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News
Representation Cases Set Record for Local 4502
Since taking office in January of 2009, member representation has been on a record pace. There are several reasons for the case load, not the least of which is our dedication to following through on behalf of our members needs. Contract and work rule interpretation disputes also lead to the higher numbers. By winning key arbitrations and a landmark lawsuit against the City on CWA bumping rights to AFSCME positions, the City is starting to take notice and opening up to negotiating fair and equitable settlements. One of the more obvious indicators today, is the number of arbitrations Local 4502 has taken to that third step, and the number of awards won. We have received the award or settled on 4 of our arbitrations to date. The total number of arbitrations taken to third step over the last 5 years total as follows:
2006: 1 case
2007: 2 cases
2008: 1 case
2009: 3 cases
2010: 4 cases to date
Grievances are the main barometer of relations between employees and employer. It is also the major consumer of time and resource for the Union. Second step grievances can be the result of a disputed disciplinary action by the City, or the result of a failed attempt to resolve an issue at the Department level. Total second step grievances heard by Labor Relations over the last 5 years are as follows:
2006: 10 cases
2007: 19 cases
2008: 14 cases
2009: 29 cases
2010: 20 cases to date
Your elected officers and Board of Trustees are proud to serve the needs of our members and have committed themselves to be responsive to your issues. The level of trust we see forming within our Local is creating an environment where members are more willing to help this bargaining unit succeed, and it is very encouraging to see. As we speak, Mark Stansbery from Recs and Parks has mobilized nearly a bus load of supporters to march on Washington DC along with CWA International to promote jobs and families. Something previously unheard of for our Local! As your President, I attended an AFL-CIO regional meeting last night that accepted our Union in to the bargaining strength of over 80 Locals throughout Central Ohio. A political first for our Union! More and more we see the fruits of hard work and perseverance.
When you have questions about a matter in the workplace or any contract related issue, we encourage you to contact your Department representative as listed on the CMAGE/CWA website. We have invested a lot of time and resource in to making sure that your reps are better trained and educated than ever before. Mandatory CWA training and bi-monthly meetings keep our reps up to speed on all the latest Union issues and techniques. Because only the President and Vice President can contractually file, serve and attend grievances, disciplines and arbitrations, it is critical that the member know they have an advocate in their Department. If your Department does not have a Rep yet, take this time to consider chipping in to help your Union brothers and sisters. All the resource and training you need is offered to you, as well as Union release time to attend any representative meeting or advocacy matter.
By continuing to grow in solidarity, we become stronger and more capable of facing any challenge that lays ahead of us.
In Solidarity,
Brien Bellous
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