CWA Local 6132

From April 3, 2025

The Union Bargaining Team met twice with AT&T today with the morning session being our most productive session to date.

The following proposals were TA’d:

1. Article II – Classification of Employees (Protecting Current Language)
2. Article VI (General App) – Leaves of Absence for Union Representatives on Union Business (General Application)
3. Article XIII – Prior Agreement (Protecting Current Language with last CBA dates)
4. Article XXIV – Safety & Health (Protecting Current Language)
5. Article XIV – Promotional Pay Treatment (Protecting Current Language)
6. Article XVII – Force Adjustment (Protecting Current Language)
7. Article VII – Work Schedules (Protecting Current Language)
8. MOA – Temp Upgrade Prem Techs to CSTs (protects pay at Group 1 as they can be upgraded now at 1/5th wages)
9. Appendix J – SS #12 – Force Adjustment (improved from 3 to 4 weeks on notification and added 2 additional weeks of severance pay for higher seniority)
10. Appendix J – SS #13 – Subcontracting (Protecting Current Language)
11. Appendix J – SS #1 – Classification of Employees (Protecting Current Language updating dates)
12. Appendix J – SS #2 – Basis of Compensation (improved assigned overtime from 14 to 12, added double time at 54 hours, and added night differential from 6pm-6am)
13. Appendix J – SS #17 – Monitoring (Protecting Current Language)
14. Appendix J – SS #3 – Work Schedules (improved with a guarantee 40 hour work week)
15. Appendix J – SS #10 – Relief Differential (improved to $10)
16. Appendix J – SS #11 – Travel (Improved Per Diem to $40)
17. Appendix J – SS #7 – Absences from Duty (Protecting Current Language)
18. Appendix J – SS#5 – Vacations (Protecting Current Language)
19. Article VI – Hours of Work (protected 6pm and Cable Splicer Night Diff)
20. Article XVIII – Severance Pay (added 3% improvement to both tables it was first improvement on voluntary in over 30 years)
21. Appendix J – SS#8 – Transfers – (improved from 36 to 24 months)
22. Article XI – Absences from Duty (improved funeral time to day after funeral and added miscarriage language for employee and spouse and/or legally recognized partner)
23. Article XIII – Job Vacancy – (improved time and title for all Appendix J employees from 36 to 24 months)
24. Article IX – Vacations – (Protecting Current Language)

The Union met with the Company again twice this evening and passed our counter proposal on wages & an Appendix J pay increase up front. And they Company about an hour and a half later passed a counter.

The following Additional TA’s were reached this evening:

1. Contracting Out Committee (renewed)
2. Tight Labor Market Wage Credit Notification (renewed)
3. Article IX – Vacations – enhanced language to to open vacation selections that are vacated
4. MOA – Company sends quarterly notification to the Union on employee movement
5. Appendix J – All J Employees will get a 3% bump in pay on top of our first year general wage increase

Mobilization by our members and their willingness to strike if necessary appears to have really pushed the Company into agreeing to many items today we were hung up on. We need to keep this momentum going into the last week with wages and benefits still being bargained over. Keep it up Union Fam!

The Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with the Company next on Friday morning and a bargaining report will follow in the evening.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.  In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to see all updates

From April 2, 2025

The Union Bargaining Team met with the Company twice today.

During our first session, the Company passed two package proposals that will impact many pieces of the collective bargaining agreement.

After a short recess, the Union passed our third counter proposal on general wage increases and an additional bump up front to Appendix J employees. Though we can’t get into specifics as it’s still very raw, we have continued to move the Company higher on wages as we get closer to expiration.

The Union continued to work through many open proposals the Company has passed and reviewed them for accuracy before moving forward.

This evening both parties met again in which the Company passed a counter on wages to the Union. There was improvement, and they did finally counter our initial bump for an Appendix J increase on top of the GWI increase the first year (previously they had rejected this twice)! With that being said, we do only have nine days to go till expiration and we still have a lot of work to do on wages.

The good news for the day is all Locals reported back their strike authorization numbers today and 93.64% of our members have overwhelmingly given CWA the ability to strike if it deems necessary!

These numbers send a clear and powerful message to AT&T SW that District 6 CWA members stand united and ready to take action if necessary! Our bargaining team now carries this mandate to the table, backed by the strength of our membership.

While a strike is always a last resort, this overwhelming show of solidarity reinforces our resolve to demand the fair wages, benefits, and job security that our members deserve. Now, more than ever, we must stay engaged, mobilized, and prepared for the next steps in this fight.

Procedurally, this vote does not mean we automatically go on strike. The CWA Executive Board must first vote to authorize a strike, and then our National President would determine and set the official strike date.

Our strike authorization vote is a powerful tool that strengthens our bargaining position, showing AT&T that we are united and ready to take action if necessary. Stay engaged and mobilized as we continue this fight for a fair contract!

