Meet the CWA Executive Board!

Volume 05/No. 2
United We Bargain, Divided We Fail
February 2012
Meet the CWA Executive Board!
Front Row left to right: Debora Murray - Secretary, Virginia Anderson-Dunbar - Treasurer,
Sonja Gholston-Byrd - Vice President Metro, Kim Reynolds - Vice President CenturyLink/Verizon
Back row left to right: Mike Barban - Vice President ATT Plant 2, Mark Kennon - Vice President Advertising Solutions,
John Ebeling - Vice President Print and Media Sector, Jeff Spraul - Vice President Appendix B and I,
Ken Bates - Vice President ASI/FACS, Mike Mehringer - President, Jim Kolve - Executive Vice President,
David Hoyt - Administrative Vice President, Mark Crawshaw - Vice President ATT Plant 1/Legacy T
Contents
Executive Board..........................1
President’s Report......................2
Officers Report...........................2
Attorney Report ........................3
Officers Report...................... 3-4
Committee Report......................4
Scholarship Application...........5
Good & Welfare...........................6
Retirees.........................................7
The new Executive Board is sworn in by Parliamentarian Mike Smith
at the General Membership meeting on January 18. 2012
6300 News
Circulation 5,700
Published Monthly by
CWA Local 6300
2258 Grissom Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63146
Phone: 314-991-0200
www.cwa6300.org
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday through Friday
President
Mike Mehringer mmehringer@cwa6300.org
Executive Vice President
Jim Kolve jkolve@cwa6300.org
Administrative Vice President
David Hoyt dhoyt@cwa6300.org
Secretary
Debora Murray dmurray@cwa6300.org
Treasurer
Virginia Anderson-Dunbar
vadunbar@cwa6300.org
Vice President ATT Plant 1 / Legacy T
Mark Crawshaw mcrawshaw@cwa6300.org
Vice President ATT Plant 2
From The President’s Desk
Legislators at it Again
By Michael Mehringer, President
We have not even made it
through a month in 2012 and
we are already under attack
by legislators who have filed
for the Right to Work Bill and
the Paycheck Deception Bill
just to name a couple. Again, I
know this seems to come up a
lot in the last couple of years
and everyone in Labor gets up
in arms about it and it seems
to go away. The topic seems to
disappear for awhile in Missouri
due to the fact that the Labor
Organizations
throughout
the state unite with a plan to
stop these bills to protect our
Members.
If these Bills pass it will
prevent us from providing the
necessary representation for
our Members and will deplete
our bargaining power with
the companies during contract
negotiations. We all need to
get involved to stop these AntiUnion legislators before we end
up loosing our jobs or earning
less pay for the jobs we perform
now.
Don’t think this will go away
on it’s own without a fight. Yes,
we have been successful in
the past but each time these
Bills surface, the opposition is
getting stronger. Please don’t
just stand back and believe
someone else will take care of
this, everyone of us needs to get
involved. Whether it be a letter
writing campaign, a rally,
making calls to legislators or
other Members. Please get
involved and fight to keep
what we have. Our Legislative
Committee will be providing
additional information about
these actions as it becomes
available.
Mike Barban mbarban@cwa6300.org
Vice President ASI/FACS
Ken Bates kbates@cwa6300.org
“Bringing it to You!”
Vice President Metro
By Michael L. Barban, V.P. AT&T Plant II
Vice President Appendix B and I
A key element to the continued
success of our Local is communication.
Sonja Gholston-Byrd sgbyrd@cwa6300.org
Jeff Spraul jspraul@cwa6300.org
Vice President ATT Advertising Solutions
Mark Kennon mkennon@cwa6300.org
Vice President Centurylink/ Verizon
Kim Reynolds kreynolds@cwa6300.org
Vice President Print and Media Sector
John Ebeling jebeling@cwa6300.org
Newsletter Editors/Graphics/Website:
Marge Dodson
Daniel Juedemann
Mark Schweigert
*Reprint permission granted
to all Union publications
Page 2
Many Members want to participate in Union meetings but
cannot, due to work and other factors that prevent them from
attending. As a proactive approach to mobilizing our Members, we
developed a program called “Bringing it to You!”
