In 1989, along with many of our Union brothers and sister across the country, the CWA was on strike again Bell Atlantic. This strike was successful providing the language which assured us all the work in the outside plant associated with the fiber network. It was a long 18-day strike buy we stood strong and we still enjoy many of the protections that we achieved during that strike. The Company looks at a strike as business as usual and in a very impersonal manner but this is our livelihood and it affects not just us but our families as well. A strike is never easy and it is always our last resort to protect our future.
One of our members walking the picket line was E. Gerald Hogan, Chief Steward, CWA Local 1103. On August 15, 1989, a Thursday morning, Gerry Hogan was killed. His death was a result from injuries he sustained when he was run down by a "scab" as he walked picket duty. The drive of the vehicle which killed him was a manger's daughter who was working as a "scab" during the strike.
In the CWA's long storied history, he is the only member to be killed on a picket line.
The idea started small, we asked all of our members to wear red on Thursday to remind the Company of the blood they had spilled and to show support for our fallen brother. But it quickly spread nation wide as a sign of solidarity every Thursday at CWA locations across the country a sea of red has become an ongoing sign of solidarity. Wearing red is a simple but effective way to show the Company that we stand together as a Union. We all have personal lives and beliefs but in the workplace every member needs to share the same goal, better wages, benefits, job security, and respect in the workplace.
No company that we represent can take away the wages and benefits that we have fought so hard to achieve when we stand together. Our solidarity will make these companies prosperous and provide good jobs for generations to come buy only when we stand united.
Solidarity is not just an idea- It is a belief that together we can protect and improve our way of life.
Answer the 11 questions at http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460 to find out which candidates are most aligned with your views and opinions. You may skip questions if you do not want them factored into the results. This quiz is not meant to pick your candidate for you. It is designed to inform the public of the various stances candidates make. Results are not scientific. The WQAD candidate survey is based on the original SELECT A CANDIDATE survey developed by Minnesota Public Radio and posted at: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/. Used by permission
In Iowa Speech, Edwards Demands Answers From Clinton On NAFTA Expansion
By David Sirota Credo Action, 11/4/07
This press release just came across the transom...looks like America's NAFTA-style trade policy is taking center stage in the presidential contest and shocker - Hillary Clinton is trying to hide.
Here's the release:
EDWARDS: SENATOR CLINTON MUST TAKE A STAND ON PERU TRADE DEAL Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Today, in Charles City, Iowa, Senator John Edwards made the followed statement calling on Senator Clinton to take a stand on whether she is for or against the Peru trade deal, which would expand the NAFTA model: "I grew up in Carolina mill towns and I've seen firsthand the devastating impact trade can have on American workers and their communities. America is bleeding jobs. Now, more than ever, it is time we take a clear stand against the Peru trade deal and any other NAFTA-like trade agreements that will needlessly cost America more jobs and hurt middle class and working families. "Sadly, Senator Obama has chosen to support the Peru trade deal. While I am disappointed by his choice, and I hope he reconsiders, at least he has taken a position. Unfortunately, Senator Hillary Clinton still refuses to say whether she is for or against the Peru trade deal. "On all issues, whether it is Iraq, Iran, Social Security or trade, voters deserve straight talk and a leader who will have the strength to tell voters where they stand. "I believe the Peru trade deal continues failed trade policies. It is wrong for America, and I strongly oppose it. As president, I will promote smart and safe policies by negotiating better deals and rejecting bad deals, enforcing the terms of those deals, helping dislocated workers and communities and ensuring the products sold to American families are safe. "For the sake of hard-working families in Iowa and all across America, I hope that Senator Clinton will finally take a stand, do what is right and join me in strongly opposing the Peru trade deal."
Stay tuned - the Peru deal is expected to be voted on this week. We'll see what happens. But no matter how any of the presidential candidates vote, it is already clear that Clinton refuses to take a leadership role on these, the most important economic issues facing the middle class. She's surrounded by the Wall Street wing of her party - and though her rhetoric has been nice, she is making clear where her real loyalties lie.
Joe Beirne Foundation Scholarship
Dear Colleagues:
We're ready, once again, to kick off the CWA Joe Beirne Foundation's annual scholarship offerings for the 2008-2009 school year.
The Foundation's Board of Directors has approved the awarding of thirty (30) partial college scholarships of up to $3,000 each, and the winners also will receive second-year scholarships for the same amount, contingent upon satisfactory academic achievement.
Eligible for the scholarships are CWA members, their spouses, children and grandchildren, including the dependents of retired, laid-off, or deceased members. Applicants must be high school graduates or high school students who will graduate during the year in which they apply. Undergraduate and graduate students returning to school may also apply.
Applications will be available solely online for completion and submission to the Foundation's website: http://www.cwa-union.org/members/beirne/. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2008. The winners will be chosen by lottery from those submitting the required essay. Additional information about the program can be found at the website.
This valuable scholarship program is made possible by the funding of CWA locals. For those locals not yet participating in funding the Beirne scholarships, I urge you to do so. Financial arrangements can be developed to accommodate your local's needs. Please feel free to call my office for more information and assistance.
We have attached the poster announcing the program for 2008, which can be circulated electronically or downloaded, printed and distributed at your work locations.
In Unity,
Larry Cohen President
NOTICE.....
Please do not contact the Local via company email. We will not be able to respond. Please use only personal email (ie: AOL, yahoo, msn, etc.). If you do not have personal email, please contact the Local or your representative via phone.
GRIEVANCES AND ADDRESS CHANGES
If you need to file a grievance, please go the "Your Rights" section on the left. Then go to "Grievance Form" on the top. Fill out the form and submit.
If you need to change your address, please go to "Contact Us" on the left. then go to "Address Change". You may also use this form for name changes.
IN SEARCH OF JOB
The Free Press, Kerville, Texas
Joe Smith started his day early, having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 a.m. While his coffee pot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE), and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).
After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA), he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA), he got into his car (MADE IN GERMANY) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.
At the end of another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL), poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can’t find a good paying job...in AMERICA
Your Benefits Weren't A Gift
The advantages you enjoy as a union member - a guaranteed wage rate, protection against unfair treatment, paid vacations and holidays, health and wealth benefits and a pension plan were not gifts from management.
Your employer may try to give you the idea that your pay and benefits are the result of management generosity (a contradiction in terms). Don't be fooled.
CWA members have struggled long and hard to achieve what we have today. Sometimes they have been forced to strike - meaning weeks of hardship for themselves and their families - to gain the things you now enjoy.
YOUR EMPLOYER HAS NEVER AGREED TO ANYTHING OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF ITS HEART!
IT'S THE UNION, NOT YOUR EMPLOYER, who is responsible for what you have today. It's the union, with your support that will be responsible for all the gains you make in the future.
Local 4202 Updates & Information
Hotline: (312) 458-0976
The Hotline number is still up & running with CWA Local 4202 Updates & Information. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE MESSAGES ON THIS LINE AS THIS IS AN OUTGOING MESSAGE ONLY. If you need to contact the Local, please call 217-892-8700.
CWA LOCAL 4202
201 E SANGAMON STE 107
RANTOUL, IL 61866
