The CWA News

Apr 9, 2012

Notice Regarding Union Security Agreements and Agency Fee Objections

As a general matter, employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement containing a Union security clause are required, as a condition of employment, to pay an agency fee equal to normal Union dues (and, where applicable, initiation fees). While the wording of these clauses is not perfectly uniform, none requires more than the payment of this agency fee to retain employment.

Apr 9, 2012

Safe-Patient-Handling Program Reduces Workers� Injuries

Neck and back strain injuries are a common injury for health care workers who assist bedridden patients on a daily basis and often put too much strain on themselves while assisting patients in and out of bed.

Apr 9, 2012

In New Mexico, Patient Control is Challenge for Mental Health Workers

There aren�t too many jobs more challenging than working in a state mental health facility. These days, those challenges are even tougher, as budget cutbacks and changing treatment philosophies make working conditions even tougher for mental health workers.

Apr 2, 2012

�Prevention 360� Targets Workplace Injuries in Manufacturing

One result of the economic downturn was a push by management for even greater productivity from workers, often at the expense of workplace safety and health.

Mar 30, 2012

Only in the Aircraft Cabin Can a �Workday� Equal 16 Hours

Unlike most workers, flight attendants are excluded from coverage of some important federal laws. Their work environment, the aircraft cabin, is exempt from federal health and safety laws and falls under Federal Aviation Administration jurisdiction.

Mar 30, 2012

Media Workers Put Their Safety on the Line

The work environment for journalists and broadcast workers couldn't be more dangerous today. Whether covering demonstrations throughout the Middle East, civil war in Africa or disasters here in the U.S., these CWA members put their lives and sometimes their freedom on the line to tell the world what's happening.

Mar 30, 2012

Violence in the Workplace, New Manual

How big a problem is violence in the workplace? It�s big and getting bigger.

Mar 30, 2012

Protecting AT&T Technicians from Street Violence

AT&T technicians, always on the streets, are reporting a spike in violence while on the job. �We'll be working on a neighborhood box and someone will come up and jump you,� said Willis Ward, vice president and chair of Local 9404's health and safety committee.

Mar 30, 2012

Cal OSHA Report Contradicts UCLA on Lab Incident

Chilling details of the investigative report by California�s Division of Occupational Safety and Health into the UCLA lab fire that killed Sheri Sangji were just made public in January.

Mar 27, 2012

Working Together: Our Work Environment and How We Change It

Nearly 20 percent of all violent crime occurs in the workplace, and 24 percent of workplace violence is related to personal relationships. So it�s a workplace issue.

Mar 26, 2012

First-ever Criminal Charges Proceeding in UCLA Lab Fire

The University of California and a UCLA professor are facing unprecedented felony charges in connection with a chemistry lab fire that fatally injured UPTE-CWA Local 9119 member Sheri Sangji three years ago.

Mar 26, 2012

Electrical Hazards: An Everyday Danger for Telecom Technicians

Working around electrical power lines is an everyday hazard for thousands of CWA telecom technicians. Ensuring worker safety means comprehensive training, training that emphasizes safe clearance and approach distances for techs working in buckets near power lines.

Mar 26, 2012

Heat Stress, a Burning Issue for Outside Telecom Techs

Last September, Brent Robinson, a Verizon field technician, started feeling sick while installing phone service at a customer's house in Cucamonga, Calif. Working outdoors in 100-105 degree heat, the Local 9588 member called his supervisor and asked to be released to go home. That request was denied, and Robinson continued with the installation.

Mar 26, 2012