Tape Release Friday 5/18/12
Employees have until Noon today to provide written commitment to Human Resources that they are taking the enhanced severance offering. As of yesterday, two members had signed up and one more is expected. I will update the tape once I receive confirmation.
This is your President, John Pusloskie, thanking you for calling your Union Tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
Twenty of your Union Brothers and Sisters are leaving tonight to attend the annual Frontier Shareholder’s Meeting in Stamford, CT taking place tomorrow. We are looking forward to the trip and joining with our Brothers and Sisters from across the country to support them in their fight to get a fair contract with Frontier.
Tomorrow has been designated a Union Activity Day.
Previously I announced the passing of Heidi Lehr, who passed on March 31st at her home in N. Carolina following a long illness. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at New Life Fellowship, 330 Wellington Avenue, Rochester, NY on Saturday at 11:30am. On behalf of the Union, I extend our sympathies to Heidi’s family and friends.
At the time of this tape release there have been five members who have submitted interest in the enhanced voluntary severance. A meeting has been scheduled for these members on Thursday, May 10th at 10am, W. Henrietta Rd to review benefits and ask questions. The Company will be contacting you to advise of the meeting.
A Union Activity Day has been called for the entire membership for next Wednesday, May 9th.
This is your President John Pusloskie, thanking you for calling your Union Tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
The Union held an information session on Tuesday for those members interested in the benefits of the voluntary enhanced severance. A reminder that members have until the close of business on Friday to submit their interest. The Company will be scheduling a follow up meeting to review the retirement packages for those who do, this meeting could take place as early as next week. The Company will be contacting you with further details as to location, date, and times. I will be available Thursday and Friday to answer any questions.
Unfortunately I have another announcement in regard to the passing of a retiree. I’m saddened to announce the passing of Francis Fritz Fittos. Fritz retired in 1993 with 37 years of service as a Frame Tech. A memorial mass will be held this Saturday at 10am at The Church of the Good Shepherd (3318 E. Henrietta Rd). Intermit will be at the Pine Hill Cemetery afterwards. On behalf of the Union, I extend our sympathies to the Fittos Family and Friends.
This is your President John Pusloskie, thanking you for calling your Union Tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
Today is the annual Worker’s Memorial Day celebration across the nation. Locally the celebration will be held at Highland Park Memorial site at 4:30pm. Each year we remember one of our own. Thomas Luciano, a cable repairman who was killed on the job in a senseless act of violence in March of 1979. Please make an effort to attend. Worker’s Memorial Day takes place annually and is a national day of remembrance for those killed, disabled, or injured by their work. Facts to think about – 1 worker dies every 15 seconds, 6,000 workers die every day, more people die while at work than fighting wars worldwide every day.
Tomorrow at 5:30pm we will be holding an informational meeting for those interested in the enhanced severance. The meeting will be held at the Union Hall. Please contact our office to sign up.
Final announcement – I’m saddened to announce the passing of Retiree Patti Lathan. Patti retired in 1996 as a Building Service Attendant with 27 years of service. On behalf of the Union, I want to extend our sympathies to Patti’s family and friends. The following arrangements have been announced: Calling hours are today from 3 to 7pm at the Cameron Brady and Steuber Funeral Home, 111 Wolcott St, Rte 19S, LeRoy, NY. Service will be held Tuesday at 10am at St. Peter’s Church, LeRoy.
This is your President John Pusloskie, thanking you for calling your Union Tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
The following arrangements have been announced for retiree Everett Warren, who passed away on April 17th. Calling hours will be held today from 5-8pm at Grace Unity Fellowship Church, 986 Joseph Ave. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11am at the same church. On behalf of Local 1170, I extend our sympathies to Everett’s family and friends.
The Company has notified the Union that they are surplusing 4 Sales & Service Techs. The voluntary enhanced severance will be offered in the Sales & Service title first. If there aren’t enough volunteers, then the Company will take volunteers from the Network Tech and Cable Splicer titles. The last day on the payroll for those who volunteer will be May 31, 2012.
