International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Casey Lewis update on Dex One STRIKE

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 16:16

This report is to provide some updates to our striking workers in the Dex One Corporation. Today is Tuesday,

May 15, 2012. The Union is currently attempting to get the Company to return to the bargaining table to

discuss options which would end the strike. We are dealing with the Federal Mediator who has been assigned

to the case. Our attempts to this point have been unsuccessful because the Company appears intent on

holding to its final offer and convincing the workers (you) to give up the strike and come back to work. If that

doesnt further demonstrate BAD FAITH, I don't know what does.

We shall continue to work towards the resumption of bargaining at the table and I am confident that will occur

this week. In addition a letter has gone out to the individuals who have crossed the line to insure they

understand the error in their ways. That group is predominately but not entirely made up of the Digital

(hunter) Rep group. The unfortunate thing with that reality is that this group came into existence because of the Union bargaining a trial agreement and then subsequently a real agreement for that group.

Issue 1. Outsourcing. The Union has made attempts to work this out with the Company. The Company is unwilling to compromise and wants the unlimited right to do whatever they want with our market at whatever time they choose. That is unacceptable. The Union is willing to work this out in a resonable fashion which would protect our jobs and our market potential for the future.

Issue 2. Management Rights/Market Assignment. The Union is once again willing to work through this issue by reaching an agreement which would accomplish 2 things. Allowing the Union to have significant involvement in the process to establish the new rate bands. That should be a written agreement and not a handshake or promise. And secondly, the right to grieve and/or arbitrate the IMPACT of arbitrary decisions made by the Company. This is very basic and the Company should be willing to agree and not as a package blackmail deal which includes the right to arbitrate. But as a single, true and honest agreement as spelled out above.

Issue 3. Layoff/Severance. Remove the changes to article 7 and leave it as is. They still have the right to layoff, they just cannot pick and choose whoever they want.

The Union is committed to bringing this strike to an end that will insure you have a fair and reasonable written agreement to the issues outlined above. The best way to bring this to a quick conclusion is to stay strong. It is your resolve which will change the Company's posture and unreasonableness.

Fraternally,

Casey M. Lewis