Sprint Indiana (Local 4700) Bargaining Update - Sept. 30, 2005

October 3, 2005

After several bargaining sessions, negotiations with the company have broken off temporarily. No date has been set to resume bargaining and both sides are reviewing their positions. The company has officially given their "Last, Best and Final Offer", which the union is reviewing, but this package in its entirety is unacceptable to both the International and Local Union. The company still has retrogressive proposals on the bargaining table including issues such as: PTO, involuntary transfers, loss of shift differentials, loss of Sunday premiums, 401k reductions, loss of sick leave, àetc. The union requested an extension of the present agreement, but the company has refused. This means that after midnight tonight (9/30/05), the company will suspend the withholding of union dues for our members and will cancel our rights to the arbitration process.

Local 4700 has filed a strike authorization request with the International Union and we expect to receive approval sometime next week. Strike approval has already been granted to Locals in Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina. CWA President, Larry Cohen, will set the strike date. Picket signs for the strike will be mailed to a representative in your region next week. All members should make sure you have your picket assignments in the event a strike is called and be prepared to follow the call tree procedure. Chief Steward, Paul Desjean is the point of contact for the Decatur/Nappanee area and Chief Steward, Russ Love is the contact for the Lawrenceburg/Aurora area.

If the company is unwilling to back away from their retrogressive bargaining strategy, a strike could be imminent. I ask that every member support the bargaining committee and be prepared to send a strong message to Sprint/NextelàWE DESERVE RESPECT!!!
United We BargainàDivided We Beg!!!

In Unity,
Martyn Pyle, President
CWA Local 4700