Before we leave this report, we wanted to push out a Video message from CWA District 6 Vice-President, Derrick Osobase, the AT&T SW/CWA elected Bargaining Team, and Officers and Stewards from CWA 6132 who all participated in this video:

CWA District 6 – Have Our Backs

The Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with the Company next on Thursday morning and a bargaining report will follow in the evening.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.  In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to read all updates

April 2, 2025

We have been informed by CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase that the members of CWA District 6 have voted to approve a strike by over 93%. Please read the message sent to Local Presidents this afternoon.

We want to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication in ensuring that every member had the opportunity to make their voice heard in this critical strike authorization vote. Your leadership and mobilization efforts have been instrumental in demonstrating our collective strength as we continue to fight for a fair contract.

These numbers send a clear and powerful message to AT&T SW. District 6 members stand united and ready to take action if necessary!  Our bargaining team now carries this mandate to the table, backed by the strength of our membership.

While a strike is always a last resort, this overwhelming show of solidarity reinforces our resolve to demand the fair wages, benefits, and job security that our members deserve. Now, more than ever, we must stay engaged, mobilized, and prepared for the next steps in this fight.

Procedurally, this vote does not mean we automatically go on strike.  The CWA Executive Board must first vote to authorize a strike, and then our National President would determine and set the official strike date.

Our strike authorization vote is a powerful tool that strengthens our bargaining position, showing AT&T SW that we are united and ready to take action if necessary.  

Stay engaged and mobilized as we continue this fight for a fair contract! 

Again, thank you for your commitment to our members and to the fight ahead.

Click here to see all bargaining updates

Update from April 1, 2025

The Union Bargaining Team met with the Company today.

The Company began the meeting by passing a counter proposal on benefits. The good news is they now have every year of the traditional pension plan back to giving annual deposits. They also have introduced a Health Care Savings Account for employees who participate in option 2 with a higher deductible. We are still a ways off on anything close to a TA on benefits and this will likely be the last piece we TA before a full TA.

The Union passed a counter package proposal with Appendix J to get us close to a TA which again will introduce Double Time, an OT cap on hours, night diff, and guaranteed 40 hour work weeks. This may be TA’d tomorrow.

Our team spent the afternoon working through benefits, wages, and a counter on work boots.

Reminder that the strike authorization vote is due back by 12 noon tomorrow, so if you haven’t voted yet, this is your last chance to contact your Local.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.  In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to see all updates

Update from March 31, 2025

The Union Bargaining Team met with the Company twice today.

The Company passed a few more MOA’s that are current language to be renewed. We agreed in principle, but are reviewing them.

The highlight of the morning was the Company continuing to improve upon our last wage proposal; though we are still very far apart, they have shown some positive movement.

After lunch we met with the Company again in which they passed a counter package proposal from our Saturday package. The good news is we are super close on many key improvements in Appendix J!

The Union passed our counter benefits proposal in which we continue to try and push the Company closer to where we need to be to reach a TA.

Because there are so many things we are super close on, we don’t want to jeopardize our position in great detail with a more detailed bargaining report in assumption they are reading our reports. We do plan to counter the Company’s package tomorrow with another Union package to move the needle a little more our way.

Please continue to Mobilize as time is running out and we need this Company feeling the pressure from you the members!

Reminder, the deadline to Vote for the strike Authorization Vote is coming up this Wednesday by 12 noon. If you haven’t voted yet, please check in with your Local!

The Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with the Company next on Tuesday morning and a bargaining report will follow in the evening.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.  In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click her to see all updates

From March 29th

After working in our own caucus all morning, the Bargaining Team met with the Company Saturday afternoon.

The Union passed a package proposal that would include major improvements in Appendix J: Double Time, Night Differential after 6pm, no forced OT past 12 hours in a week (voluntary still an option), guaranteed 40 hour work weeks, and an increase in per diem while working out of town are some of the major improvements we are asking for. The way a package proposal works is the Company must accept all pieces of the proposal or it is voided.

The Union also passed our second proposal on wages, in which we are looking for a significant wage increase over the duration and an additional proposal to bump Appendix J employees up the first year, before the GWI kicks in.

The Company rejected and countered our benefits proposal in which they are trending in the right direction, however we still have a long ways to go before we agree on a TA on benefits.

Two weeks to go till expiration as of today! These next two weeks it is crucial that our members don’t take a back seat and continue to mobilize in our work places! This is your contract and this Company needs to feel that we are United to help push us across the finish line.

Reminder, the deadline to Vote for the strike Authorization Vote is coming up early next week. If you haven’t voted yet, please check in with your Local!

The Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with the Company next on Monday morning and a bargaining report will follow that evening.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to see all updates

From March 28th

The Bargaining Team met with the Company twice today.

