Local 6300 Volume 08/No. 02 United We Bargain, Divided We Fail February 2015 CWA Local 6300 Executive Board It is official, pictured above the new Executive Board being sworn in at the January General Membership Meeting by Parliamentarian Mike Smith. Pictured L-R Mark Crawshaw, VP ATT Plant 1/ Legacy T; Gordon Smith, Jr, VP ATT Plant 2; Sonja Gholston-Byrd, VP Metro; Mark Kennon, VP YP Holdings LLC; John Ebeling, VP Print and Media Sector; Vickie Jordan, Secretary; Jo Wise, VP CenturyLink/ Verizon; Mike Mehringer, Local 6300 President; Mark Johnson, Executive Vice President; Virginia Anderson-Dunbar, Treasurer; Floyd Bell, Jr., VP ASI/FACS; Tori Pratt, VP Appendix B and I. We would like to give a special thanks to those who served us for the last 3 years. David Hoyt, previous Executive Vice President and now happily retired; Mike Barban, previous VP ATT Plant 2; Ken Bates, previous VP ASI/FACS continuing as Chief Steward; Jeff Spraul, previous VP Appendix B and I continuing as Chief Steward Mobility; and Debora Murray, previous Secretary. We would like to express our gratitude to you all for the excellent service you provided and wish you well with your future endeavors. 6300 News Circulation 4,000 Published Monthly by CWA Local 6300 2258 Grissom Dr. St. Louis, MO 63146 Phone: 314-991-0200 www.cwa6300.org Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday President Mike Mehringer [email protected] Executive Vice President Mark Johnson [email protected] Secretary Vickie Jordan [email protected] Treasurer From The President’s Desk Missouri Legislation By Michael Mehringer, President We are starting of 2015 as we started of 2014, the Legislators of Missouri In both the House and Senate will be coming after Organized Labor which should be no shock. I know that all of us are tired of hearing about Rightto-Work and Paycheck Deception bills and I agree. Unfortunately we cannot seem to get our lawmakers away from trying to force lower paying jobs, unsafe working conditions and no rights in our places of work; just to name a few great things the Right-toWork laws will do for us. We have been able to prevail against this due to the efforts of all the Labor organizations in Missouri and the Legislators who understand how these laws will destroy our state. That was in the past, now we have a large group of newly elected Legislators to educate. This will not be an easy task it will take a lot of time and effort from all of us. This is not a battle any one of us can afford to stay out of. We will be, again, on the forefront of this battle whether here or Jefferson City. I want to share with you the Bills that are already going to the floor in our Capital House Bills HB 159, HB 286, HB 569, HB570, HB582, on the Senate side SB127, SB129, these are just the start and any of these can destroy the labor movement in Missouri. Virginia Anderson-Dunbar [email protected] Vice President ATT Plant 1 / Legacy T Mark Crawshaw [email protected] Vice President ATT Plant 2 Gordon Smith Jr [email protected] Vice President ASI/FACS Floyd Bell [email protected] Vice President Metro Sonja Gholston-Byrd [email protected] Vice President Appendix B and I Tori Pratt [email protected] Vice President YP Holdings LLC What’s wrong with the TPP? Vice President Centurylink/ Verizon From leaked drafts and investigations, we know that it will: Kick people off the internet for copyright infringement Decrease access to medicine Undermine national sovereignty by allowing corporations to sue governments Circumvent worker and environmental protections Increase economic inequality Mark Kennon [email protected] Jo Wise [email protected] Vice President Print and Media Sector John Ebeling [email protected] Newsletter Editors/Graphics/Website: Daniel Juedemann Mark Schweigert *Reprint permission granted to all Union publications Page 2 February 2015 6300 News Attorney’s Report/Officers Report Safety Issues at Work By Michael C. Goldberg, Attorney This month I thought I would address safety issues at work and the effect that they could have on a work related injury. If you sustain an injury at work, I am sure many of you have underwent an investigation as to the cause of the injury. While workers’ compensation is a no fault process, meaning that it does not matter if you were at fault or the employer, there is still an avenue for the employer to reduce your benefits. That is why most employers try so hard to show that a safety violation occurred at the time of the injury. This punishment procedure was of course added to law in order to allow employers/insurance companies to avoid responsibility when someone was injured on the job. The law is all over the place in what proof an employer must show to obtain the reduction. What the law states is, “ where the injury is caused by the failure of the employee to use safety devices where provided by the employer, or from the employee’s failure to obey any reasonable rule adopted by the employer for the safety of employees, the compensation and death benefit provided for herein shall be reduced at least twentyfive but not more than fifty percent; provided, that it is shown that the employee had actual knowledge