Yes, it is difficult to understand management’s decision to surplus at a time when we need more frontline workers to provide competitive service to meet our customer commitments. Which direction do you see the Company headed, forwards or backwards?
This is your President John Pusloskie, thanking you for calling your Union Tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
The Company has been in contact with your union and has advised us that they will be communicating to employees in the following job classifications: Sales & Service, Network Tech, and Cable Splicer, the opportunity to volunteer for the enhanced severance allowance and benefits under the CBA. The company has put a deadline of Friday, May 4th at 5pm to notify HR Manager Tracy Owen of your interest. To be clear, this deadline is for a show of interest only.
The Union requests that anyone interested contact the union office to advise us as well.
The union will be holding an informational meeting next Tuesday, 5/1, at 5:30pm to review the severance benefits. Spouses are welcome. Please call the union office to sign up.
The company is citing budgetary and revenue decline as the reason for the offering. The union is in the process of requesting information to justify the budget cuts.
The tape will be updated with any further developments.
Calling hours and funeral services for Everett Warren are as follows:
Thursday, April 26th 5-8pm at Grace Unity Fellowship Church, 986 Joseph Avenue, where funeral service will be held on Friday at 11am, Rev. Roosevelt Dixon, Pastor.
I’m saddened to announce the passing of retiree Everett Warren. Everett retired in 1996 with 28 years of service. On behalf of the Union I would like to extend our sympathies to Everett’s family and friends. Everett was a true friend to this Union for many years. No announcements have been made to date.
A reminder – the Union is collecting stock proxies for the Frontier Shareholder’s Meeting. Once again, the notice that was mailed to you was not the proxy. The notice contained information on how to request your proxy materials. As we do every year, please sign then and drop them off at the Union Hall. The Union can help you with our recommendations on how to vote.
CWA Retirement Plan statements will be in the mail in the next couple days.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
Retirees: I have received 3 phone calls this week in regard to telephone reimbursement issues. Please check your monthly phone bills to make sure you’re getting the proper credits and toll calls in the Rochester territory are free.
The Company has provided the Union with the 2012 bonus metrics and will be communicating them out to you shortly.
The Union has filed the grievance in regard to the CNOC positions not being filled according to the 2011 negotiations. The grievance will be held next Tuesday.
The Union also became aware this week that the Company has unilaterally changed the Tuition Reimbursement Policy. We will be addressing the change.
Remember, we need you to request your stock proxies. Please get them into the office.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
Proxy information for the annual Frontier Shareholder’s meeting on May 9th has been mailed to your homes. The information gives you instructions on how to request your proxy materials. It may be done by the following:
1. Internet www.proxyvote.com
2. Telephone 1-800-579-1639
3. Email sendmaterial@proxyvote.com
The Union Hall is requesting that you get your proxies in and we will assist you in filling them out. The sooner you request the materials the better.
The Union will be mobilizing an event for May 9th. We will soon advise you what it will be.
I’m saddened to announce the passing of the following retirees:
Beulah Bea Walker on March 28th. Beulah retired in 1988 as a Frame Tech with 18 years of service.
Heidi Lehr, who worked as an Office Clerk and Frame Tech. Heidi was living in North Carolina at the time of her passing.
Kenneth Whiting on April 4th. Ken retired in 1996 as an Equipment Mechanic with 29 years of service. Ken was also living in North Carolina at the time of his passing.
On behalf of the Union, I want to extend our sympathy to each Retiree’s Family and Friends.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
Membership Update:
The Company notified your Union this week that due to budget constraints, the 3 Desk Techs and 2 Clerical positions posted have been withdrawn. The Company last summer committed to 17 positions for the CNOC and the issue was vitally important to the Union in regard to job security concerns. To say that your Union is disappointed in this development is an understatement. We will be pursuing the matter through the grievance procedure.
