Joomla! site syndication http://www.cwa3601.org Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:29:47 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.cwa3601.org/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.cwa3601.org Joomla! site syndication http://www.cwa3601.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=215&Itemid=2 CWA Local 3601 Scholarships CWA Local 3601 announces our annual scholarship program. The Local will be awarding two scholarships, one for $350 and one for $250. All scholarships must be used for educational purposes, i.e., books and tuition. Any portion of the scholarships not used for these purposes within the 12 months following its receipt must be returned to CWA Local 3601. The unused portion will be forfeited. Every CWA active member, retired member, spouse or child of a member, is eligible for the scholarships. The $350 award must be used for education at a 4 year accredited college. The $250 award must be used for education at a technical or community college (2-year school). Winners must be enrolled for the 2010-2011 school year. The winners of these scholarships will be determined at the October membership meeting by a random drawing of valid applications. Applicants need not be present to win. One alternate will be drawn in each category in case there is a forfeiture or disqualification. The Local will notify the winners. The scholarships will be paid to the winners selected educational institution or to the member upon verification of paid receipts from the selected institution. The following application must be correctly and fully completed to be valid. Both the member and the applicant must sign the application. Any application not filled out correctly and fully is void. Only one entry per applicant is acceptable. There will be no exceptions. All applications must be sent US Mail and postmarked no later than September 30, 2010. No applications will be accepted after this date. CWA Local 3601 reserves the right to determine the rules and compliance of this contest. All applications must be mailed to the Hall at: CWA local 3601, Education Commitee, 210 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 Members Name _____________________________________________ Social Security Number_______________________________________ Applicant's Name____________________________________________ Relationship________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ Educational Institution_______________________________________ (Circle one) 2 year 4year Members Work Location______________________________________ I agree to the rules and conditions of CWA Local 3601 scholarship program and I shall comply with them. Signed (member)____________________________________________ Signed (applicant)___________________________________________ to print (click here (index.php?option=content task=view id=215 Itemid=2)) and press the printer icon in the upper right hand corner of the window News - Recent News Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 http://www.cwa3601.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=385&Itemid=2 The Price of Broadband Politics One good measure of the intensity with which phone and cable companies dislike the Federal Communications Commission’s plan to extend its regulatory oversight over access to broadband Internet is the amount of money they are spending on political contributions. Last month, 74 House Democrats sent a letter to the F.C.C.’s chairman, Julius Genachowski, warning him “not to move forward with a proposal that undermines critically important investment in broadband and the jobs that come with it.” Rather than extend its authority over telecommunications networks to broadband under the 1996 Telecommunications Act, they demanded that the F.C.C. wait for Congress to pass specific legislation. The message parroted views held by AT T, Comcast and Verizon — the biggest broadband service providers in the country. (Comcast warned that the F.C.C.’s efforts could “chill investment and innovation.”) Their executives and political action committees have been among the top 20 campaign contributors to 58 of the 74 lawmakers in the past two election cycles. As the F.C.C. proceeds with its plan to regulate broadband access, it seems likely we can expect more of this resistance from members of Congress. Political contributions from AT T in the current election cycle reached $2.6 million by May 16, on the way to exceeding the total in each of the last three elections. The company has contributed to the campaigns of every Republican and all but three Democrats on the subcommittee that deals with the Internet in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It has given money to more than half the members of the equivalent Senate panel. Comcast has spent more than $2 million on campaign donations; Verizon has given $1.2 million. The National Cable and Telecommunications Association — the industry’s collective lobbying group — has spent about $1 million more. And just in case that isn’t persuasive enough of the ills of government regulation, telephone and cable companies spent $20.6 million lobbying the government in the first quarter of the year. The Sunlight Foundation, which tracks industry lobbying, reported that cable and phone companies had 276 former government officials lobbying for them in the first quarter, including 18 former members of Congress and 48 former staffers of current members of Congress on committees with jurisdiction over the Internet. The list includes former staffers of at least six of the House Democrats who signed the letter to the F.C.C. To us, it seems obvious that the Federal Communications Commission should extend its oversight to broadband, the most important telecommunications network of our time, to guarantee open, nondiscriminatory and competitive access and to protect consumers’ rights. But reason is not always a match for money in Washington. The F.C.C. has a rough road ahead. News - Recent News Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:06:18 +0100 http://www.cwa3601.