Communications Workers of America

Communications Workers of America Local 3102
4638 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32119
Telephone  ::  386-761-3102  |  Fax  ::  386-788-8088
Email  ::  cwa3102@bellsouth.net

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ROYCE ULIBARRI, President

RICK MOCK, Vice President

Fighting a giant alone.

You may feel this way from time to time when dealing with the company.  I know I have.  But then I did something I felt real uncomfortable with, at first.  I went to the Union for help.  It felt like I was tattling.  Like I was ratting someone out.  I felt like I would be perceived as a loser because I couldn't handle my own problems.  What I found was a support group like no other and I found that, in fact, I was not alone.

I am not anti-company.  If the company wants me to walk around my van five times before I get in and drive away.  That is what I'll do.  If they want me to put 10 cones around my van.  That is what I'll do.  They pay me to do it.  Why would I bite the hand that feeds me?

I bite the hand that feeds me, so to speak, when my boss asks me to do something that compromises policy and/or contractual agreements and therefore compromises my rights, safety or even employment.  When I have refused such requests, I would feel like I'm fighting a giant alone.  After all, when we are one on one, my boss's request sounds more mandatory than obligatory.

Then the problems set in.  Because I declined to give up my rights, or compromise my safety, or even take one for the team, I began being scrutinized like a recruit in boot camp.  In other words, retaliation.  I took it for years.  Literally.  And I took it for one reason.  I was naive.

There comes a point in any confrontation when you hit a fight or flight mode.  Because I had a family to support it was an easy choice for me.  I chose to fight.  But I didn't know how.  That is when I went to the Union for help.  I started to file grievances for the first time ever, and for the first time ever I sought help through EAP.  Because of the Union and the benefits it has fought for over the years, I now felt empowered in my own job.

I learned several things in this process.  Firstly, we actually have a contract that outlines COMPANY behavior.  What a concept!!  Secondly, there exists a team of individuals ready to stand up for me should my rights be violated.  And thirdly, I learned EXACTLY
what my dues were going for every paycheck.

I want everyone to do two things.
1. Get familiar with your contract.  You don't have to know everything in it but learn your basic rights.
2.  If you are not already, join the Union.  Without support from the memberships dues, we are ALL fighting giants alone.

Rick Mock
Vice President CWA Local 3102

JT mulcahy, Secretary/ Treasurer

It was a long weekend at Officer training, but we are now legally bonded. We had are new state Rep. Marie train three new stewards for Mobility. It is great to see some wireless guys step up. Rick  and Jose have been doing a great job handling a large amount of grievances. We really like to thank all the stewards  who have pitched in and helped the last month. Royce has been making his rounds to all the yards to hear your concerns.
 
Moving on: The Local's finances, while stable at this time, can take a turn for the worse at any time. Unfortunately, with all the lay-offs and non memebers, we have seen our income decrease while our expenses continue to increase. The time your officers are spending to handle grievances, briefs, and security investigations are putting us in a tenuous position. We will continue to do all we can to hold these expenses to a minimum.
 
In closing: I still look forward to seeing all of you at the monthly meetings. We are 7 months away to contract. Please try to attend. Not only do you get all the information, but it shows solidarity. We need everyone's support in a contract year.And remember, AS ONE WE BARGAIN NOT BEG.

JT Mulcahy