The Company has also put a polling out for PBX positions. The Company has placed new requirements on the job that have not been endorsed by this Union. The Union has reached out to the Company on the matter.
A polling for show of interest in an Engineering Clerk position has gone out this week. The Company will be accepting interested members through Thursday, April 5th. A meeting is being held by manager Nancy Phillips at W. Henrietta Rd in Room 222 A & B next Thursday from 4-6pm for those employees who want more information about the job.
Winner of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade raffle was Randy DeVos. Thanks to those who participated.
I’m saddened to announce the loss of another retiree, Samuel Boyd. Sam retired in 1989 as a switch tech with 22 years of service. Calling hours will be this Saturday from 3-5pm at the Rector Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Geneseo, NY. A memorial service will follow. On behalf of the Local, I extend our sympathies to Samuel’s family and friends.
At this month’s board meeting, the Executive Board voted to endorse Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Kathy Hochul, based on their voting records in support of labor, to preserve Medicare and Social Security, and against these unfair trade agreements that continue to cause blue-collar workers their jobs to China, Mexico, and now other countries. We are proud to support our friends and friends of labor.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
I want to thank the following members who volunteered their time and effort in organizing the Local’s participation in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this past weekend. We had the best turnout from members and their families in recent memory. Members who worked on the parade are John Gardner, Shannon Sullivan, John Fridd, Mark and Cindy Semrau, Rich Winter, Marie Spendlove, and Don Miller. Hopefully I didn’t miss anyone. Thanks for keeping us out in front in our community!
This week’s announcement that County Exec Maggie Brooks will be running against Local 1170’s friend and supporter Louise Slaughter is highly important for this Local. Louise has been the sponsor of many important bills directly related to our members. She was also instrumental in protecting our retiree’s health care and retirement benefits during the Global Crossing bankruptcy. Many retirees would not have the benefits today if it wasn’t for the likes of Louise. Local 1170 will remember our friends this election season.
I’m saddened to announce the passing of retiree James Pickens. James retired in 1985 as a Switchman with 28 years of service. Friends may call today from 4-8pm at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Rd. Our sympathies go out to Jim’s Family and Friends.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, the place where we fight for the respect you deserve.
Bonus Day:
Today every member receives a 4.5% bonus based on top pay in your job classification. I want to thank each member for your hard work in servicing our customers and maintaining our plant. Your jobs aren’t easy and I appreciate your efforts. It pays to be Union.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Reminder:
Your Union will be gathering at our starting spot on Meigs St. near East Ave beginning at 11am. Parade starts at 12:30pm. Your committee has worked hard to make this a fun event. A workingman’s lunch for those that march will be held at Casey Jones afterwards.
United Way:
The Local’s Annual United Way Campaign has kicked off and meetings will be held at Baytown and W. Henrietta Rd this morning. 1170 members have always been very generous when it comes to giving back to this community. Please make an effort to attend the meetings. Bill Netchke and Fritz Amrhein are this year’s coordinators along with their team of solicitors. Let’s make this year’s campaign our best yet.
Appraisals:
Appraisals are being administered by your supervisors. If your appraisal is unfair, please contact your steward. Remember, this is a permanent record in your file.
This is your President John Pusloskie fighting for the respect you deserve.
At Saturday’s Unit 7 Steward’s Meeting, Desk Tech Rich Winter and Network Tech Diane Papas were elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of the Steward’s body. Overall, it was a good meeting highlighted by the attendance of United States Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is this Saturday. The parade meeting location for Local 1170 members, family, and friends is on Meigs St. near East Ave. Gathering time is 11am. A gathering will be held at Casey Jones on Ridgeway Ave afterwards. A workingman’s lunch will be provided for all marchers. Please bring your families out for this fun event!
Today your Union Officers met with new HR Director Angela Christian to review outstanding issues. The Union presented 13 items in all. The Union will be working hard on your behalf to make sure the Company lives with its agreements and the Contract.
