CWA Local 1170

The Union held discussions with the Company yesterday in regards to various issues including the 12 day unpaid furlough.  The Company advised us that they are working on the Union’s information request.  The Union cannot consider the Company’s proposal any further until this happens.

I know there is anxiety out there amongst everyone.  The Company initially expressed to the Union if there was no agreement by April 1^st that there would be layoffs.  The Company reassured us that there was no April 1^st deadline.  Even so, they are looking at cost reductions in every area.  We suggested again that the Company consider getting rid of the GPS and contractors.  It is true that the company terminated some management people as well as eliminated the BAO Office in Rochester several days ago.  These are anxious times, be patient and we will keep you updated.

Next Wednesday is a Union Solidarity Day.  Please wear your Union shirts or buttons.

This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, the place where we are Union and proud of it.

To date the Union hasn’t received the information from the Company that it requested in regards to the furlough.  At this time there has been no further negotiations.  I will update the tape when there is new information to report.

I want to recognize the following telephone members who have service anniversaries this month:

35 years – Monika Guernsey

20 years – Bryan Renehan, Kathy Klein

15 years – Robert D’Ambrosia

10 years – Kevin Eisenberg, Marc Sanfilippo, John Cialini, Michael Kehoe,

                  Brian Wheaton, Steve Dimick

Your Union is preparing for its annual United Way Campaign, which is going to be coordinated by Joann Dzwigal, Bill Netchke, and Fritz Amrhein.  In these tough economic times, more people are in need of basic human services than ever before.  In the spirit and tradition of Local 1170 and its former leaders, Bob Flavin, Linda McGrath, and Rich Downey, we ask that you continue your participation in this year’s campaign.  Local 1170 has always been a cornerstone of the annual united campaign.  Let’s do our best to help out. 

This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape, and Up The Rebel!

The ballots have been counted and Mike Chomik has been elected Vice Chairman of Unit 2 representing the Desk Techs.

Unit 5 meetings have been scheduled for Thursday, March 19^th at the following locations and times:

Night Shift – 10am at the Union Hall

Day Shift – 5pm at the Genesee Valley Moose Lodge, 5375 W. Henrietta Rd.

This is a Union Activity Day for this unit. 

A meeting was held Tuesday afternoon between the Union and the Company concerning the proposed 12-day furlough.  Your Union Officer’s National Union Area Rep Dave Palmer and several executive board members listened to and questions company representatives in regards to this program.  The Union has asked for information and will update the members as the situation progresses.  I want to restate again that the company must negotiate on these changes.

This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape.

To be clear on yesterday’s announcement that Frontier CEO Maggie Wilderotter’s request for all employees to take a 12 day unpaid furlough.  There has been no contact by the company to your union.  The company must negotiate any changes to the contract with us, and contrary to the rumors out in the field that I said there is nothing we can do about it, get your facts before you spread such rumors.

At the Unit 1 meeting on Wednesday, the following people were nominated for Chairman:  Joanne Bauman, Ron Eygabroad, and Bryan Renehan for Vice Chairman.  The ballots for Unit 2 Vice Chair will be counted and announced on Monday.

Lineup for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is between 10am and 11am on Saturday At Strathallan Park near East Ave.  The Union will be providing a workingman’s lunch at Rick’s Prime Rib after the parade.

The Doug Beckman arbitration wasn’t completed and another day with the arbitrator has been scheduled for March 31^st.  Doug has waited a long time to get his day in court.  He did well testifying.  I will keep you up-to-date as things progress.

This is your President John Pusloskie thanking your for calling your union tape, and UP THE REBEL!

The Local is marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.  All members and retirees are invited.  The Union is meeting on Strathallan Park near East Ave between 10am and 11am.  A workingman’s lunch will be provided to those who march at Rick’s Prime Rib on Buffalo Rd afterwards.  Tickets will be available at the parade.

A Unit 1 meeting is being held on Wed. March 11^th.  Meeting times and places are the following:

8:30am at the Union Hall

10am at the Union Hall

1pm at the Union Hall

5:30pm at the Genesee Valley Moose Lodge @ 5375 W. Hen. Rd near Erie Station Rd.

This is a Union Activity Day for this unit.  The Doug Beckman arbitration is scheduled for Wed. and Thurs.  I will be unavailable to take calls on these days.

The bonus is being paid on Thursday for Frontier employees.  The bonus is 4.5% of your base pay.  Once again thank you for your hard work and dedication.

This is your President John Pusloskie thanking your for calling your union tape.  The place where we are union and proud of it!