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CWA Local 4502 | |||||
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2011 Contract Negotiations
CWA Local 4502 ratifies contract by a margin of 89% The membership gathered together at IAFF Local #67 on west Broad St. last night to have their say on the tentative agreement reached with Columbus. The bargaining committee was present to greet and answer questions for members who sacrificed their personal time in exercising their right/obligation to vote on contract. A total of 247 votes were cast; and the final totals (as counted and verified by the procters) were: 222 Yea - 25 Nay. The margin was mathmatically 88.7% to be clear. President Bellous gave an overview of the synopsis and opened the floor to questions from the membership. There were many members who were extrememly encouraged with the unprecedented advances in the CBA, and others who expressed vocal disdain with the one thing lost...the contract dispute over call back interpretation. President Bellous spoke to the issue directly by openly embracing a simple truth. NO one wins every time, but over time, good contracts are secured. He mentioned that by members sharing their time either by volunteering on committees or seeking elected Union positions with an attitude and heart of service to our members....we become stronger and more able to meet needs in representational areas AND in benefits areas. We begin to function in a healthy way. The topic was brought up about Union release. President Bellous stated that it is unrealistic and unfair to ask members to sacrifice time away from families in service to their Union brothers and sisters; but that by using financial resoureces wisely, most all Union activity can occur during the day time hours. The contract only allows for 600 hours a year (up from 350 hours in 2009-10-11) and any claim to adequately represent our members interests without such a prudent use, is an unsubstantiated claim that holds no weight of fact. Yearly Board meetings and Representative training/meetings alone add up to more than 600 hours! The resource allowed by the 1.3% dues we all pay - is only problematic if members don't know or see how the money is used or any benefit gained. Examples are the large number of arbitrations won over 2 years (most wins ever achieved in our unit) and a landmark court case awarded our Union by the 9th circuit court of appeals....which was resurrected after being denied the Union in a 2008 Civil Srvice Commission grievance/complaint.... He spoke clearly and firmly to a principle of it being easy to make wild or baseless claims on any number of issues, but it that takes honesty, financial resource and dedication to our members to operate as we should. The Union is gaining strength, respect and stature. Local 4502 is offering for your review - all the documents as they have been agreed to in the contract. The bargaining committee is proud to be a part of your 2011 team, and have secured unprecedented advance in your collectieve bargaining agreement. Examples are yearly merits with wage compression consideration; PBI's of 2%-2%-2.75% with increases in OPERS pick up pushed out to the last week in November - The ability to use our representatives in a meaningful way; providing a higher quality benefit to our members when they need it most and major increases in child vaccination coverage (up to $1500) Please review the contract "strike through language" and the side letters and MOU's below at your convenience. You may contact the Union office with any further questions or clarifications on items that are unclear. Local 4502 is committed to providing you all the details and facts. The City is working with Local 4502 to get the final contract document to Council by early July, and Local 4502 is committed to put in the time and resource necessary to make sure this happens. 2011-2014 Strike through contract language Contract Appendices "A" and "B"
Tentative Agreement is reached between City and Local 4502. Provides unprecedentedimprovements in language! Tentative Agreement reached last week between City and Local 4502. Contract receives historic improvement and secures much needed member protection. Last week the Local 4502 negotiating team secured a historic contract for the members of CWA Local 4502. Landmark improvements will be shared at a ratification vote meeting set for a location to be announced later today. The meeting will be held on one day, in one location for uniform access and availability to members. The ratification vote will occur immediately following the presentation. This method provides a fair and consistant way to present information and receive your vote on the tentative agreement. In light of current legislation in Ohio, Local 4502 HIGHLY URGES you to get out to this meeting and cast your vote for a historic contract that will protect your rights and benefits regardless of the upcoming vote on SB5 in November (pending a successful referendum) We CAN NOT allow this contract to be subjected to the same lackluster turn out we have had in the past!! All members need to take responsibility for the protections afforded us by a legislated and adopted 3 year contract. We will post more information later today. Keep your eyes on the site and pass the information along!
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