CWA asks you to stand up for working families at AT&T and Stop the Corporate Greed

[imperialscot]

CWA is proving to be a BIG let down for its members and is showing that it really has NO BACKBONE when it comes to standing up to the greedy jagoffs who run AT&T!

Walking way from negotiations and FAILING to go out on strike APRIL 1ST, 2009 only gives AT&T officials the upper hand with all issues... FIGHT FOR THE BENEFITS AND FIGHT TO END OVERTIME! CWA NEEDS TO DO A MUCH BETTER JOB OF STANDING UP FOR YOU! You're working under an EXPIRED contract!CAPE GIRARDEAU ARE FED UP WITH CWA & AT&T!

[scandals4u]

popquizz Union salaries are available for review at any time by union members. The union is not a publicly owned corporation so if you want to find out what union salaries are become a member. I have no problem with the compensation that they receive for the work they do, As for the dues that we pay it's based on our base pay so not everyone pays the same in dues. so case dismissed. Nothing anyone can say is going to change your mind so stay bitter and stay management.

[popquizzz]

The purpose of the union is to perpetuate the union. The purpose of union management is to maintain their own entitlements, side deals and perks. Unions purposely erect complex work rules guaranteed to destroy efficiency, and maximize the number of UNION jobs irrespective of the costs to management or the damage to shareholders. Unions are unwilling to embrace the truth that the price of commodity labor in a global economy regresses to the mean.

[scandals4u]

by the way your management service rep training that you had so that you can cover during the strike blows chunks. Between having to clean up the messed up orders you guys and west and that group in canada and mexico made that's like half my day. So who do I feel sorry for if we walk the customer that's who because they are going to suffer the most. and get off the not 100% voted for the strike thing when have you ever gotten 100% of the people to agree on anything. Be real.

[scandals4u]

The only question is not if but when there is going to be a strike. AT&T has no intention of bargaining in good faith. So lower management better brush up on their skills lol. I've had 4 friends take a promotion in to management after I warned them not to. After 2 years guess how many are still with the company? one yes it sucks to be you.

[scandals4u]

popquizzz you are an idiot. What has the union done for me? Let me see if it was up to AT&T with no union around I would be making about as much working for bill millers bbq and I would have zero to no health care coverage.

[popquizzz]

the fact that this video has only been viewed <10K times, and the minimal number of comments compared to the AT&T CWA Union membership speaks volumes of the support for the union. Go on strike, hope you can live on $100/wk strike duty pay. Then you can ask the union to pay your mortgage and rent. See what that gets you.

[agreatmystery]

LOL, popquizz is sounding a little desperate. Getting a little tough for you right now? Feeling a little stress???? LOL, yeah, we know who does the work in this company.

[popquizzz]

let me clarify, if you think I sound desperate, I am not I am frustrated... Frustrated by the likes of people that think they are ENTITLED. If you want something better work for it. If you want lower health care costs for all then take responsibility for your own health care costs. why is it your employer's responsibility to provide you with health care insurance. Insurance is suppose to be a safety mechanism that protects against catastophic loss financial or otherwise. what has the union done?

[sknsfn42]

agreatmystery......Don't you get it, the company wants you to walk, the union knows this, and knows they are weak right now with little leverage over the company. The union also knows in this economy the number of folks crossing will be exponentially higher and their little sand box crumbles like a house of cards. It's over and everybody but the CWA members know it. Feel stupd and used???? Good!!!!!!

[agreatmystery]

Management trying to do our job is like a monkey trying to screw a football, that is why you guys all go home at 2 o'clock. Anyone who crosses will be working for free and they know it. The Union has won every single case against those who cross. After they cut our insurance what do you management guys think they are going to do with you? You are pawns. After this contract is resolved, 20% of you will be loosing your jobs. Computers that can replace what you do, Walmart is hiring.

[sknsfn42]

You should really sober up before you post, that made no sense at all agreatmystery. It actually explains alot

[agreatmystery]

If you don't know what a closed Union shop is than you are an idiot. What happened with all of those sipp offers to management? Why pay pay someone extra money when you can fire them? What part do you not understand?