Our morning session started with the Company sending us a counter proposal that would still diminish language we already have in Article XI – Sick Time. They are still asking for a waiting period for all employees before sick time kicks in, a counter proposal keeping Prem Techs at 30 months for time and title, and a vacation counter to keep the language the same. Additionally, there were two counter proposals on agreements we have in the current settlement agreement to keep the same (we do agree in principle but are reviewing them).

The highlight of the morning session was a MOA that, upon ratification of the CBA, will make our 19 Temporary Full-Time Employees permanent and, in addition, we get 19 new open Group 1 Craft Job Reqs! It also provides additional opportunities to add full-time Group 1 Craft Job Reqs in the future (more details to come during the explanation meeting).

The Union team met with the CWA Research Department this afternoon to discuss prescription drugs with the new benefits plan versus what we currently have.

This evening the Union met with the Company again during which we passed a counter proposal to their 2nd benefits proposal to continue to get the cost down to a level that will benefit all members.

The Bargaining Team is scheduled to meet with the Company again tomorrow and a bargaining report will follow tomorrow evening.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to see all updates

From March 27th

The Bargaining Team met with the Company today.

We received a counter proposal on Healthcare and Benefits in which we did see some positive movement on the part of the Company. The Union spent this afternoon going through their counter and drafting questions to be asked during tomorrow’s session. There were two TA’s reached today for appendix J Sup statement 16 & 18 to keep the language the same.

The Bargaining team hosted a Town Hall call this evening in which over 1000 of our members registered. Members got to hear from VP Osobase, the elected Bargaining team and Chair, as well as the D6 Mobilization Coordinator.

The call provided insight on where things are currently at and what is needed from members in the next 16 days leading to expiration with their Mobilization efforts.

Thanks to everyone that joined this evening’s call and asked questions!

The Bargaining Team meets with the Company tomorrow and a bargaining report will follow tomorrow evening.

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.  In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to see all updates

The Bargaining Team met with the Company twice today.

During the first session, the Union passed proposals that would prove up on the amount of years needed to trigger weeks of vacation. This was done on both the Core and Appendix J pieces of the CBA. Additionally, there was a counter proposal passed that would increase the amount of differential pay for Appendix J when relieving a manager as an in charge.

The Union passed our first counter proposal on benefits in what we believe will be a major cost savings to the majority of employees in the CBA. There is still a lot to work out between the two parties, but the good news is we seem to be on the right track.

So far the Company has attempted to attack language in the Core contract by changing night diff to 7pm in core, raising up to 12 hours of assigned OT all 12 months instead of 3 months out of the year, eliminating Cable Splicers night differential protections under Basis of Comp, and reducing sick time benefits. We have been able to fight off these attacks thus far! And we are continuing to discuss several proposals we have that would improve issues that have been identified by our members.

We did agree this morning to TA the Company continuing to promote CWA/NETT training which is free to employees in our bargaining unit.

The Company did not pass anything during the morning session. However, we did meet this evening and the following was passed by the Company:

• Counter to keep Article XVI – Travel the same, Union had passed a proposal to raise per diem rates.
• Counter to keep Appendix J SS11 – Travel the same, the Union had passed a proposal to raise per diem rates.
• Counters on several MOA’s that we had in the 2017 settlement agreement with no changes (we agree in principle to these but need to review all of them before TA’s).
• Proposal for Appendix J SS 7 – Absences from Duty to keep the language the same.

We have agreed to meet tomorrow in which the Company intends to have a counter proposal on benefits. We will hold our comments there till we see if they took our proposal yesterday seriously.

While we have every intention of trying to reach an agreement by expiration that addresses our members’ issues, we must be prepared if the Company fails to address our members’ best interests. If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate in the Strike Authorization vote, please check in with your Local on how you can participate.

Please continue to get plugged in with your Locals and the Mobilization efforts as we can’t afford to sit this one out. While we continue to FIGHT at the table, we need you to have our backs in the workplaces.

CWA District 6 along with the CWA Bargaining Team will be hosting an informational town hall TOMORROW, March 27 at 7pm. You will be able to learn:

• Key Updates & Critical Information on AT&T SW Bargaining

• How members can get involved in critical mobilization efforts in their Locals

• Direct Q&A with our bargaining team about issues impacting your future

This call does require registration, as it is only available to CWA members within District 6. You can register at the following link:

Webinar with Bargaining Team

To stay updated on actions and mobilizations, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.  In addition, visit our website for CWA District 6 updates, resources, and ways you can take action! Stay in the loop and stay connected! Your support is crucial to the success of your future!

Regardless if we meet with the Company or not tomorrow we will follow up with a report after tomorrow and what we worked on as a committee.

In Solidarity,

CWA/AT&T SW Bargaining Team

Click here to see all updates