RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
For those that meet the
requirement and volunteer to retire under this program will receive a
12% increase to the value of their pension band.
The
pension packets will be sent to your homes via Fed-X or UPS.
The
Company will have a Corporate person in Omaha available to answer your
questions in filling out the forms.
The date is tentatively scheduled for August 11 through the 14th.
Once
you have filled out the forms and sent them in, you will receive another
packet offering you the Vision Care Plan for a minimal cost.
Other
Covered Charges (OCC) under the Medical Expense Plan will also be
offered for a minimal cost. Some
employees who had retired in the past have over looked both offerings
and the Vision Care premium is far less then paying for an eye exam and
new glasses. Once you become Medicare eligible your medical insurance
becomes secondary and Medicare is primary, which could result in out of
pocket expenses to you and the “Other Covered Charges” (OCC) would
pick up that cost.
When
you receive these options to enroll in these plans give them careful
consideration because it is a one-time offering.
THE AFL-CIO WORKING
FAMILIES PESIDENTIAL FORUM
BROADCAST LIVE ON
C-SPAN AUGUST 5TH AT 7 P.M.
On August 5, 2003
the AFL-CIO is sponsoring a Working Families Presidential Forum in
Chicago, Illinois.
The
democratic presidential candidates will appear before 2000 union
activists and their families at the Navy Pier at 7 p.m. Central Time.
C-Span will broadcast the forum live.
During
the forum, union members will learn where the Presidential candidates
stand on working families’ issues.
Do not miss the opportunity to hear the candidates discuss their
views on good jobs and a strong economy, affordable health care,
education, retirement security, homeland strength and security, civil
and human rights, and workers’ freedom to form a union.
22 July 2003
Monday, July 21, 2003 Corporate held a
conference call with the Unions regarding the potential sale
of Connectivity Solutions.
We were informed that the talks are continuing with the
interested party.
The next conference call will be on July 28th.
Those involved in the conference calls on the Unions side are Locals
1614 & 1974, Union consultants Mike Quinlan & Randy Barber,
International V.P. Bill Eads & International Rep C.J. King.
21 July 2003
2003 CONTRACT RATIFICATION RESULT
Passed by 91%
Thanks to all of those who came to
vote.
7
July 2003
LOCAL UNION 1614
2003 GENERAL AGREEMENT
RATIFICATION MEETING
SUNDAY
JULY 20, 2003
1:00 P. M.
IBEW L.U. 1974 AUDITORIUM
13306 STEVENS ST.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD
OR PICTURE I.D.
THIS MEETING IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY
15 June 2003
Update on the possible sell of Connectivity
Solutions
Thursday, June 26, 2003, Tom Burk,
V.P. of Labor Relations and the corporate lawyers spoke to both Unions
on a conference call
Corporate notified us that one of the
potential buyers had a renewed interest in Connectivity Solutions and
if they purchased CS that it would be sold with the contract intact
(seamless sale).
It has always been Avaya's position to
sell Connectivity Solutions, they have told us we are not part of
their core business. Corporate has committed to keep the Unions
updated on the status of the sale.
12 June 2003
NOTICE OF NOMINATION AND ELECTION
OF OFFICERS
Tuesday, May 20, 2003 a special meeting was called for
the sole purpose of nominating candidates for office.
The offices and nominees are:
President/Business Manager - Cory Aesoph-Mangiaruca
Vice President - Sharon Justsen
Recording Secretary - Anniece Farrell
Secretary/Treasurer - Gary Christensen
Financial Secretary - Nick Sirian
E-Board Officers:
Barb Kirchman
Linda Mitas
Jan Glennon
There are no opposed candidates for Office and with the 11th District
International Vice President's approval an election does not need to
be held.
At the next regular meeting June 17, 2003 the membership will be asked
to for a motion to elect by acclamation.
18 May 2003
Friday, May 16, 2003, a special meeting was held and a vote was taken
to give the System T-3 Council strike
authorization. The results of the Strike Authorization
votes were tallied and 85% of the voters gave authorization. This
does not mean that a strike is being planned it sends a message to the
Company that the members are in Unity, Locally and
Nationally.
12 April 2003
Sorry, this notice was delayed in being posted. The webmaster needed
to be out of town for the past week dur to a family emergency.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An agreement was reached on the following Unit Clarification jobs
through negotiations with the Company and legal guidance from our
attorney.
(1) - Assistant Project Manager - Tier 5 Sr. Material Management
Analyst
(1) - Inventory Administrator - Tier 5 Sr. Material Management
Analyst
(13) - Customer Contact Representatives - Tier 4/5 Customer Care
Center Corridor
(5) - Asset Management - Tier 4/5 Customer Care Center Corridor
The number of jobs totaled (20) after earlier job reductions were
made.
