CWA Local 1170

Your Union has been in contact with the Company late yesterday and the Company has agreed to meet on Thursday to discuss the Tony D’Aprile situation.  Tony has been on the picket lines and has thanked those that have supported him.  I also want to thank the Membership for your support.  Your solidarity has made a difference.  This issue isn’t just about Tony it’s about the fair treatment of employees and a situation, which could’ve happened to any member.  I will provide an update once I have more information. 

This is your President, John Pusloskie thanking you for your solidarity.

I was in contact with the company late Friday in regards to technician Tony D’Aprile’s forced dismissal last Thursday.  The company has made no commitments other than to tell me that they will call me sometime today.  I expressed the Union’s position very clearly to HR Rep Kathy Slocum that Tony needed to be brought back to work immediately.

What happened to Tony could’ve been any one of us.  It is unclear the motive for the company’s actions to get rid of a good employee.  Was it to cut costs?  Was he not liked by his supervisor or GM?  I don’t know, but to dismiss a good employee, who generated seven thousand dollars this month in sales for the company, doesn’t make sense.  The Union is standing behind Tony for this unjust act.  The time is now to act like a union and stand up for what is right.

A high wind warning will be in effect for most of the day today.  Please make sure you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and adhere to the proper safety procedures when working aloft.

This is your President John Pusloskie thanking you for calling your Union tape and UP THE REBEL!

One of your fellow brothers today was unjustly treated by the company.  Fellow worker Tony D’aprile, a 13-year veteran technician working out of the Baytown Garage was handed his appraisal in the parking lot.  Tony, frustrated over the appraisal, went to his boss and out of frustration said I can’t take it and quit.  Less than five minutes later he went back in and apologized, said he was sorry and wanted to go back to work.  The company’s position is he quit and they accept his resignation.  No consideration for his apology and are refusing to let him continue his employment.

The Union’s position is they’ve terminated him without cause.

Is this the treatment we deserve?  Where’s the respect for the people in the 3P’s?  I ask you, the company, to do the right thing and bring back Mr. D’Aprile, a valued, hardworking, and trustworthy employee.

This is your President telling you that the sun is setting in the East.  Thank you for calling your Union tape.

I want to thank your Clambake Committee – Patti Roberts, Bruce Cotton, Tom Tartaglia, and Fritz Amrhein for organizing a successful clambake held yesterday.  It was very well attended and the entertainment provided by Dave McGrath Band was excellent.

Facilities Coordinator Mary Jane Kleehammer was winner of the 42inch flat screen HD TV and Retiree Don Riley was winner of the 50/50 raffle, which was $400.00.  Congratulations to both and every one who supported the raffles.

At the Membership meeting last Thursday, we had likely debate in regards to 5 members working overtime on Labor Day.  A letter will be sent to each member clarifying the Union Activity Day and the Membership Motion in place concerning it.

National representatives Bob Masters and Dave Palmer shared information about the Verizon/Frontier merger.  CWA and the IBEW research departments, leaders, and members are very concerned about the impact of this merger on the financial health of the company and the impact on consumers and employees, based on similar deals with Hawaii Telephone, FairPoint Communications, and Idearc, all experiencing extreme financial difficulties today.  Hawaii Telephone and Idearc have declared bankruptcy and FairPoint is in dire financial shape.

I want to thank all members and retirees who attended and took action to contact their state legislator with their concerns in regards to this merger.

The Union is in the process of cleaning out all its paper files.  We’re looking for five or six people to help us with this project.  We’re willing to pay $10/hr for anyone interested in working for 2 to 3 weeks.  Please contact the Union Hall for more information.

A notification to all Sales and Service Techs – the company will be polling for two air pressure positions from the entire Sales and Service title.  If you have interest, please make sure you get your name in.

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

To all Stewards who were approved for today’s 2^nd step grievance meeting: The Company has cancelled the meeting scheduled for 1pm today.  We will send out a new notice when a date and time has been agreed to.

A reminder – tomorrow is a Union Activity Day for all Members.  Meetings are being held at the Union Hall at 8:30am, 10am, and 2pm, and at the Diplomat Party House at 5:30pm.  The meeting will start at 5:30pm sharp, as representatives of the National need to go on first due to travel arrangements.  Please make efforts to attend as we have a busy agenda. 

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