I’m saddened to announce the passing of retiree Harold Thomas. Harold retired in 1987 and held the title of PBX, IR, and Line Tech in his 35-year career. Friends may call this Thursday from 6-8pm at the Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave, Webster.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union Tape the place where we are Union and proud of it.
The Union has received confirmation that the bonus will be paid next Thursday, March 15th. Members who have received information that the bonus was to be paid on March 12th or March 16th received wrong information.
The bonus will be the negotiated minimum of 4.5%, which the Union fought to keep in bargaining. If we didn’t have the guaranteed minimum, the bonus amount would’ve been 2.25%.
The bonus doesn’t accurately measure the true performance that you delivered to our customers, going above and beyond the normal efforts to keep them satisfied. I appreciate your efforts.
Appraisal Update – the Company has begun meeting with members to administer your yearly appraisal for 2011. The new rating system has significantly changed in that above satisfactory and exceptional employees have now been rated lower. After all these years, do you feel like you’re a satisfactory employee? Do you feel like you give just satisfactory service to our customers? Of course not. Don’t hesitate to question or grieve your appraisal. Stewards will be updated Saturday on the situation.
A clarification – the Stewards Meeting is this Saturday, from 9am to Noon at the NYSUT Building on 30 N. Union Street near East Ave.
I’m saddened to announce the passing of Mary Louise Rochon. Many of us who had the pleasure of calling in to her knew she was half crazy and full of spirits, but she could make you laugh and you’d hang up with a smile on your face. Mary retired in 2000 as a Repair Service Clerk with 28 years of service. Arrangements are as follows: Friends may call today from 5-7pm at Latimers Funeral Home at 983 S. Plymouth Ave. A funeral mass will be held Friday at 10am at the Immaculate Conception, 445 Frederick Douglas St.
The Union was notified yesterday that HR Director Kathy Slocum was leaving and GM Angela Christian will be replacing her. The Union looks forward to introducing Angela to the labor relations world and wishes Kathy well in her future endeavors.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union Tape the place where we are Union and proud of it.
Membership Updates:
The Company has advised me yesterday that your supervisors will begin meeting with you on Monday to administer your yearly appraisals for 2011. The Company has altered the form from previous appraisals. Frontier’s values will now make up 25% of your rating. You will now be rated on customer first. Do you do it right the first time, etc. The rating system has also been reversed, 5 will now be the highest rating. Your Union requested to bargain and the Company has refused. The Union isn’t acknowledging the new appraisal. If you feel your appraisal is unfair, please contact your steward to have it grieved.
St. Patrick’s Day - We will be marching with the Rochester community on Saturday, March 17th downtown Rochester. Bring your families out to join your Union brothers and sisters in this fun event! Time and location will be announced.
Saturday, March 10th is a Union Activity Day for all Stewards. A Unit Meeting is being held from 9am to Noon. The notice with the agenda has been mailed out. Please RSVP to the Union Hall if you’re unable to attend.
This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union Tape the place where we are Union and proud of it.
A big thank you goes out to our leadership givers to the Annual United Way Campaign. Your continued support has already raised $53,000! Without you, this campaign would not be as successful as it is.
Each year we show Rochester and the surrounding areas just how much CWA Local 1170 cares. Donating to the United Way Community Fund is a great way to show how much we all care. So far this year, CWA has already pledged over $20,000 towards the community funded programs.
So many of our friends and neighbors benefit from the community funded programs. From early childhood to school-age youth, aging, crisis services, and disability services, there is a chance that we all know someone who has either benefited from these services or could benefit from them. Without everyone’s support, these services may not be available to them.
Many of us donate to specific areas of impact, and those areas also need our support, but CWA Local 1170 is asking that if you are thinking of increasing your donation this year, you think about aiming your increase towards the community funded programs.
The rest of our campaign is soon to kick off and we look forward to your continued support. Thank you very much!
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