A new corridor CUSTOMER CARE CENTER was created for the Customer
Contact Representatives and Asset Management Group. The prerequisites
for this new corridor is as follows:
- Any certification exam.
- One year as a Tier 4 in any corridor.
- Customer Service on-line classes through ETOP (these classes
are required and have to be completed before you can be
selected for the job.)
Through the negotiations additional jobs were added
(5) Customer Contact Representatives,
(3) Asset Management (Marketing Program Coordinators),
(1) Inventory Administrator and
(1) downgrade return to Tier 5 Material Management. Totaling (9)
additional jobs, with a grand total of (29) jobs added to the bargaining
unit.
On Friday April 4, 2003, the (9) jobs were posted for bid and all
Tier 4 and Tier 3 vacancies will be filled by recalls from the street.
The reason for this is, if those unit clarification jobs had been in the
bargaining unit before the September layoff those returning would not
have been laid-off.
It is not only important for all the Tier 4’s or Tier 3’s to take
the Customer Service on-line classes through ETOP it is also very
important that all the Tier 5’s take these classes also, you may want
to lateral at a later time when one of those jobs come open and the
classes are required in order for you to do that. Hopefully there won’t
be anymore downsizing but if that did happen and some of the Tier 5 jobs
became surplus such as Materials Management, Accounting, Drafting or QA
you would be able to bump the low seniority person in the Customer Care
Center.
For more information on the Customer Service on-line classes please
contact Sally Swoboda in ETOP. Sally will be more than happy to show you
the classes that are needed and help you get started.
28 January 2003
System Council T-3 Chairman, Dennis Slaman has informed us that
National negotiations will begin the week of April 14, 2003 in
Washington, D.C.
Arbitration case violation of the Memorandum of Agreement dated
February 19, 2001, will be handled by our lawyer Dick Sigmond.
The case will cover those who were affected by layoff. Mr.
Sigmond and the company's attorney are striking for an
arbitrator and the arbitration will be held in Omaha, but no date has
been set as of yet. Mr. Sigmond will inform us of that date.
We are currently in discussions with the Company concerning the
settlement of the Unit Clarification jobs awarded to us by the
Regional Director. We are still in the early stages of the talks.
I wish I could inform you that the issue has been resolved and the
Union and company have an agreement that can be finalized but right
now what was talked today could change tomorrow. I will inform you of
anything concrete as soon as I can.
16 January 2003
System Council T-3 Chairman, Dennis Slaman has informed us the IBEW
and CWA are in the process of setting up the structuring of
bargaining at National level with Corporate Avaya.
There are (11) Unions that are covered under the SCT-3 as follows:
(2) Illinois - covering all
of Illinois
(1) New Jersey - covering
all of New Jersey
(1) Boston
(5) New England States
(2) Omaha
There are approximately 2,000 represented employees.
At a later date bargaining surveys will be handbilled to the
membership.
Dennis and Dave Rayburg will be coming to Omaha in the near future to
meet with the Unions, Company and tour the facility.
17 December 2002
I am delighted to inform the membership after working with our 11th
District V. P., Bill Eads and System Council T-3 Chairman, Dennis
Slaman that International President Edwin Hill authorized the
affiliation of Local Unions 1614 and 1974 with SCT-3.
Dennis Slaman will coordinate the upcoming national bargaining with
AVAYA.
October 31 2002
Avaya Award Bargaining Team,
The following statement will appear in Avaya News on Thursday
10/31/02 announcing results for the Second Half Avaya Award.
As stated in the information, the occupational award will pay out the
minimum amount ($250). We are presently planning for this Avaya
Award to be paid in the December 6, paychecks.
PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE UPDATE: Based on Avaya’s business
results for the second half of the year, there will not be a payout
under the (management) Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) for global
salaried (management) employees for the performance period ended
Sept. 30. The Avaya Performance Factor (APF), a part of each
(management) salaried employee’s STIP calculation, reflects revenue
growth and return on sales. The APF did not trigger a STIP payout
for the six-month period. For more information on the STIP program, go
to the online brochure: http://esc.avaya.com/hr/hrshell/compshell.asp?page=stipbrochure
in the Employee Service Center.
U.S. represented employees will receive the minimum payment for the
Avaya Award:
http://esc.avaya.com/hr/hrshell/CompShell.asp?page=repOverview
as per the collective bargaining agreements. Avaya Award payments to
U.S. represented employees are scheduled for early December.
October 21 2002
Today the Union received a fax informing us that the 3
member panel that reviews appeals to the NLRB has denied the company's
appeal to review the UC case.