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=384&Itemid=2 2011 and 2012 Medical Benefit Changes for Active Employees When you get your open enrollment package for 2011 and 2012 open and read it carefully there will be changes in it. DO NOT GET CAUGHT BY SUPRPRSE. There will be a premium of $10 for Individual coverage and $25 for Family coverage for in 2011. In 2012 the premiums will be $35 for Individual and $75 for Family. These premiums will be for the PPO and POS plans. For Bapco and Utility’s the premiums will be $35 for Individual and $75 for Family in 2011 and 2012. No premiums were anticipated for the HMO plans or EPO plans, but CHECK YOUR OPEN ENROLLMENT PACKAGES. No Change in the Active Part-time monthly contributions. In 2011 and 2012 the Spousal Carve-out premium will be eliminated. Employees will be allowed to cover his/her spouse under the family premium. Preventive Care Preventive Care will be covered at 100%, (No copays, no deductibles, no coinsurance payments) as long as you use network providers. Preventive care services are generally linked to routine wellness exams, while nonpreventive services are considered treatment or diagnosis for an existing illness, injury or condition. Examples of preventive care: Annual routine physicals Pap smears Cholesterol screenings Mammograms Colonoscopies Some immunizations This isn’t a comprehensive list. Check with your medical insurance carrier for what they consider Preventive Care. Deductibles and Out of Pocket Maximums An In-Network deductible of $350 for Individual and $ 700 for Family will be in effect for the life of this agreement There will be a Co-insurance (excluding preventive care) of 10% for In-Network and 40% for Out of Network Co-insurance is the percentage of charges you pay for covered services, in addition to any applicable deductible. Out of Pocket Maximums: In Network $1000 Individual/ $3000 Family Out of Network $3000 Individual/ $6000 Family Individual basis for deductibles and out of pocket maximums—the family out of pocket maximum is met once any combination of covered persons’ coinsurance meets the family out of pocket maximum amount. HOW THIS WILL WORK Individual- He/she goes to the doctor, and pays the full doctor bill until he/she reaches his $350 deductible. From this point on when he/she has any type of medical care he/she pays 10% coinsurance of the negotiated rate of the medical bill. Once he/she pays the out of pocket maximum of $1000, now the company pays 100% of the medical claims. Family of 2—Husband and wife - Wife has a lot of medical problems and reaches a deductible of $350 first, she will then go to only paying 10% coinsurance of the negotiated rate of the medical bill. The wife continues on and reaches the individual out of pocket maximum of $1000, now the company pays 100% of the medical claims. The husband still has not reached the $350 deductible so is still paying 100% of his doctor visits. He has reached his deductible and is now paying 10% coinsurance, once he reaches the $1000 out of pocket maximum all his medical claims will be paid at 100% by the company like his wife’s. 3. Family of 3—Husband, wife and child-no one in the family as any major medical problems, they all combine reach the $700 family deductible, and move to the 10% coinsurance, since none of them reach the individual out of pocket $1000 they all together reach the $3000 out of pocket maximum together to move to the level were the company will pay 100% of their medical claims. PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE OUT OF POCKET MAXIMUMS There is an Out of Pocket Maximum of $900 Individual and $1,800 Family. These rates are for the life of this contract. Out of Pocket Maximum provisions: Only applies to Network prescriptions drug copays The amount that is applied to the out of pocket maximum is the network prescription drug copay With Family coverage a covered person has satisfied the out of pocket maximum once their copays satisfy the individual out of pocket maximum amount. The family out of pocket maximum is met once any combination of covered person’s prescription drug copays meets the family out of pocket maximum amount. It is not necessary that any one individual reach the individual out of pocket maximum amount, but no one individual may contribute more than the individual out of pocket maximum amount. PRESCRIPTION COPAYS As of 2011 we will no long be able to get a 60 day prescription, you will only be able to get 30 days or 90 days. Retail in Network Prescriptions copays (up to 30 day supply) Generic $10 Formulary/Preferred $20 Non-Formulary/Non-Preferred $40 Retail for out of network Mail Order Copays (up to 90 day supply) Generic $20 Formulary/Preferred $40 Non-Formulary/Non-Preferred $80 In 2011 and 2012 you may use mail order through CVS Caremark or you may pick up your 90 day prescription at any CVS pharmacies for the mail order copay. OTHER CHANGES WITH PRESCRIPTIONS Maintenance prescriptions will be required to go from 30 day supplies to 90 day supplies (mail order) after the second refill at a retail store. Personal Choice Drugs will no longer be covered under the plan the participant will have to pay 100% (example: anti-wrinkle injections, erectile dysfunction agents, hair-growth agents, hair removal agents, topical anti-aging agents and fertility and diet medications. Mandatory Generic-if a generic drug is available and you opt for the brand name equivalent, you will pay the generic copay plus the difference in the cost between the generic drug and the brand name drug you selected. This applies regardless of your reason for not using the generic drug or if your doctor has written dispense as written on the prescription or no substitution. CAREPLUS This is a new option open to the Southeast for the first time during the 2011 open enrollment. This will be a supplemental coverage that will cover specific medical treatments (mostly cancer) that are not covered under you normal health care plans. You will be receiving more information about this plan during the year and at open enrollment so you can make an informed decision about this product. The charge for this coverage is projected to be $1.00 Individual and $2.00 Family. There is some information about this on the web. DISCLAMER-THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THIS TIME, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF SOME CHANGES AS MORE INFORMATION IS KNOWN. News - Recent News Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:10:55 +0100 http://www.cwa3601.