of the rule so adopted by the employer; and provided, further, that the employer had, prior to the injury, made a reasonable effort to cause his or her employees to use the safety device or devices and to obey or follow the rule so adopted for the safety of the employees.” This law has been interpreted by different Courts in many different ways. It is clear that it is very fact specific to each case. The employer can always claim that a safety violation occurred but they have to demonstrate that they in a safety rule existed and that there was a plan in place to make sure that all employees were following the rules. What many of the cases state is that simply having a safety rule is not enough. If the employees are not properly instructed on the rule or if the rule is constantly ignored by the employees and the employer is not doing much to enforce the rule, it may not get the reduction. Think about this type of scenario. You have been told to use safety gloves at all times when performing the job. However, everyone knows that with the gloves on you cannot use certain tools that are needed to perform your job. So everyone takes off their gloves to do the required parts of the job. This is how you were taught by your supervisor or other senior employees. Then one day you are hurt performing the job without the gloves. The employer is going to claim that had you been wearing gloves, the injury would not occur. They will try and claim a penalty. However, you can fight this claim by showing that the employer really did not enforce the rule as they wanted to make sure you could finish the job. This may be sufficient to prevent the penalty form occurring. It is important to keep this issue in mind if a safety review of your accident is undertaken by the employer. You will need to think about how to beat the potential of a penalty. The facts you develop in your case will be what you will be able to use to prevent this from occurring. The fact that the rule is in a training manual or on a post from the employer is not by itself enough if it is not enforced regularly. You must keep that in mind in trying to avoid the penalty. You may need to work with your Union to get the best information on the existence and enforcement of certain rules. If you have any questions on this matter or other issues raised, please feel free to contact me to discuss. Michael Goldberg, Esq. [email protected] 1-800-489-2891 Thanks to everyone who donated canned food to the CWA 6300 Community Service’s Food Drive. As you can see it was a GREAT success!!! We could not do it without your support. Hallelujah House food bank is honored to be the recipient of this generosity. This food will feed many hungry families. Pictured L-R: Mike Songer, Chief Steward; Alison Willis, Steward; Grant and Karen from Hallelujah House, Stephanie Bates, Steward. February 2015 Page 3 6300 News Officers Report ANNUAL CWA LOCAL 6300 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Each year, Local 6300 will offer three (3) college scholarships, each for $1,500.00 per school year, $750.00 per semester. Scholarship eligibility and award criteria are as follows: Active CWA Local 6300 Members in good standing, spouse of Member or dependent child who is graduating high school or is currently enrolled full time (minimum of 12 credit hours) in a trade or technical school, college, university or private school. Verification of enrollment will be required. Money will be held in a trust at the winner’s choice of school. Only one scholarship will be awarded to a family per year. Previous winners of CWA Local 6310, 6320 or 6300’s scholarships are ineligible. Limit one entry per student. Include with the application, an essay of no less than 500 words depicting your personal view on the Right to Work Legislation and Organized Labor (parental assistance encouraged). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Plagiarism will disqualify entry. Winners will be determined by merit of qualified applications, judged by the Local’s Scholarship Committee and announced at the June 2015 General Membership Meeting. Completed application with attached essay on the Right to Work Legislation and Organized Labor must be postmarked by March 31, 2015 and mailed to CWA Local 6300, 2258 Grissom Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146. CWA Local 6300 Scholarship Official Application for the 2015 Fall and 2016 Spring Semesters Applicant Information (please print) Name ___________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________ State ____________ Zip ___________________ College ______________________________________________________________________ Member’s Information (please print) Name ___________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State____________Zip ___________________ Phone # _________________________________________ I am an active dues – paying Member in good standing of CWA Local 6300 and the above applicant is either myself, my spouse or my dependent child, who is graduating high school by June 2015or is currently enrolled full time (minimum of 12 credit hours) in a trade or technical school, college, university or private