[sknsfn42]

It is your legal right to resign from the union if you wish, regardless of closed shop or open shop. That is the issue that the CWA is being sued for. There are no sipp offers for mgt, that is a term specific to the bargaining agreement. You really need to cut back on the hootch dude

[vascos40]

Glen (popquizzz) and who are you going to manage after we all lose our jobs? TELVISTA in Baja ?

to all, just check this un youtube search:

BEAUTIFUL LOURDES AT THE OPS FLOOR IN TELVISTA MCH

625,000 jobs sent to mexico in 2009, and then we wonder why Americans aren't buying new cars, we are losing our jobs to the new type of slavery, sad very sad

[popquizzz]

lastly, ask your union represenatives what their salary and benefits are? ask them what expense allowances they receive. ask them for full disclosure of their political and financial dealings. you will hit a brick wall, I guarantee it. Randall Stevensons salary and bonus and his political contributions are public as are many of the officers of every public company. Ask the union to tell you the whole truth, full disclosure on all monies flowing in and out of the coffers, then you will see truth

[Jimstock601]

I actually did search on this and could not find any information on CWA Union Leaders salary information. How much do they get paid?

[agreatmystery]

all union money is public record..ask your upper management about the stock options they took before they cut lower level (bonuses) opps i guees they forgot that 1

[popquizzz]

show us where that "public record" is posted. To prove my case just do a search on CWA Union Salary or even CWA Union Dues. you cannot find it. today the union is a scam to grease the pockets of union represenatives and politicians. how mach money has the union spent on your training and education? I bet the company has spent more money in a year than the union has spent on you in ten years. ask yourself "what am I really getting for the union dues I pay?"

[Jimstock601]

I'm a third party and was wondering this also, I cannot find any information about CWA leaders salaries. How much are they getting paid?

[popquizzz]

tell the union to bargain faithfully, the company is not asking for anything more consessions from the union that current and new hire managers are not asked to assume. why do you assume you are entitled to sharing in the properity of a company? as a stock holder of AT&T shares I am entitled to get a fair return for my investment. if you wish to benefit in this manner, buy stock. otherwise shutup and do the job you were hired to do. if you don't like it quit. someone would be happy to have a job

[popquizzz]

additionally, as a manager part of my pay is at risk. (pay for performance) what is wrong with this concept. We should be doing this for our teachers, public officials and yes for any work where performance and meeting metrics is important to personal and corporate growth. If you are an FLMA abuser we do not need you, you drag down all of us union or not. and as a side note the day after thanksgiving was never a holiday.we had that taken away two years ago, but they gave us an additional day off

[popquizzz]

it is amazing in this day and age that this union can even exist. Managers at AT&T have been given the benefit of a consumer driven health care plan or the option to pay more bi-weekly for a PPO. Maybe my costs shifted to a higher out of pocket deductible, but my health care costs decreased, and I have more than made up for the higher deductible through pre-tax deductions and extremely lower premiums. Plus I have a pre-tax HSA that can roll over if I don't use it. The Union is not telling all

[vascos40]

918kg59. I am not an FMLA abuser, my kid receives Chemo every month so as my wife, I do callout, but guess what? I dont get paid for the time I am out, unless of course you consider that abuse too. I agree there are a few bad ones here n there, Why don't we take action and report them? ATT is laughing at us right now, divide and conquer.

[918kg59]

sknsfn42 to you............. I agree . GET ON AND STRIKE ALREADY ...............GET WALKING. You will and can be replaced you never did crap anyway . Lets see what your pay and benefits are in the " Real World".

[ktn485]

Hey,To all you folks that talk bad about the union,

I bet when this wonderful and fair company called at&t raised the annual health care deductible for managers to $####.## per individual I'm sure they wished they had someone to fight for them over the issue instead of just having to bend over and take it up the rear end..

[middleclassusa]

The next time you walk into a stadium with at&t pasted all over it, or the next minute you turn on the TV and see ad after ad, think corporate greed. They have lied about the wireline empolyees and what they do.They bring your world to you via high-speed u-verse and fiber optics !!

[mttiwil5]

You obviously need to get a life... After I retired I got another job. Life is short stop being hostile RETIRE and move on.

[mttiwil5]

sknsfn42- we many not pay anything for healthcare but it's far from FREE. We have higher deductibles and higher co-pays than most of my friends and guess what---- they don't pay anything either. We are far from spoiled- we work VERY hard for what we get, thank you very much. You should really do some research before you post. It's clear you are uninformed.

[sknsfn42]

Union labor is statistically produces one of the lowest productivity rates in the country. Many CWA employees are more motivated to find ways out of work (FMLA) than actually doing their job. Support for your cause is minimal, please go on strike soon! Prepare to be part of the real world, where enititlements are rare and hard work is honestly rewarded

[agreatmystery]

That is just a flat out lie. Union workers have statistically been more productive, have less turnover and benefit both the economy and companies on a whole range of factors.

