District 2-13 Bargaining News: July 2024

American Red Cross – National Addendum

The latest issue of the National Coalition of Red Cross unions’ newsletter, The Pulse, was posted and reported that national negotiations are currently stalled. Bargaining has moved to Local tables. Check with your Local for the latest bargaining updates and read the latest issue of The Pulse here:

Climate Reality

CWA Local 2336’s Bargaining Committee met with Climate Reality in early July. The Union reported:

The Union reviewed with Climate Reality a request for information regarding attrition. Questions pertaining to how many staff have left Climate Reality in the last 3 years; why and what changes have been made at Climate Reality based on feedback received during exit interviews were asked and Climate Reality provided answers over a 10-year period expanding on our information request.

The next round of negotiations is scheduled in August.

The Climate Reality Project joined CWA when employees signed a Voluntary Recognition Agreement. Stay in touch with Local 2336 for the latest news.

MissionWired

CWA Local 2336’s Bargaining Committee met with MissionWired throughout the month of July. In their latest report, the Bargaining Committee shared:

…the Union presented 4 additional new proposals.  These proposals addressed more policies but also new language not in the handbook.  Topics of the Union’s proposals were Education and Training; Travel Reimbursement; Hours of Work and Client and Internal Meals. In today’s session. MissionWired provided counters on the following proposals of ours: Disability and Religious Accommodations; Pay Periods and Deductions and Job Posting/Promotions/Transfers.

The Bargaining Committee is negotiating the first contract for this bargaining unit. Workers at MissionWired in Washington, D.C., one of the largest and most prominent digital direct marketing firms in progressive politics, voted to join CWA in September 2023. 

Optimum/ Altice

After reaching a tentative agreement this month, members at Altice USA in West Virginia ratified a new three-year contract. The new contract raises wages and strengthens job security. Congratulations to the Bargaining Team and members!

Piedmont

CWA reported on Piedmont Agents’ nation-wide mobilization over a fair pay and healthcare this month:

The CWA Piedmont bargaining committee met with Piedmont management last week to continue bargaining for a fair contract for passenger service and ramp agents.

Informed by a recent CWA survey of part-time employees, the bargaining committee passed a proposal that would expand healthcare coverage to agents working 20 hours a week or more, keep the same copay percentage, and increase the stipend if an agent opts out of coverage. To demonstrate to the company that workers are united for a contract that includes healthcare for all, CWA Piedmont members displayed band-aids on their lanyards or bodies.

During bargaining, the company presented their initial wage proposal, which included insulting wage increases as low as 12 cents. CWA will continue to hold the line and fight for our economic proposal that includes a liveable wage.

The bargaining committee has reached a critical point in negotiations and is urging CWA members and retirees to follow their fight for a fair, strong contract on Facebook to stay informed about ways you can support their efforts. The next bargaining session is August 20–22.

Don’t miss the latest Piedmont Bargaining reports. Visit the Piedmont Agents website: PiedmontAgent.Org

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Striking worker at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Natalie Duleba, member of TNG-CWA Local 38061, was featured in CWA’s weekly newsletters in July.

Members in Locals 14827, 14842 and TNG-CWA Local 38061 have been on strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for over 18 months.

Please continue your support of striking workers at the Gazette. Visit cwa.org/ppg and subscribe to the strike paper at unionprogress.com. You can also support the striking workers by purchasing a t-shirt.

UPO

CWA Local 2336’s Bargaining Committee reported the expiration of the current contract with UPO was extended to July 31, 2024. Negotiations continued throughout the month.