school. Member’s Signature ____________________________________________________________ Page 4 February 2015 Officers Report 6300 News Print and Media Sector Update February, 2015 By John Ebeling, Vice President Print and Media Sector Let me begin this article by wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Blessed New Year. Contracts that are to be bargained in 2015 and the dates they will expire are as follows: • • • • • • • • Labor Tribune, 1/31/2015 Screenburst Graphics, 2/28/2015 Illini Digital Printing Co.,5/31/2015 Legacy Engraving, LLC, 7/31/2015 Century Printing, Inc., 1/31/2015 St. Louis Post Dispatch, 8/31/2015 Peace Institute Printing, 9/30/2015 Trio Graphics Printing, 9/30/2015. Members working under these Agreements that have suggestions on improvements that should be made in the new contract are encouraged to submit the changes in writing, at least 90 days prior to the expiration date of the Agreement to the Union Office to the attention of Vice President Ebeling. DEATH: In case you missed the names of the Printing Sector Members that passed away in 2014 that were reported in the 6300 NEWS they are: Lavern lsert, 12/18/2013, Post Dispatch, Retired; Franklin Beatty, 4/4/2014, Post Dispatch, Retired; Alice Tanner, 4/15/3014, Typotronics, Retired. RETIREE DUES: A Union Dues Reminder for Print and Media Sector Retirees. Dues are $3.00 each month or $36.00 for the year 2015. COPE Voluntary Contributions can be added to the dues check as long as it is noted on the check or you can make out a separate check made out to CWA COPE PCC – Committee on Political Education and any amount will be very much appreciated. In recent elections corporations and big business has spent millions of dollars in their efforts to defeat Labor Friendly Candidates and unfortunately with considerable success. COPE Dollars allow Unions to have money and people power to win fair labor laws and strengthen collective bargaining rights. Pro – Worker Candidates fight for issues such as Stronger Worker Rights, Organizing, Health Care, Sensible Fair Trade Policies, Secure Jobs and Pension Protection. DUES RECEIPTS: Any Print and Media Sector Member that would like a Dues Receipt for 2014 please call the Union Office at 314-9910200 and request the receipt from the Administrative Assistant and it will be mailed to you. February 2015 Bunny Buys Union Goodies made by members of the Bakery Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM); snack foods by members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); or fruit and nuts from members of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). Visit labor411.org for more items. Hershey Products Jolly Rancher Candies Pot of Gold chocolates Ovation mint sticks Fifth Avenue Zagnut York Peppermint Patties Nestle Treasures Laffy Taffy Flips Pretzels Baby Ruth Butterfinger BB’s and Pearson’s Nips Jelly Bellies Chocolate Dutch Mints Chocolate Temptations Dimples Sweet Temptations Malted Milk Balls-Herman Goelitz Licorice-Herman Goelitz NECCO Wafers Mary Jane Peanut Butter Chews Sky Bar Thin Mints Bolster Bar Masterpieces and Clark Bar See’s Famous Old Time Candies Frito-Lay chips and snacks Orville Redenbacher popcorn Kraft snack products Godiva chocolates Coastal Berry Co. fruit and nuts Montpelier Almonds Sunkist citrus fruit Sunworld citrus fruit Airdrome citrus fruit Big Jim citrus fruit Source: www.lalabor411.org, lists products and the Union producer. *Note: Not all products of a company are made in the U.S. or by Union Labor. This site lists the specific Union made products. Page 5 6300 News Next Meetings: February 18 March 18 Motion: Jeff Spraul, second Mike Lavoie to pay $208 in monthly per capita fees to Jobs with Justice. Motion carried. Motion: Stephanie Bates, second Eric Watson to send Vickie Jordan, Tori Pratt, Jo Wise, Floyd Bell and Gordon Smith to CWA District 6 Local Officers Training from April 12-15, 2015 in Irving, Texas. Estimated cost $8,493.93. Motion carried. Motion: Eric Rayford, second Mike Songer to name Membership Hall “Bill Morton Hall.” Motion carried. Retiring 08/22/14 12/01/14 01/12/15 01/25/15 In Sympathy Patricia Cheers Wilber Moeller Retiree Retiree Members’ Losses Deanna Derenbecher Husband Caroline Dittmann Father Robin Morton Mother Lucinda Simms Brother Margaret Weaver Father TY NI ZI GA OR Page 6 NI U MM CO L/ ION ICA CT LIT A NG PO BARGAINING/ REPRESENTATION New Members AT&T Mobility Motions January-21, 2015 Carolyn Moore Robin Hayes Douglas Bunt Irma Jamison Good & Welfare Joshua Bartels Allison Brinker Tammy Brock Antonio Brodie Timothy Brooks Jack Brotherton Taylor Brown Christy Christman Stephen Coloni Tyler Conway Randy Crawford Camus Crawford II Marcus Creasy John Denton Janell Evers Monique Flager Kayla Fodge Jeffrey Froelker James Gallagher Christine Gould Carly Griggs Patrick Handy Stephanie Harvey Allison High Kasey Hull Eric Hulser Joe Kasten Dana Kelsey Husein Kopic Jason Lay Mark Loy Michael Lucchesi Justin McCollum Shannon Mclaughlin-Chavez Taylor Melson Kalena Miles AT&T Justin Moss Amar Mujakic Michael Nausley Ryan ONeil Aja Pride Jeremy Ramsey Leonanda Redden Derek Reed Renoda Robinson Lloyd Rush Jaymz