[sknsfn42]

Well you are right that they never quit their job because they can almost never be fired and they dont have to work hard to keep their job thanks to the CWA. They benefit the ecomony by having more disposable income then their skill set would qualify them for, but cause the cost of the service they provide to be uncompettitive

[agreatmystery]

That is another lie. Many union workers have been fired at AT&T. It is a lie that we do not work hard. I've ragged out my knees and both my shoulders doing this job. We work harder than most, we make a modest income and we have to meet performance standards like everyone else. You obviously have some closed minded assumptions about union workers, they are highly inaccurate.

[vascos40]

918kg59 is a manager. People notice how managers behave and conduct them selves at this company. His/her account was solely created to comment on this video. Incredible

[918kg59]

vascos40 To you. I have been a Union worker 13 yrs. I WORK. I do not agree with "protecting" CWA members that give the Union a BAD name. There are a lot of hard working CWA members that deserve promotions.Does the truth hurt from one of your own. You must be one of those peers that we call " FMLA ABUSERS' ? Sounds like you are not sure what your fighting for ? Even cwa members don't always agree with CWA. Why dont you Strike Already , quit bluffing......see how many cross ...........

[vascos40]

managers should stay away from commenting here. That's my opinion.

[agreatmystery]

Protect good jobs in America. This country cannot afford to continue on the path of corporate greed. If you think people should be grateful for any work at any pay then move to China. America needs a strong middle class. We need Main Street, it is what makes our country great.

[sknsfn42]

All of this rhetoric over the one of the last employee groups in America with free health care being asked to make a contribution. Somehow this relates to a strong America and feeding families and corporate greed. People are not that stupid, they see you for what your are, spoiled employees of a dying wireline buisiness trying to hold on to power and leverage over your employer, Good luck with that

[mttiwil5]

This is to: UGOT2BNUTS-- That is what you are for taking a manager position. If you have a problem with your healthcare talk to Randy -- see how that works for you. Just so you know the employees think you have a raw deal too. That is the price you pay for going management. You should have stayed with the union. You would have a little more protection.

[ugot2bnuts]

Yes, you are correct. I didn't like the situation and got another job with another company after retirement. If you aren't happy with your job, don't whine, quit and find a better job! Then come back and see how ridiculous the entitlement comments look. You guys have it made.

[mttiwil5]

WAH WAH WAH-- AT&T is taking advantage of the economic conditions to line their pockets. It's clear when the CEO makes 33 million , the profits are nearly 13 BILLION that the only reason they would want more money for healthcare is to turn than profit to 20 billion and give the CEO a big fat raise. He already got a 22% raise last year...Yeah I guess times are real tough. Get a clue Those who don't know what your talking about - don't post.

[918kg59]

Don't live for today - live for a healthy company that MUST produce billions in profit to keep the public investing in it. Without it - you'll just lose your job later! Be glad that you have JOBS, in SAFE environments (the Government affords you this protection already)!

[918kg59]

For those in the union who demand AT&T be your caregiver - get over it. Management/Union - you're all contractors as human capital. The stakes change and you make a deal to work or not to work, doing the job asked, at the fees offered. Speak up for what you want - yes. Burn down the house while you're at it - STUPID. Insurance was never intended to be your savior, but a protection against catastrophe.

[918kg59]

Here's what's sad about this. I am reading the comments from how many employees who speak so poorly about a company that, once a contract is signed (assuming in they're favor) will then try and speak highly of. My apologies in labeling you as hypocritical, but if the shoe fits - wear it.

[918kg59]

Some CWA Memebers are FMLA abusers. Maybe thats why AT & T is asking for Partial Benefit Contributions. Maybe CWA should clean house before you start judgeing the Management that worked HARD to get where they are. Ed Whitacre started as a tech........ You too have the same oppurtunities. Use your energy to better yourself , not fight to stay in the same place . Quit complaining and have some self respect .Get rid off those CWA workers who are making ALL Union workers look bad.

[1954Jeanie]

I gave thirty years to AT&T, and now that I am retired,and my income is limited and I need it the most, they want to make me pay for my health insurance. They are not like many companies, losing money due to the current recession, they are highly profitable. If they can remain as profitable as they are in hard economic times, while giving their employees and retirees benefits, isn't it just pure greed to want to cut those now?

[James1toknow]

From a CWA Union brother in Michigan stand strong and fight. I'm still an RLT ! "Commitment Brotherhood "

Union!

