Notes from the Desk of Maxine Velasquez

    Wow, this year has started off with a bang!!!   In January several of the CWA officers resinged from their union office.  This was largely due to the Albuquerque Care Center closing in November.  Because of these resigniations  and with membership approval, I am currently the acting Exec. VP, until the election for Local President is certified.  With the membership’s approval, I appointed several acting officers:  Sean Altamirano, representing; LNO, COT’s, Vertex L3, TeCom, NSAC & the print shop.  Laurel Hunter, representing; Agent Services, DEX, Print professionals, Bare Bones, the kiosks & Feet on the Street.  Clarence Searles representing UNMH.  Cathy Otero our UNM VP will be leaving at the end of the month.  Several people from UNM are interested in that VP position.  A selection will be made within the next few months.  The aforementioned officers along with our Secretary-Treasurer, have stepped up to the challenge and worked together as a TEAM to make sure the members of ALL units are represented!!  They attended an accelerated training for the Public & Private sector processes, and have had the opportunity to meet on grievances, etc. for both sectors.  If you run into any of these officers, please offer your thanks for a job well done!!  It would seem logical with all the changes that everything would be chaotic, however with teamwork, the job/s is getting done!!  Thanks to all of the members who have e-mailed, called or come by the union hall to offer your help & support!!!  That’s what the UNION is all about . . . . .UNITY!!!

     On Feb 8^th & 9^th the CWA leadership & Local Presidents meet with the senior leadership of Qwest.  Unfortunately, due to an emergency medical procedure, I was unable to attend the meeting.  We tried to have the ticket changed; in order for  someone else to attend, however, it would have cost the local $400.00.  I did have several CWA Local presidents call me to let me know what took place.  A synopsis fo the meeting events is now posted on the Union bulletin Boards.  For those of you who do not have a union bulletin board @ your work location; here are the details.

     Dick Notebaert called CWA Dist. 7 Vice-Pres., Annie Hill and suggested early bargaining, with the implication that there would be wage increases.  The CWA Local Presidents discussed the advantages & disadvantages of early bargaining.  Before a decision was reached, they needed assurance that Qwest would not ask for “retrogressive” proposals on health care benefits for either active or retired employees.  Qwest was not interested in making that commitment.  Why not early bargaining?  Normal bargaining would start in June for Our contract that  ends August 13, 2005.  Early Bargaining would begin as early as March and would end sometime in May.  During normal bargaining the locals would meet in April @ the Dist. 7 meeting to prioritize the bargaining proposals that came in from the membership.  Then these proposals would be at the bargaining table.  During normal bagaining we would also prepare for a strike.  This is our tool in bargaining!!  Because the current contract has a “no-strike” clause that doesn’t end until the contract expires, we would not be able to strike or even threaten to strike!!  If we are to forego the power of a strike, then we need assurance that we will maintain our current level of health care!  What happens in bargaining is anyone’s guess, however, we want a full arsenal of tools to fight any takebacks!!

     The local needs members from every work location to be part of our mobilization committee.  Mobilization is a vital part of showing our strength & seriousness to Qwest.  It is also the way to get the word out to all members.  Please let your respective VP’S know if you are interested.  WE NEED EVERYONE’S HELP!!

     The Local would like to thank Jude McMullan, Billye Gregoire, Mike McLachlan & Cathy Otero for their many years of service to CWA.