This is a HUGE victory for our unit and the Union has already notified
labor relations we have received this decision. I have requested a
meeting to discuss the situation and to negotiate a fair settlement to
local 1614 and it's members. Labor relations told me that have not
received notification yet.
The Order Reads:
ORDER
Employer's request for review of the Regional Director's Decision, Order
and Clarification of Bargaining Unit is DENIED as it raises no
substantial issues warranting review.
Wilma B. Liebman, Member
Michael J. Bartlett, Member
Dissenting - William B. Cowen, Member
Dated Washington, DC October 21, 2002
Thanks for all of your support and patience, our hard work to retain our
jobs and our rights shows in every victory we win. The company has had,
and still has every opportunity to work WITH the Union rather than
against us. Hopefully they will realize through all the losses they have
suffered that it is really in all our best interests to work together
and not only in one's own interests with the" to hell with everyone
else" attitude that has been prevailing out here lately. We are
educated, intelligent, hard working employees, not the peons that we are
treated as....time to think a little harder management...if we're gone
and the work's gone, guess what? so are you.
Cory Aesoph - Mangiaruca
August 31 2002
I'm going to answer those who are complaining that the
Union is "keeping secrets", "lying to" or not
informing the membership of what is going on.
First, it wasn't the Union that laid you off...it was
the company and if it was up to the company, those that were laid off
would have walked out the door with NOTHING, instead of 30 days pay,
recall rights, vested pension money, etc. Something no one would have
without a collective bargaining agreement. Without our contract you can
bet the company would have picked and chosen who they wanted out the
door...seniority or not, and they would have gone on to place the
remaining employees anywhere they damn well pleased. It amazes me that
anyone can hold the Union to blame for the companies actions, especially
in this day and age where you see the Enrons and Worldcoms perpetrating
gigantic frauds on their employees and investors. Management at some of
the largest companies in this country have proven exactly what kind of
vermin they are, yet there are people out there that continue to believe
it's the Unions fault.
The Union was not informed of the number of people being
laid off until Monday, August 26th. Marsha Grothe took it upon herself
to notify people on Friday...Thanks Marsha, I'm sure that made
everyone's weekend much more enjoyable. The company seems to be going
out of it's way to make the Union look bad, don't fall into the trap
they're setting to divide the Union or put the membership at odds with
each other. It's just another dirty tactic they use to undermine the
power you have as a collective bargaining unit.
The fact is that Marsha Grothe told me just two weeks
earlier that she only had 5 or maybe 6 people on surplus but two weeks
later she sent 28 employees out the door...are you getting the picture
now that the company is lying to the Union and to you, that they don't
have your best interests in mind, that management is trying to position
themselves to look good in case this company sells...no matter what it
takes, who has to suffer, get stepped on, or whose throat they have to
cut ?
The Union has fought hard all week with the company over
the moves they were trying to implement and so far we've succeeded in
getting 7 people returned to the bargaining unit...so don't believe that
the company is doing it out of generosity or that it was their
idea...which is how they are trying to make it sound. They would just as
soon see the whole Union go down the drain so that they could drop your
wages to about $7.00 an hour and make you pay for your own benefits or
subcontract all the work out and eliminate every represented employee.
The fact that they laid off 55 out of 147 Office employees but only got
rid of 66 out of almost 400 management should tell you something.
The simple fact is that they didn't think out the situation that they
created and some of this can be explained by the preceding paragraph.
I would think that sometime this month we would know
whether we are going to be sold or not. The Unions have retained Richard
Sigmond, esq. to take a look at what's going on here and to advise us in
the case of a sale of the company.
Richard Sigmond is the same attorney that represented
the EM3 Council in the NLRB charge against Lucent for bargaining in bad
faith in 1998 bargaining and the company's lies about subcontracting, a
charge the Unions won. Just another example of management lying to all
of us.
August 14
2002
Today Local 1614, Local 1974, IBEW International District Reps, IBEW
International Director of Manufacturing, retired International Rep Mike
Quinlan, Financial Analyst Randy Barber and Labor Attorney Richard
Sigmond, esq. met with potential buyers for an introductory meeting.
The meeting was with the only prospective buyer, a group of financial
investors based in the United States.
These potential buyers have made no commitment to purchase
Connectivity Solutions at this time, so this is far from any concrete
deal. If they continue interest in a purchase then this would only be
the first of many meetings.
May 16 2002
The Union has won 4 of the 6 items on the petition
before the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB has decided in our
favor to clarify the existing bargaining unit to include the Customer
Service Representatives, the Asset Management Group, the Inventory
Administrator and the Assistant Project Manager jobs. The NLRB decided
that the Purchasing Specialist and the Blocked Invoice Coordinator will
stay with management.
