The proposed merger with the Renton local is no longer an option that we are considering. With recent events a merger with a local west of the Cascades does notmake sense.
Please visit the website, www.cwa7818.org , for updated information on the merger of CenturyLink and Qwest. Both contracts are posted on the website to review in their entirety.
Earlier this month we had the District 7 conference in Phoenix, AZ. Most of the discussion and workshops revolved around two issues, internal organizing and the purchase of Qwest by CenturyLink. I left the conference confident that our district was being proactive with a strategy to assert as much influence as we can on the structure of our future combined company. Our goal is to have the CenturyLink culture, management and business model replace what has become a very poisonous atmosphere at Qwest. I thank our members for allowing Local 7818 to make our presence felt at the district conference.
The Spokesman Review contract is due to expire again in a few months. Aaron Zito has been given a sizeable budget to mobilize that workgroup. This is an internal organizing opportunity at the Spokesman Review. Success at the bargaining table with the Spokesman Review will likely depend on the successful mobilization of this unit. Please contact Aaron at 509-290-0786 to ask what you can do to assist with this effort.
It is important to note that the current CenturyTel contract was negotiated prior to the Embarq merger. CenturyLink will have grown from around 8,000 employees when we negotiated the current contract to over 50,000 employees after the Qwest deal is complete. CenturyLink contract expires in Aug of 2011 and the Qwest expires in Oct of 2012. CenturyLink negotiates regional contracts. Qwest negotiates a national contract. There has been no indication how the contracts will be handled after the deal is complete. Your local and CWA are taking a hands on approach to influence the transition to the new combined company to the benefit of our members. With your help we will make this a positive and exciting time for everybody.
