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AT&T Mobility
Local 1170 Update
On June 30th a meeting was held between your Union Officers, Stewards, and AT&T Upstate Management including Area Retail Sales Managers, HR Representatives, and managers from Engineering. You were represented by RSC Adam Clark from Greece Ridge Mall, Sales Support Rep Mike Stockwell, and myself, the Local’s President. The Union had the following agenda, which is summarized below.
Engineering Department Issues
Outdated Eq RF safety devices
EH&S the field managers will take responsibility for getting all the RF testing devices calibrated or replaced. The Company is targeting next month to have this done. One question that needs to be researched is whether the Company is in violation of any OSHA laws by not having up-to-date calibrated devices in the workplace.
Ticketing System
The Union brought forth the issue of getting blocked out for on-the-job training to work and get qualified on the different types of equipment. The issue management is pressing for 7 to 7.5 hours productive work and not allowing techs to get job knowledge while on the job. Management is going to go back to review how many hours a month should be allowed for time on the job to acquire sufficient job knowledge to work on equipment.
Work Load and Overzealous Monitoring
The issue of overzealous monitoring utilizing GPS. Bob Holiday acknowledged that high level managers were monitoring technicians often when their time could be spent better managing their business. The Company skirted the issue for the most part by stating that the vehicles are an expensive asset in which they need to know where they are, as some have been stolen. As it stands you can expect more monitoring.
John Lexor based out of Rochester is responsible for the four switches in upstate NY looking to develop a formal process for who is responsible for field operations in each market.
Retail
Keyholder Differential
The contract isn’t specific about what duties this is paid for. The Union requested what the policy is nationwide. The Union expressed that in other parts of the Country if multiple reps are opening and closing the stores and count the cash boxes, they should get the differential pay for the time performing those duties. The Company has agreed that the keyholder differential as it has been termed went into effect April 26th. Any reps who physically opened or closed the store after that time should be compensated. If any reps feel that they have been inadequately paid for these duties, please contact me at the Union Office to discuss.
Scheduling Tool
The Union was given a presentation on the new scheduling tool. August 2nd will be the first day of the newly implemented tool. Reps by seniority will pick their shifts by the 15th of each month for the next month’s schedule. As in the past, a rep will request time off and the manager will still approve it. The system utilizes traffic data from the previous 6 to 8 weeks and for holidays 2 to 3 years to determine the slots needed. Please keep me informed of any schedule problems. Managers will still have the ability to override the system for special circumstances.
Monthly Goals
Negative Environment
Reps are being written up for missing goals by 1 or 2 gross opportunities or gross ads. The company agreed if reps have good close rates, and poor store traffic, that they would absolutely look at adjusting write-ups.
SPG & COBC
Addressed the minor nature of some code of business conducts. There doesn’t seem to be progressive discipline and the fact that some of the company managers don’t follow proper protocol.
Other issues were discusses as well, such as the IRU activation fees, project famous, extraordinary customer experience, wow process, and staffing problems, etc.
The Union is looking for people to step up and want to take a more active role in the Union. We would really like to get new people involved, have people trained to represent members in a disciplinary setting, and learn how to file a grievance. I believe we can address a lot of issues earlier on before someone gets in the undesirable position of a final warning. We will compensate people for their hours off the job if they’re scheduled to work. Please contact me at the Union Hall if you’re interested.
Upcoming Special Events:
Annual Golf Tournament – Victor Hills – Saturday, August 8th
Labor Day Parade – Monday, September 7th – Details to follow
Walkers in the Parade are eligible for discounted Picnic & Park Pass at Seabreeze Amusement Park
Annual Clambake – Sunday, September 20th – 1pm to 6pm
All-you-can-eat steamed clams etc. Entertainment – Dave McGrath
The bottom line – if you feel that you’ve been treated unfairly, you have the right to file a grievance. If you don’t know who to call, please contact me at the union office, 647-1170. Thank you.
In Solidarity,
John Pusloskie, President
Local 1170 CWA