Saunders George Schmitt Brad Sherwood Christian Shipley Tierra Sills Patrick Smith Andrea Snyder Melissa Stephens Stephen Stroup Chace Thies Latrice Thomas Richard Tipton Shane Treece Johanna Valencia Suriyo Vanmalaithong Chaz Walker Michael Wann Shatoya Wells Justin White Jamela Wilkes Dereck Williams Haley Willoughby Christopher Winters Stephen Wortmann Mark Young Nicole Zenk Submit Good and Welfare Announcements Keith Allen Jay Angstadt Brittny Barry Ryan Bax Anthony Bono Chadd Bordeaux Michael Campe Charles Corbin Jason Fears Rodney Finley Edward Frawley Michael Gabelli James Gallagher Albert Givens Lashonda Johnson Patrick Koeller Adam Kramer Akilah Lee Angela Lomnick-Slater Sean Marquette Domanic Mason David May Matthew Melugin Joe Moore Shirelle Mosley Logan Murphy L. Noland Stephen Posley Scott Richey Johnothan Ross Craig Schellenbach Kyle Schrader Anthony Signaigo Demetrious Taylor Christina Turner Charles Van Winkle Tammy Waligorski Kevin Weber Joshua Weiss Nolan Wheeler Jamela Wilkes Jared Williams Verizon Jennifer Howze Dana Kelsey YP Holding LLC Octavia Ball Frenchae Bynes Douglas Cary Daniel Chandler Leia Granderson Michael Lucchesi f Jacob Mc Endollar Alex Millien Daryon Mitchell Willard Moore Justin Pollard Stephanie Santoscoy Find us on Facebook facebook.com/cwa6300 Please see your Union Steward to submit notices of deaths, retirements, disabilities, or other announcements within your office. February 2015 6300 News Retirees Retired Americans Deserve Better By Melinda Gibson National Retiree Director Retiree Meetings Retired Americans Deserve Better. Our Fellow CWA Retirees Deserve Better. You may know from personal experience that it’s far too February 9 easy for corporations to cut retiree benefits and for politicians to play political games with lifesaving programs like Social & March Security and Medicare. After years of cuts and politicization, Meeting 11:30 / Lunch 12:00 it’s time for us to take a stand. Meeting Location That’s why today, we’re launching a campaign calling on 2258 Grissom Dr. Congress and corporations to stop cutting retiree benefits: $12 charge per person. Retirement Security Now. Together with employee pensions and benefits, Social Bring a guest but make reservations: Security and Medicare are the bedrock of our retirement security. We must protect these existing programs and call on Bob Huss - 636-947-4299 Congress and employers to protect our benefits from further [email protected] cuts. Earline Jones 355-6860 Will you join CWA retirees from across the country and sign Nellie Girouard on to our Retirement Security Now campaign today? Join the 314-739-0317 fight to protect and expand our retirement security. Nancy Jinkerson Retirees deserve the benefits they were promised. It’s simply 314-809-3264 not OK that corporate CEOs and companies are raking in record profits while cutting benefits to retirees. Take AT&T, for example. Beginning in 2015, AT&T’s Medicare-eligible retirees can no longer count on the stability of an employer-sponsored group health insurance plan. And while AT&T cuts costs by subjecting its retirees to the whims of the private insurance market, its own CEO has over $62 million in his companyadministered retirement account. It’s not right. It’s not just corporations, either. Year after year, Congress toys with the idea of privatizing Social Security and turning Medicare into a voucher system. These plans would decimate the social safety net as we know it. Social Security is the most successful social program in the history of our country. It single-handedly lifts 35% of seniors out of poverty. And Medicare delivers health and economic security to millions. These plans need to be strengthened, not privatized and sold to the highest bidder. Together we can fight for a more secure retirement for everyone. Join your fellow retirees. Sign on to the Retirement Security Now campaign today. Go to go.cwa.net/retireesfight Your action today will be the first step towards a better retirement for all. Thanks for joining us. I’ll be in touch about next steps. In solidarity, Melinda Gibson National Retiree Director February 2015 Page 7 6300 6300 News Communications Workers of America Local 6300 2258 Grissom Drive St. Louis, MO 63146-3309 PRSTR STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 495 St. Louis, MO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Postmaster - Please Deliver Dated Material Enclosed CWA Community Services Committee presents the 4th Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser March 21, 2015 at CWA Local 6300, 2258 Grissom Drive Doors open 6pm, begins at 7pm Price includes soda & popcorn • BYOB $100 per table of eight or $15 per person $200 For The First Place • 50/50 • Baskets Raffles Prize for the Best Decorated Table Spaces This event will fill up quickly, call to make reservations Contact the Local at 314.991.0200 The Annual CWA 6300 Kids Visit from the Easter Bunny Magician • Face Painting Artist Balloon Sculptor Age Limit 10 Saturday, April 4 12:00 noon to 2:00pm Hunt begins at 12:30. Location: McDonnell Park ~ Lindbergh Shelter 2961 Adie Rd. 63074
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