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Districts Launch Talks with BellSouth, U S West

Widespread mobilization by CWA local officers and members punctuated the start of formal negotiations with two major employers - BellSouth and U S West - on June 22.
Rallies and demonstrations, red shirts and banners and signs, symbolized members' determination to win fair and just contracts with the two regional Bell operating companies.

Rallies in BellSouth territory were held in Atlanta, Ga.; Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami, Fla.; Jackson, Miss.; Birmingham, Ala.; New Orleans, La.; Louisville, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn.; Columbia, S.C. and in various locations throughout North Carolina.

Demonstrations supporting U S West negotiators were held in Minneapolis, Minn.; Omaha, Neb.; Des Moines, Ia.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; and Denver, Colo.

Both sets of talks opened on the same date against two large, rich, successful companies which have enjoyed high profits and soaring productivity gains in an industry that many believe will set the pace in the 21st century.


  • At the BellSouth table in Atlanta, CWA Vice President Jimmy Smith told management that union members deserve no less than "an equitable share of the profits they earn for the company." He also made it clear that CWA members expect to be part of future growth, including union recognition in every current line of business, as well as new ventures in the future. CWA represents more than 47,000 workers at BellSouth, which is spread over nine Southeastern states. The contract expires Aug. 8.

  • At the U S West table in Denver, Assistant to the Vice President Bill Thornburg read remarks prepared by Vice President Sue Pisha, who missed the beginning of bargaining because of the death of her father four days earlier. Thornburg told management that union members are determined to "demand respect" and a "rightful recognition of our important role in this dynamic industry and within this company. We deserve no less." CWA represents more than 35,000 workers at U S West, which is spread over 14 states in the Midwestern and Northwestern U. S. The contract expires Aug. 15.

At both companies, forced overtime and scheduling abuses are major concerns.

At Bell South, forced overtime is at extreme levels, and CWA members are hand billing in a number of locations to protest the company's lack of respect for workers, District 3 reports. At U S West, employees have been refused time off to attend their children's graduations and are fighting other scheduling and job stress issues.

Union negotiators at both tables emphasized the company's ability to improve wages, as well as numerous benefits for active and retired employees.

Both companies were created with the 1984 divestiture of the Bell System. CWA earlier reached agreements with SBC, including Southwestern Bell and Pacific Telesis, and Ameritech, AT&T and Lucent, while bargaining continues with Bell Atlantic North and South.