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On December 7, 2008 this Local and CWA Locals 1301 and 1302 signed a five (5) year agreement with Idearc. We began bargaining in April 2007, the contract expired in June '07 and we have worked without a collective bargaining agreement since January 2008. If not for the dedication of the bargaining teams, the support of both CWA and IBEW Internationals and the solidarity of our members we would never have been successful. This was a long and costly fight but we now have what is a fair and acceptable contract that was unanimously supported by this Locals members. The contract will expire on December 13, 2013 with 3% pay raises for the next five (5) years. At this time I would like to thank everyone for their hard work with a very special thanks to Dennis Trainor, CWA Assistant Vice President District 1, George Alcott, President CWA Local 1301 and Linda Nordyke, President CWA Local 1302. I would also like to thank Maria Vooris, Assistant Business Manager/Idearc for her hard work and to the stewards in North Greenbush. Without our solidarity and hard work we would have never been able to do it.
In the CSSC organization we will be seeing more job posts for representatives in Fios. In Demand we are in the process of setting up a meeting with Paul Donovan to discuss what we need to get done to help alleviate the overtime situation. The officers and I know that this Local needs to see job posts in all locations of the CSSC and that will be our priority in 2009.
2008 has been a very exciting year. In this tough economic time this Local has negotiated a three (3) year CBA with Verizon and a five (5) year CBA with Idearc. We should be very proud of our accomplishments. In ending, I would like to quote IBEW International President Edwin Hill, "Labor doesn't claim credit for the Obama-Biden ticket's far reaching win. But without our all-out commitment-our grassroots plan-victory would be impossible to achieve. Brothers and sisters, you have truly earned some precious time with your families this holiday season. So let's enjoy our loved ones and give thanks for our accomplishments in 2008. And, as we pray for a happy and healthy 2009, let us prepare to defend our gains against those who still underestimate the progressive vision, grace and competence that define our labor movement."
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