Bargaining Report #1: Frontier Communications

Bargaining with Frontier opened today with the Union and the Company exchanging opening remarks and stating their respective goals for this round of bargaining. While both sides summarized their demands, we exchanged no formal proposals.

The Union advised the Company our goal is to negotiate a contract that is not only fair to the Company but also our members, a contract that protects good Union jobs and a contract that gives our membership the opportunity to grow along with the Company. The Union is focused on maintaining our members’ standard of living including healthcare, pension, and wages.

The Company advised the Union their goal is to gain greater flexibility including the expanded use of contractors and the ability to shift work around as they see fit. The Company expressed a desire to control expenses by shifting healthcare costs and changing the way we are compensated.

It is apparent to the Bargaining Committee that the Union and the Company are concerned with many of the same issues. Unfortunately, we are far apart on how to deal with these issues. It is obvious that this round of bargaining is going to be a hard fought battle.

We are in this fight together, negotiating a new agreement for 1600 union members, their families and our retirees. Show the company you are committed to this battle. MOBILIZE! Stay informed and remember: “Solidarity Forever.”

Our members are reminded the only accurate information they will receive will come from the Union.

Tomorrow, the Union will continue preparing proposals for presentation on Thursday.

Bargaining will reconvene on Thursday, June 20, 2013.