[kenona1406]

first of all, i have been with at&t for 9 years, i am in installation and repair the whole time.our ceo'sare rapeing us, they are set for life, we are the people who actually work day in and day out to make this company. they just reap the rewards. do you union haters realize that our ceo makes in 25 days what it takes us 30 years to make. greed is whjat is killing this country, and it is not the greed of unions, it is the greed of corporate america. we should have walked april 4th . thats it

[sistergrim1]

I have been working in the communications Field service work for over 15 years, some union and some not union, Field service doesn't have time to use the health care anyway, that would require a day off or two. We need to strike now so I can finally use some of this insurance

[onelilmama2]

I am a retiree of Pacific Bell and I fully support CWA. The Leaders of this company see GREED rather than NEED. ATT can offer a quarter of a million dollars to find the culprit that cut fiber cable in Northern California but could not give their employees a TEAM award this year.

What's up with that?

[icyustare]

its time to end unions in this country, union members holding spots in centers, its all a corrupt org. There is nothing about a union job that entitles you to paid healthcare versus all the other jobs in the world ...get a grip...Down with unions.....

[rwdin70]

we don't mind a reasonable contribution if our healthcare remains the same. That is not what the company is proposing. they want to completely change it to be mostly non existant. One thing the union is doing is keeping JOBS in the USA. If AT&T had its way there would be a whole lot more jobs sent to India or China. So think about that too while you are busy bashing unions.

[bw4262]

good point!

[bw4262]

ok, so i guess you are for ceo's who are set for life who are still making millions to lay off the little guy (even though they dont need to b/c the workload is there) so they could make even more millions for themselves while hurting the middle class?! sorry you feel that way.

[rwdin70]

If the company is able to pay the CEO 1.5 million every 25 days, buy him a 1.7 million dollar home and put him in a penthouse while it is being remodeled to his liking then I don't see a problem in leaving things the way they are. This company is making a profit in the worst economy in decades. They are already projecting 2009 will be another profitable years.

[rwdin70]

If the company gets what they want I will be forced to put my child on Medicaid at the taxpayers expense because I will not be able to afford such high priced health care. Maybe this is whay you guys who hate the union want but I would rather not burden the taxpayers with my son's healthcare. And for the rest of my family we would be uninsured. We are only asking to keep what we have.

[rwdin70]

Going to work for a company that offered good pay, good benefits, good retirement was MY CHOICE. Some of you wanted specifics -- the company wants to cut pay, cut jobs - some have already been cut, they want the employees to pay HIGH premiums each month to have insurance with a $2000-3000 deductible per person per year. Hospital deductibles of $10,000 per person per year. This basically makes us uninsured. I have 4 children and one is a special needs child whose life depends on healthcare.

[rwdin70]

So many of you are bashing hard working people just because they are part of a union. Unions were created out of necessity many years ago. Not all unions are bad. I don't know if your angry because you are just jealous we have something you don't or what. You had a choice to pick what field of work you are in and who you work for.

[Danielle506]

its time for at&t to stop being greedy and help keep our families going,we all need jobs and benefits

[CWA6450]

Thanks to everyone who has left a comment regarding our Video! We are not asking for crazy pay raises or more health care. All we want is what we deserve for a very profitable company. I am sure if Randall was told he had to pay out a large percent of his pay in deductibles and co-pays even though the company made BILLIONS of dollars he would be raising hell. We are United and No Contract = No Peace.

[bw4262]

good point!

[ATTBLESSED]

In this economy, why can't folks just be thankful that they have jobs?? We are blessed to have what we have these days. For that, Thanks ATT for what you have done.

[dwt623]

ok.,so what you are saying is that if your company (who was making VERY good profits) came to you and said that you need to take a big pay cut you would be ok with that? I think not. "This economy" is almost entirely brought on by corporate greed! AT&T is not the auto industry or another that is in dire financial straights. It is a very profitable company. Why should we take substancial cuts because other industries are doing poorly? It's not our fault. Is that a share the misery thing?

[fenderkid82]

I work overtime every single week, I work sick all the time (in 07' even worked with a broken hand I was not able to receive proper treatment for without fear of losing my job) I miss family events to make At&t what it is. Cut our benefits and At&t will lose quality employees. The job we do is not easy. I was a district manager for a loan company before coming to At&t and I promise that was EASIER than being a phone rep. You Get What You Pay For!

[97TheVoice]

at&t definitely does not care at all about our families.

[popquizzz]

you want some cheese with that whine too? Perhaps if your that unhappy with that job you can practice for a more pleasurable working environment, can you say "would you like fries with that burger?"

