This is a general bargaining update for all members working in the following workgroups:

AT&T Advertising Solutions (PBD – Northern CA. and Reno)

Digital Graphics Advantage (DGA) – Statewide and Reno

YellowPages.com – Henderson NV and Charlotte NC

As you are aware negotiations have been ongoing for all 3 organizations above. The DGA group is being negotiated as a re-opener only for wages and benefits. The AT&T Advertising Solutions and YellowPages.com negotiations are for a full collective bargaining agreement. See individual group reports below:

 AT&T Advertising Solutions:

The company presented a large and comprehensive list of changes to the existing contract early on in bargaining. As expected much of the changes resemble the current contracts bargained in 2008 in Southern CA with IBEW 2139, and other CWA locals throughout the country.  As we have reported previously, IBEW 1269 wants its own contract that is negotiated on the issues brought forth by our membership through our online surveys.   As such, negotiations have become much more complicated and challenging.  Although the discussions remain non-contentious, we are dangerously close to the expiration date of August 7, 2010, with most of the significant issues unresolved.  Wages are not decided, sales commissions are not decided and benefits are still not decided.  It should come as no surprise to all of you that the nature of our business at AT&T Advertising Solutions, and the industry as a whole, has changed dramatically.  The loss of customers and revenue has been staggering and has had a devastating impact on the loss of our members to downsizing and consolidation in addition to a significant downturn in average earnings. Choices and decisions have consequences.  That is why all of these factors will shape the choices and decisions of AT&T and you, the members. And, as a consequence of our choices, the new contract will not be business as usual.  In an effort to protect our jobs, grow the business and still maintain the opportunity to grow our earnings and maintain 1^st class benefits, provisions of the contract will and must change.  These changes will no doubt be numerous and perhaps unique.   It is important that at this late date you keep your eyes on this website for full instructions as we approach the deadline. As always, be prepared for anything up to and including a work stoppage.

DGA:

The Digital Graphics Advantage group is tied directly to our negotiations with the AT&T Advertising Solutions group. As stated above at this late date, wages and benefits are not yet decided. The contract deadline is this Saturday, August 7, 2010. Stay in touch with this website for updates throughout this week and the weekend.

YellowPages.com:

Our contract negotiations are awaiting a benefits package presentation by the company. Sometime next week, HR Director, Robin Fernandez shall be presenting a full benefits package to the bargaining committee. Once we are through with benefits we believe we will be close to bringing you the contract you have been waiting for. Recently, we filed with the American Arbitration Association to add the CXG group into the bargaining unit. We are currently awaiting that process to complete. In the meantime the CXG group has presented its survey answers to the bargaining committee for introduction to the bargaining table. Please continue to follow updates on this website as we near a time and place to bring out a contract for you to vote on.

Honor and Strength.

Peter A. Pusateri, Business Manager

Casey M. Lewis, Assistant Business Manager