Organize and Mobilize - Strategically

February 1, 2004

It is time for everyone in CWA to take an active roll in our struggle to continue to exist within Sprint. When I say "everyone", I mean every member, job steward and local officer as well as National Union representatives and officers. The stakes are too high; therefore, our efforts must be effective and all encompassing.

Sprint's business plan continues to reward top executives with obscenely high bonuses for failure while raping the coffers and turning a blind eye to its customers and "revenue producing" employees. Each local union with Sprint members must resolve to organize both internally and externally. Within the next six months, every Sprint bargaining unit should be at least 80% organized. Also, all members must mobilize in order to support CWA strategies while defeating Sprint's union-busting, anti-worker activities. Our tactics since the mid-1980's are no longer effective and the Company is able to predict our tactical efforts. We must develop new tactics that fit within strategic actions by doing things differently û thinking outside the box and being creative.

Let's not fool ourselves, nor the people we represent. Sprint is threatening our very existence as a union while individually posing a serious threat to our livelihoods. Recently, all Local Presidents and some National Union representatives made a commitment to develop strategic plans to oppose Sprint's negative treatment of our members and we must honor that commitment. When we do, Sprint will recognize CWA as the powerful force that we are. That accomplished, our members win what they deserve - work place dignity!

By Rocky Barnes, President, Local 3680