[fenderkid82]

And folks, may I present to you the reply made by At&t management. This may not be a company forum but I would hope a certain level of professionalism would carry over. I guess that is not the case for this manager Mr Popquizzz, I do appreciate the time you made to make your comment and btw, I'm sure when I am flipping those burgers, I'll be thinking of you!

[popquizzz]

reply to fenderkid82 - two things you have correct this is not a company forum, and I am free to express exactly how I feel. If you feel my coments are unprofessional in any way then I am satified that I have touched a nerve with you and others that continues this debate. BTW- Have you all heard about the CWA being sued by members who do not wish to strike? Has the CWA Union disclosed its expenses yet so these people can opt-out? Why did only 88% of the voting members approve a strike, not 100%

[pungta1]

I understand people for whatever reason don't like unions. However, what people

are failing to realize is that w/o a union AT&T would pay employees minimum wage, would not have affordable healthcare if any at all, vacation would be very little & forget about a pension. Until you have work behind those walls, its alot different from the outside looking in. This company had a $12.9 billion (yes b as in boy) profit last year, which was one of the worst economic times in the U.S.

[popquizzz]

and Exxon had how much in profits last year on the backs of every gasoline paying individual in the world. get off your entitlement kick, buy stock, then you can have a share in the say and the profits

[97TheVoice]

I don't want to hear "Well the company wouldn't have been at the table anyway". HELLO!! TIME TO STRIKE!!!! THE CWA IS DOING MORE TO UNION BUST BY INACTION THAN THE COMPANY COULD EVER HOPE TO!!!

[97TheVoice]

Yet again the CWA is selling it's members short. The company has called and seen that we are bluffing. STRIKE ALREADY!!! 88% OF MEMBERS SUPPORT THIS!!! We must give the company reason to believe we are serious. And come on, a 4 day Easter vacation from bargaining, while most of us had to work and keep this company profitable. GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK!!!

[spikehardin]

I work for Comcast. We are looking for a few good people to work in out headends and installing nodes. This is complicated fiber optic equipment, but you all with POTS skills may be able to help us out if there is a strike. We don't have a union, but we are hard working Americans.. Peace, brothers and sisters.

[tech642000]

I dont understand all the hate for union workers. When a football player for your favorite team is negotiating a contract people understand that he is trying to get market value for his service to the team and you hear comments like "Cant blame a guy for trying to get the best deal". If the company dont want us let them hire scab workers and stop negotiating with the union.The bottom line is the company knows they need us and we are the best at what we do period.

[Lnmop10]

I don't understand a football player getting paid millions of dollars when teachers get next to nothing. Bad analogy. I can blame him for being greedy, not the "best deal".

As far as being the best, everybody has to start somewhere. Nobody walks into a job being the best or knowing exactly what to do. They have to be trained. So train the people that do not have jobs and are not receiving paychecks. They will have more appreciation for employment that the union workers.

[mscdh]

The employees aren't asking for more money or anything else. Only to keep what we have. I don't even make enough to be considered middle class and they want to cut my pay and healthcare? At the same time the CEO makes millions? The company is making money, if they weren't it would be different. Why should we suffer to put more money in their pocket when we are the ones making it for them. Like the previous poster said, it's not like the savings will be passed on to the customer.

[BroncosVideo]

To all the people that dis a well-paid union employee, do you actually think that if att would cut the pay to their union employees in half that services they provide would be cheaper? No. Only the management would get more of your money and less of it would return to your communities through the hard working union employees that live in your neighborhood.

[Lnmop10]

Not all of us are worried about cheaper services. We are worried about prices going up because AT&T has to support the union contracts. And since non-union employees did not get raises this year, that's a bad example. You make it sound as if the only hardworking people are union. There are plenty of hard working employees that live in my neighborhood that are just thankful they still have a job and are receiving paychecks and are not union.

[pungta1]

The union doesn't make prices go up....a monopoly does... watch out AT&T is now in 22 states

[philotmsu]

when AT&T was in fewer states, prices didn't seem to drop either for the southeast region

[Jimstock601]

Qwest charges more here in Arizona than I paid for service in Texas...not on one side or the other, just saying...

[hqbuilder]

I support good employers that are not greedy.Good luck cwa .

[kmastbury]

Its very sad that the company has all this profit and top executves get such large bonuses and now they want to cut. I work in a call center, and they have already cut our bonuses, raised our co pays every year now want to take advantage of a poor economy to cash in even more. We need to stand together and do what ever it takes to get a fair contract....we need to strike NOW....its like its a game, and we the workers are the pawns

[wandshine]

It's a sad day when a multi-billion $ company asks more from a worker and gives less compensation for it. My husband wanted to be a second generation phone man. 8 years was all he could put in because AT&T needed to cut jobs. I support CWA, but I'm also torn, they were not able to save my husband his job; a quality worker that did his job everyday without complaint, met his numbers and always had excellent reviews. Keep fighting, CWA, and stand up for the protection you were meant to provide.

