Consolidated Communications, Inc. Bargaining 2011: September 14, 2011

During bargaining the Company's demand for title flexibility has remained unchanged. They have yet to clarify their true intent as to why or how they will handle the change that they say is a top priority in this round of bargaining. They have yet to define what job titles or the type of work will be affected, but they claim it is necessary for them to have flexibility going forward. After four full days of bargaining the Company has yet to put any other real bargaining demands across the table. Most of what they have proposed just clarifies some old language and deletes outdated articles.

We really must question their desire to get a new contract signed by the expiration date 9-30-11

Our demands are attempting to bring bargaining work back to our Unit and to further protect all of our jobs. We are following your desires that we calculated from your bargaining surveys, and we will continue to fight for your future and for the jobs that have been move to other CCI units. Stopping the erosion of the bargaining unit will be a top concern for us. We have set up a membership meeting for Thursday the 22nd of September so we can further discuss how this round of bargaining is proceeding. Consolidated has heard loud and clear from your bargaining team now they need to hear from you.

We will need every member involved in this very tough fight.