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=383&Itemid=2 3rd quarter 2010 surplus announcment click here for the complete list NC Burlington BST Network Field Operations Digital Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Gastonia BST Network Field Operations Digital Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Wilmington BST Network Field Operations Digital Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Asheville BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 1 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Boone BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 1 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 3 ITO - Video Conference Support 9/25/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 28 NRC - Local Transport / Loop Access Center 9/25/2010 NC NC Gastonia BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 1 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Greensboro BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 2 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Lowell BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 1 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Raleigh BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 2 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Salisbury BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 1 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Wilmington BST Network Operations Electronic Technician 1 Central Office - 4 Wall 9/25/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Operations Multi-Media Technician 3 ITO - Video Conference Support 9/25/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Operations Network Administrative Assistant 1 ITO - Video Conference Support 9/18/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Operations Network Analysis Specialist 2 DCPR/Asset Management 9/18/2010 NC NC Asheville BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 2 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Burlington BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 2 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Canton BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 3 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Greensboro BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 2 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Hendersonville BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Raleigh BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 2 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Reidsville BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Salisbury BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Statesville BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Wendell BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Wilmington BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 1 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Winston-Salem BST Network Field Operations Services Technician 2 I R 9/25/2010 NC NC Charlotte BST Network Operations Systems Specialist Technician 1 Data Network Operations Support - Installation and Maintenance 9/25/2010 NC News - Latest Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:54:01 +0100 http://www.cwa3601.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=382&Itemid=2 Final Bargaining Report - CWA-ATT Mobility April 17, 2010 District 3 Tentative Agreement AT T Mobility Final Bargaining Report As with all the other Mobility contracts, the one we just bargained in District 3 involved difficult bargaining. In light of the company's position on economic issues, and the represented status in the bargaining unit, the bargaining team believes we achieved the best contract possible. This is a tentative agreement until ratified by majority vote of members voting in a secret ballot election. The Bargaining Committee unanimously recommends ratification of this agreement. Meanwhile, here are some of the highlights on the key issues of the new tentative agreement. $500.00 bonus upon ratification Wages: Wage increase across the board of 2.75% Retroactive to 3/26/10 2.25% Eff 2/6/2011 2.5% Eff: 2/5/2012 2.5% Eff 2/3/2013 Adding three new Titles which involves Upgrades for approximately 806 employees in Call Centers Upgrade Wireless Technician I to Wireless Technician II Article 7: Grievance Procedure Sec 3. Increased time for appealing to Step 2 from 15 days to 30 days …… New Section to add provision for Executive level grievances Article 12: Hours of Work Company will change process to enable employees in Retail to see preferences made by other employees and days that have been selected for vacation, floating Holidays and Excused Work Days prior to making their preferences. In the Centers employees will also be able to view what tours are available prior to making their preferences so they will know what is available by seniority. (In addition, we still have the arbitration case dealing with the Scheduling Tool) Article 14: Force Adjustment Sec 1. Increased surplus notification from 30 days to 60 days if it involves a surplus of 50 or more employees. Sec 4. Increased Severance pay maximum from $12,000 to $16,000 Article 17: Company-Union Relationship Sec 5. Increase Union time from 240 hours to 320 and for Locals representing 150 or more Mobility employees from 480 hours to 960 hours. Article 18: Union Activities Added language that material on Union Bulletin Boards will be removed only by an Official Union Representative Article 19: Basis of Compensation Sec 4. Increase On-Call pay from $20.00 per day to $34.00 Sec 8. Add management relief differential for employees assigned to perform managerial opening or closing (Key Holder) responsibilities in Retail stores. Sec 10. Add a $2.00 per day differential for part-time Call Center employees assigned to speak in a foreign language Article 21: Absences Sec 2a. Add language that if personal leave is approved, earned time will not have to be taken prior to the leave being taken. Sec 4. Employees subpoenaed in a court case in which they are a party shall be excused without pay. Article 22: Vacations Added language for part time employees that pro-rated vacation pay will be based on hours worked rather than scheduled hours Article 23: Holidays Excluded Floating Designated Holidays from requirement to work the day before and after unless the Designated Holiday is scheduled by management. Added language for part time employees that pro-rated holiday pay will be based on hours worked rather than scheduled hours Article 24. Excused Days with Pay Sec 2. Changed two (2) hour increments to one (1) hour increments Sec 5. Added language for part time employees that pro-rated pay for Excused days will be based on hours worked rather than scheduled hours. Duration of agreement: March 27, 2010 to February 7, 2014 Renewed the following Letters of Agreement: Strategic Alliance Committee DMDR Chargebacks Subcontracting Memphis Distribution Center – Tow Motors Memphis Distribution Center Leadership Forum Revised the following Letters of agreement: Call Quality Observation – Same language as in the Orange contract Quota Relief – reduced the number of hours required from 40 to 8 for use in discipline, no change for use in pay. In Unity, Your Mobility Bargaining Team News - Recent News Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:04:10 +0100