[philotmsu]

I support CWA's effort to fight for a fair contract, but if you have a job that not many can qualify for, or make AT&T a lot of money, you don't need the union's size to blackmail the company.

And there's no way all the CWA members (just like management) are all equally talented as some of the posters here. Why do they deserve more?

[wandshine]

They don't deserve more, they deserve what's fair for the work they provide to keep this company going. It's not blackmailing a company to get more, it's showing the corporate snubs that they wouldn't be where they are if it wasn't for those workers who do the dirty work and take pride in the fact they can do a good job. CWA and unions across the country are what make it viable to stand up against the big-wigs and fight for what is fair.

[philotmsu]

without being part of the negotiation, hard to say what's being proposed and what's fair and unfair. Both sides say not to trust what you hear...

though contributing towards healthcare is not considered unfair in today's market, but at&t could recognize the work of the union employees and offer wage increases that offset some of the healthcare cost burden.

[agreatmystery]

During the last contract, many concessions were made in healthcare. We have individual and family deductibles and we pay big co-pays. Everytime I take my child or myself to the Doctor, I pay for half of the office visit, that is my co-pay. The only ones do not pay for healthcare are the ones who do not use it. I think people are confused about this issue. We do contribute a great deal to use our health care coverage.

[philotmsu]

it'd be much easier to gather community support if we know exactly what's being proposed on the negotiation table.

at&t side provides little to none information, and cwa site provides vague updates with no numbers to back them up.

[bw4262]

i'm not sure of the specifics, but i do know we should be offering to pay some of the healthcare burden, just not sure of a %. we're not trying to bleed the company dry, b/c if the company is not successful, the union is not successful.

[918kg59]

Where do you work ? Co pays are $20

[poorunionworker]

They don't "deserve more", they just want fair pay compared to AT&T CEO. Why should the union employees have to work at least 20 years to make the amount he does in ONE YEAR? Noone deserves that much money.

[philotmsu]

I'll speculate...what is fair pay for union employees and AT&T CEO?

Obama household income was $4.2 million in 07, is that too much? or not enough?

[erma98]

That's a great question. Fundamentally, do you want to be in a capitalist country or a socialist country? Should you be allowed to make as much money as someone is willing to pay you, or should a group of people be able to tell you how much you're worth.

One of the dysfunctions of union contracts is that good workers could make more if they weren't bound by a contract, and poor workers get paid more than they deserve.

Tell me you wouldn't take millions if offered to you...

[ugot2bnuts]

How True! What about managers who used to be CWA, were great leaders, treated CWA fairly and have to pay out the nose because they retired as Managers? Tell, me.....why do you deserve better?

[rwdin70]

I support the managers being treated better as well. I think managers - especially firts lines should get better benefits too. Am I to blame that managers aren't protected?

[agreatmystery]

Not to mention that if all of the companies making multi billions in profit keep squeezing the middle class worker there is not going to be anyone left to buy their products. Seriously, we are not rich, we do not make alot of money by any standards, we struggle to make ends meet like everyone else. Our job is hard, carrying one hundred pound ladders, gaffing poles, crawling in the dirt, working in any weather, any temperature. We do a job not many can qualify for, it takes skill and rigor.

[sknsfn42]

Please go on strike soon, when you see how many workers cross the line, you may be more appreciative and feel less entitled. Time to join the real world brothers and sisters,

[7893279]

Greedy Management Loves People like you. You should join us in trying to better yourself , not whining about someone not being in the real world.

[sknsfn42]

I do not need your help to better myself, that is the basic difference. I can market my skills to find the best opportunities, not hang on to some job for 30 years that no other company would pay you the same to do.

[gonphisting]

wow so what you are saying is that you are much like a whore out for the highest bidder to do the same thing over and over again but at the end of the day you have no benefits and no retirement because your pimp took all your money

[BroncosVideo]

Sometimes it is better to be thought a fool then to speak and remove all doubt.

[sheagorath]

People are also missing the point of why should a multi-Billion dollar company that profits every quater take away from the employees that make it run every day. The people that are loosing benifits aren't management, It is the hard workers that allow you to talk on your phone, watch U-VERSE, and connect you to the internet. And the most important thing to everyone THEIR CELL PHONES. If they strike everyone will feel the effects. I promise you.

