As with the other contracts, the Utility Operations contract involved difficult bargaining. In light of the company’s position on economic issues, 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.
Wages: 3% Retroactive to 8/09/2009, 3% Eff 9/05/2010, 2.75% Eff: 9/04/2011
Article 1: Definitions
Updated language reflecting current company entities
Article 3J: Payroll Periods and Paycheck Deliveries
Paycheck Stub will be made available to employees in the most efficient manner possible. (If on EFT, check stub will no longer be mailed to employee home address)
Article 6B1: Layoff
Change from 30 day to 45 day notification of layoff.
Article 6B2: Bumping Rights
Bumping option to include a mandatory 35 mile bump list prior to the state bump list. Also, adding voluntary layoff in surplus language. Number of volunteers limited to number of positions declared surplus within the exchange.
Article 6D: Recall from Layoff
Laid off employees will have the right to be recalled, by seniority date. The company will also endeavor to offer laid off employees any temporary vacancies for which they are qualified. If employee accepts temporary offer it will not affect recall status.
Article 8C: Promotion and Transfer Plan
Eligible employees may submit unlimited future requests. Also, update entity language.
(Utility Operations employees will also be eligible to participate in The National Transfer Plan)
Article 19C: Non-Discrimination Clause
Changed to reflect the AT&T Code of Business Conduct.
Article 21: Duration of Agreement
3 year contract effective August 9, 2009 expiring August 4, 2012
APPENDIX B
Uniform Program: Increase initial uniform credit to $443.55
Increase annual credit to $214.87
Increase boot allowance to $75.00
Other Agreements:
Renewed the following MOAs
Inclement Weather Work Policy
Short Term Disability letter
Excused Time for Union Activity
Healthcare and benefits were negotiated at the Common Interest Table. The details are listed in the AT&T Southeast Final Bargaining report. Effective January 1, 2011 Utility Operations will be covered under the healthcare plans terms listed. No changes in the current Vision, Dental, or Disability Benefit Plans for Utility Operations. However, effective January 1, 2011 Utility Ops employees will be eligible to participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Long Term Care Plan, Adoption Plan, Commuter Plan, and the Marsh Personal Plans.
