District 2-13 Bargaining News: October 2024

American Red Cross – National Addendum

Bargaining at Red Cross continued this month. The National Coalition of Unions report that they are making progress, but various issues remain unresolved.

Reach out to your Local office for the latest news.

Climate Reality

CWA Local 2336’s Bargaining Committee met with Climate Reality several times in October. Proposals regarding healthcare and seniority were introduced. Get the full report here.

Bargaining will resume in December, although the Bargaining Committee will continue meeting in November to prepare proposals and strategies.

The Climate Reality Project joined CWA in the spring of 2023, when employees signed a Voluntary Recognition Agreement. This will be the first contract for the bargaining unit. Stay in touch with Local 2336 for the latest news.

Fastmail

CWA Local 13000’s Bargaining Committee continues negotiations with Fastmail over the bargaining unit’s first contract. In their September-October 2024 Newsletter, Local 13000 reported “considerable progress was seen at the table in the form of various individual tentative agreements.” Check out the newsletter here:

Fastmail employees voted to unionize with CWA Local 13000 in February of this year. The next round of bargaining is scheduled on November 21, 2024. Stay in touch with Local 13000 for updates.

MissionWired

The CWA Local 2336 Bargaining Committee met with MissionWired several times in October to negotiate the first contract for the membership. Reporting from the latest round of bargaining, the Committee shared:

The Union passed 3 counterproposals on JOB POSTINGS AND PROMOTIONS; DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION;  RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION and DISCIPLINE AND PIP.  MissionWired agreed to the changes the Union made in JOB POSTINGS AND PROMOTIONS so that gets added to our list of tentative agreements. 

The Bargaining Team has asked employees to share the impact of Artificial Intelligence on employees’ work functions so that they can shape an effective proposal. Bargaining resumes November 7th, and the Team asks members to wear red to show management your commitment to a fair contract.

Washington, D.C.-based workers at MissionWired, one of the largest and most prominent digital direct marketing firms in progressive politics, voted to join CWA in September 2023.

 

Piedmont

The Bargaining Committee met with Piedmont in Philadelphia, PA on October 22-24. The Committee’s latest report includes a video with details of negotiations. Check out the report here.

Last week, American Airlines announced their third quarter financial results: $271 million in pre-tax profit. Contrast that with Piedmont offering a 16 cent wage increase above their last offer. To call attention to Piedmont workers’ right to a livable wage, CWAers held Informational Pickets at airports across the country on October 28th.

CWA Local 2252 Officers mobilize for a fair contract at Piedmont.

CWA District 2-13 VP joined mobilization at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Piedmont members mobilize at DCA for contract that secures the livable wages, heath care, and workplace safety they deserve!

CWA members at the Richmond International Airport tell Piedmont it is time for a fair contract!

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Strikers at the Post-Gazette recognized two years on the picket line with a mobile rally and billboard truck. Check out the full story here.

Striking members and union allies outside of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette offices. (photos by Kathy Short)

This month, striking members were highlighted:

Tyler Pecyna, member of TNG-CWA Local 38061

John Santa, member of TNG-CWA Local 38061

Stephen Karlinchak (a.k.a. “Conan the Librarian”), member of TNG-CWA Local 38061

On Tuesday, October 22nd, U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon rejected the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s argument that the National Labor Relations Act is unconstitutional. District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis said of the ruling: “We are pleased that Judge Bissoon has rejected the Post-Gazette’s frivolous attempt to eliminate the National Labor Relations Act so we can focus on the real issue—the Post-Gazette's failure to follow the law.” Read the full story here.

Finally, CWA responded to Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance’s decision to cross the Post-Gazette picket line to write an op-ed. In his statement, District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis labeled J.D. Vance a scab and Vance’s act as an insult to working people.

Members in Locals 14827, 14842 and TNG-CWA Local 38061 have been on strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for two years, the country’s longest running strike.

You can support striking workers by doing any of these three things today:

1. Donate to the strike fund that's used to pay for rent, utility bills, car repairs, groceries, and to keep their pets alive and well.
    
2. Order a T-shirt repping their strike publication, the Pittsburgh Union Progress. All proceeds go to the same strike fund.
    
3. Subscribe to the Pittsburgh Union Progress for free news on the strike, the lives of working people in Western PA and beyond, and more

UPO

CWA Local 2336’s Bargaining Committee reported the expiration of the current contract with UPO was extended to December 31, 2024. Negotiations continue. Stay in touch with the Local for the latest updates.

Windstream

Before the September 30th expiration, the CWA Local 13000 Bargaining Committee reached tentative agreements with Windstream. On October 21, 2024, the members ratified all 4 contracts. The new 3-year agreements include annual wage increases (4%, 3%, and 3%) over the course of the contract, vacation accrual, an improved overtime meal allowance, improved per diems, and more. Check out the full report in CWA Local 13000’s September-October newsletter.

Congratulations to the Bargaining Committee and members!