A wife of an employee that will be affected.

[popquizzz]

I have news for you wifey, management employees have been given the same choices years ago that the company is asking the union to consider. get off your entitlement tyrade. and if your husband stiill brings home a paycheck from at&t consider yourself lucky it is not the $100/week pay he will get for strike duty when the union takes care of you. get use to the government cheese and food stamps, with your attitude you're sure to do one thing very well...stand in the welfare line

[austin31794]

AT&T is a good company to work for,but they dont give employees any props for making them who they are today.Its all the same the people that make the company money are not diserving in their eyes,but the people in the corprate offices seem to think they desrve all the glory.

[popquizzz]

if you want to feel good after a long hard day at work, get a dog. it will appreciate you. I've worked for SWBT,SBC and now AT&T and I have found when I excelled in perfomance I was rewarded, President's Club / Diamond Club / Circle of Excellence twice in the past four years. reality is your union keeps you from receiving any differential recognition because it would be unfair to your slacking socialist co-workers

[philotmsu]

what are the concessions? I can't seem to find any exact numbers (% or deductible amount) from at&t or cwa's web site.

[goshtr]

Maybe I am missing something - If these folks are so upset with the company and feel cheated, want more money, more benefits, why not find another job with a better company? Most people quit jobs they do not like.

[bw4262]

yes you are missing something. we all like our jobs, what they are saying is that a company that makes the kind of profit it does does not need to be cutting benefits as to what they are proposing. any union is not trying to bleed the company dry. we want the company to be successful, we just want our piece of the pie, aka a fair contract, that's all. thanks.

[fenderkid82]

An old saying that goes "you get what you pay for." If I can't make enough money to support my family and cover the more than $1,200 a month in health care costs I currently have I have no reason to work for this company. Many of At&t's employees are well educated people with college degrees. We did not "settle" for this job. We took it because at the time it promised fair pay and fair benefits. I work overtime, I work sick, & I work hard all to insure our customer's are taken care of!

[spikehardin]

AT&T is the last of the companies to offer healthcare insurance at no cost. Those days are soon to be over. Welcome to the 1990s, AT&T.

[carribbeansoul]

AT&T is a good company or I wouldn't have worked here for 38+ yrs. My appraisals are ALWAYS 'outstanding'. 9-11-01 I worked my day off 18 hrs in a totally EVACUATED downtown KC, Mo because I knew my customers needed help.I worked 12-14 hr days the week the Murrah was bombed. I'm there & on time even in ice storms.Pay is good. Benefits are good. Pensions are not good & with $12.9 BILLION profit, AT&T wants me to pay my healthcare now & in retirement? I & We DESERVE a FAIR CONTRACT NOW!

[bw4262]

we dont have any problem paying more for health care, just not what the company proposing, thanks.

[agreatmystery]

We have very large co-pays and hefty deductibles. I do not know anyone with insurance who pays as much as I do for a Doctor's visit. Our health care is only free if we do not use it.

[JohnFerguson1956]

I and other AT&T employees would love to get the same health care coverage as Randall Stevenson. His pathetic leadership has killed the morale of lower level managers, he won't have as easy a time doing the same to Union members.

It is despicable for him to use the poor economy as an excuse to squeeze the very employees and retirees who built the company for his own personal gain.

[lisamichelle007]

LOL

[greedyceos]

AT&T's CEO {Randal Stepenson)made 214 times more than its highest paid union employee before bonuses and stock options that is over $15 million and Randal the Rat and the top 4 executives receive over $9k in health insurance and personal use of the company jet,financial counseling,estate planning, auto benefits, club memberships compensation, home security... over $300k in total personal benefits(amounts are from at&t stockholder annual report 2009 page 43) Cut employee benefits but not execs??

[bluex77]

AT&T had a profit of almost 13 BILLION in 2008. They are trying to take advantage of the downturn in the economy, and the current corporate bailout mentality. They are not the auto industry, nor did health care bring down the BIG 3. Bad management and poor product did. Sure CWA members had good health benefits and want to keep them. They should - they've traded pay raises over several contracts to keep them, and to lose any now would be turning back the clock on all of that sacrifice,STAY STRONG

[erma98]

Wake up and stop thinking of AT&T as a phone company like it was 20 years ago. The company has real competitors that pay their real employees fairly but less than CWAers think they deserve. Talk about greed--keep trying to milk the cow, and you just might find out that the cow runs dry.