The Company could have graciously accepted the decision of the NLRB
but they have chosen to appeal, which is nothing more than another show
of disrespect for the members of this Bargaining Unit. This was the
culmination of two years of hard work, grievances and discussion with
the company where the Union proved conclusively that this work belonged
to our unit. It's time for the company to show a little class and begin
discussion on how this work will be returned to our unit rather than
wasting everyone's time appealing the decision of the NLRB.
A special thanks to those witnesses who appeared during
these proceedings. Their professionalism, knowledge and composure during
the company's assault on them played a major role in the conclusion of
the NLRB.
NLRB Conclusion and Order
Conclusion
Based on the record and established Board precedent, I find that the
Customer Service Representative, Asset Management Group, Inventory
Administrator, and Assistant Project Manager are newly created positions
that perform the same basic functions as historically have been
performed by bargaining unit members.
For the reasons set forth above (Case 17-UC-239), I shall grant the
petition to clarify the existing bargaining unit of salaried employees
at the Employers facility located at 120th and I Streets, Omaha,
Nebraska to include the Customer Service Representative, Asset
Management Group, Inventory Administrator, and Assistant Project
Manager.
Order
It is hereby ordered that the petitioner's petition for
unit clarification is granted, and the bargaining unit of employees
employed at the Employers facility located at 120th and I Streets,
Omaha, Nebraska is hereby clarified to include the Customer Service
Representative, Asset Management Group, Inventory Administrator, and
Assistant Project Manager.
April 19 2002
The transcript of the Unit Clarification case is posted on the
site now, just click on the "UC Transcript" button above and it will
take you to the page. If you are on a dial up connection, please be patient
while the document loads, it's large in size.
April 16 2002
There is a Union meeting tonight, please try to attend.
April 16 2002
Potential buyers toured the plant yesterday and there will be
more potential buyers touring the plant tomorrow and Friday.
The week of the 22-26 there will be more inspections by
potential buyers. The dates have not been set yet.
April 6 2002
Labor Relations has notified us that on Monday April 8
and Wednesday April 10, groups of potential buyers will be touring the
facilities. More tours will be conducted the week of April 15-19 but the
we have yet to be notified of which days the potential buyers will be
here that week.
March 26-27 2002
The Union and several witnesses from the bargaining unit
went to the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Omaha for the Unit Clarification
hearing. The Union had petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for
a Unit Clarification on several jobs that management has stolen from our
bargaining unit. I think the hearing went very well and our witnesses
did an excellent job. I wish all the members of the bargaining unit
could have been there to see this proceeding. In fact I wish every Avaya
shareholder could have been there to see the testimony that the
management witnesses presented. It would have shown you exactly what
management really thinks of the bargaining unit employees. Their
testimony would also go a long way in explaining why Avaya stock is in
the $7.00 a share range. Their knowledge of our job functions was
appalling and I was truly ashamed of the moral bankruptcy shown by most
of the management witnesses. I wasn't ashamed of their lawyer's actions,
I don't expect anything more from a person that has spent their whole
career working with management in an attempt to use legal maneuvering to
erode the power we have as a collective bargaining unit and take away
any gains we've made in improving our quality of life.
We have to submit a brief and then wait for the National
Labor Relations Board to make a decision. I have been told that this
process will take approximately one to one and one half months to
complete. At that time the Union will be notified of the decision and
which jobs will be returned to the bargaining unit.
15 March 2002
This morning there was a conference call between the Unions and Avaya
corporate labor relations and corporate legal. We had a short discussion
with corporate concerning their solicitation of bidders for the purchase
of Connectivity Solutions. At this point the company has Solomon, Smith
Barney handling any opportunity that arises.
The Company has committed to inform the Union, previous to any sale,
our opportunities and involvement in the matter of any sale.
There should be further information available in the next 3 or 4
weeks, but there is no detailed information available at this point in
time.
10 March 2002
Welcome to our new website. We will try to update this page once a
week or more often if possible or necessary. If you have content that
you would like to see included on this site feel free to submit it to me
for consideration. Cory
10 March 2002
1. The Union has petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a
Unit Clarification (UC). The hearing is set for 26 March 2002. At a Unit
Clarification hearing the NLRB will determine which of the jobs being
performed by management actually belong to the Bargaining Unit. The
Union has submitted 42 jobs that are currently being performed by
management that we feel belong to the Bargaining Unit.
2. The Union meeting is 19 March 2002. Steve Martin, financial
advisor, will be present at the meeting to speak on financial planning
and to answer any questions you may have.
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