[TheHow1]

$12.9 billion profit in 2008, $12 billion in 2007. And they want concessions. That is the definition of greed. As long as we, the employees, keep producing like we do it will be a very very long time before that cow runs dry. It would take gross mismanagement for AT&T to fail. Oh wait, then it is possible as long as Randy is CEO.

[erma98]

Keep on spouting that profit line. Next thing you know, AT&T spins off wireline, and losses would continue to mount for your new company. Doesn't take mismanagement when cell phones and VOIP are cheaper and more convenient.

[damante79]

Yes, but you fail to notice that the wireline brings VOIP and Uverse to the customers. Without it, they don't work.

[TheHow1]

Well if I am correct about the 'new' at&t if we have a department that is losing money at&t would have already closed that department. Technology is always advancing and we keep up with all of the new technology and install that too. All that we are asking for is our share of the profits that we have helped the company make. So why don't you managers get off of this thread and go create one of your own?

[sknsfn9]

This is typical CWA propaganda, the company only wants union members to pay a portion of their benefits the same as management employees do. This is self serving and misleading. No one is losing their benefits, just no longer getting a free ride. What does the commendable United Way participation have to do with the bargaining agreement....nothing!!! Most Americans contibute something for their health care benefits and CWA members currently pay nothing. This is just disingenuous whining

[zoltok1]

Don't be fooled, AT&T and the CWA have always been in bed together. When contracts come up they both stick their chests out and put on a good show for employees. In the end its give and take as usual.

[TheHow1]

Do you really want to know what disingenuous whining is? It's managers that think just because they have to pay for their healthcare then non-management should also have to! And the reason that United Way was mentioned in the video is because it's one of the many partnerships that CWA joins into with AT&T to make AT&T look good. But now AT&T expects us to make concessions to a very profitable corporation ($12.9 billion in 2008, $12 Billion in 2007).

[sknsfn42]

The wireline business is dying, the union folks in the wireless side contribute for benefits. The dying side of the business needs to make concessions to match the growth business labor contract. You know all of this, but prefer to use rhetoric to hide the real issues. Get ready to pay like your other brothers and sisters that really are helping to make that 12 billion, unllike you

[fenderkid82]

I'm not sure if you work for At&t or if you just have made this comment without education but I sir/mam work in the Uverse, Mobility, pots lines, and dsl side of our company. I was named Circle of Excellence last year...I MADE At&t vast amounts of money...now i am supposed to take concessions? I think not.

[bw4262]

good video, & good comment fenderkid82! i do everything as well minus the u-verse. some of the negative comments on this video is sad that i was responding to.

keep up the good work local 6450!

[sknsfn42]

There is no such side of the company and you did not make the company vast amounts of money, you did your job which is what you get paid for. Congrats on the circle of excellence

[918kg59]

Then you should be up for a Management Promotion. Why dosen't CWA fight for workers like you and fire those FMLA abusers ?

[viewingyou101]

Do you think a call jumps from one cell phone to the other? Do you think internet traffic jumps from one computer to the other? It all hits the "wireline" network. I am covered by this contract and a part of my groups responsibility is maintaining and repairing cell sites and the equipment that caries DSL traffic.. One of the reasons wireline business is dropping is because the home that used to have two phones canceled one of the lines and has replaced it with DSL or a cell phone or both.

[viewingyou101]

Have you noticed the only negative numbers AT&T is putting out to support of the "concessions" is the drop in the wireline business. They never include the growth of every other part of the company.

And by the way, not only did AT&T have $12.9 billion in profits in 2008, they return $15.6 Billion to stock holders via dividends or other forms of returns. Forbes rates AT&T as the 9th most profitable company in the US. Sure times may be hard. But it is the member of CWA feeling it, not AT&T.

[carribbeansoul]

In 1986 I had a very smart manager who told 3 people refusing to walk out on strike he'd "fire them if they stayed because he understood EVERYTHING the Union fights for keeps the company from taking just that much more from the managers!" At $12.9 BILLION PROFIT AT&T should be ashamed to require managers to pay healthcare. That is also WRONG! And it's true: 2 wrongs don't make a right! We're only asking for a FAIR contract.

[phaneman40]

AT&T is just another typical greedy Texas Corporation. They will never be satisfied with their profit enough is never enough. American middle class workers need to stand up against these greedy CEO's like Randall Stephenson. What you all are doing is great. Stand strong I support you!!

[cwalocal4900]

Great job Brothers and Sisters. We are fighting for our communities and families!!

[chudley79]

Fight on Brothers and Sisters

Chad Bohnke Pres. IUE-CWA Local 901

Fort Wayne In