“Bringing it to You” is vital Union and job specific information
presented in a positive light by Stewards directly to our Members.
Information covered includes safety issues, Weingarten Rights,
P2R, the L“EARN” More P2R program. PMEI, the Peer 2 Peer
Project, Five for the Fight, 5 Star, proactive vs. reactive grievances,
how to become more productive, and making and setting personal
goals, to name a few…
We are the “Next Generation”…
We will “Lead the Fight” and… We are One!!
February 2012
6300 News
Attorney’s Report/Officers Report
Auto Accident Procedures
By Michael C. Goldberg, Attorney
I thought that this month it would
be a good idea to review some of the
actions you would need to take if you
are in an automobile accident. This is
an area that I received a lot of calls
after the snow we received in January.
While an accident can be a traumatic
event, it is still important to think of
what you may need at a later date if
you have to deal with an insurance
company or even the other driver.
There are going to be two different
components of most accidents. The
physical damage to the vehicle and
the person. In regard to the vehicle,
it is important to really look over the
car and if needed have a qualified
mechanic check out the car for damage
that is not always visible.
Sometimes it is clear that the car is
a total wreck. When that occurs, you
are likely going to be offered the blue
book value of the car. While this is not
a fair amount and will not be enough
to get another similar vehicle, this is
pretty much what is going to happen.
If you have put any money into the
vehicle, such as new tires etc., you
may be able to negotiate for a little
higher amount. You should try and do
everything you can do to get the car
fixed and not totaled out.
You are usually better off if that
occurs. The insurance company is not
going to want to pay extra to fix the car
but you can always try and negotiate
with them.
In regard to any potential injuries,
you need to be aware that the first
place any insurance company is going
to check is the statement you make
on the police report. Be careful when
you say that you are fine. Most of the
time, it takes a few days to feel some
of the problems. It is better to simply
say that you feel pretty good at this
time but you are not sure. The next
thing you need to do is that as soon
as you feel any pain or discomfort,
go to the ER or your doctor’s office to
have it checked out and documented.
The closer in time to the event, the
easier it will be to prove. You are also
going to be contacted by the insurance
company of the driver who caused the
accident. You do not have to give a
recorded statement. If you do provide
a statement, tell the adjuster that you
want a copy. In addition, do not commit
that you are fine if it is early on in the
case. You should always mention if
you have any ache, pain or discomfort.
The key to proving your case is often
what you say to the doctor. You need
to make sure you are clear on why
you are seeing the doctor. In addition,
it is important to be consistent in all
the records from any facility you seek
treatment for your problems. That
means the physical therapist or and
other rehabilitation facility. They will
write down what you tell them but
will also take silence as an answer
that nothing unusual occurred. These
records are reviewed by the adjuster
to look for inconsistencies.
These are just a few ideas to consider
if you are in an accident. I will try and
provide more guidance in the next few
articles. If you have specific questions,
please free to call and ask me.
Michael C. Goldberg, Esq.
1-800-489-2891
Mcgoldberg@sbcglobal.net
Print and Media Sector Update
By John Ebeling, Vice President Print and Media Sector
Let me begin this article by wishing
everyone a happy, healthy and
hopefully a Prosperous New Year.
Contracts that are to be bargained
in 2012 and the dates they expire are
as follows:
• Screenburst Graphics
2/28/2012
• Faithfully Yours A&P
4/30/2012
• Hepp Printing
4/30/2012
• New Tribune
4/30/2012
• Illini Digital Printing Company 5/31/2012
• Legacy Engravings, LLC
7/31/2012
• Century Printing, Inc.
8/31/2012
• St. Louis Post Dispatch
8/31/2012
• Aloha Print & Copy
9/30/2012
• Arnold Printing Company
9/30/2012
• Data Manufacturing, Inc
Paper Division
9/30/2012
• Peace Institute Printing
9/30/2012
• Trio Graphics, Printing
9/30/2012
• JV Sports
10/31/2012
February 2012
Members working under these
Agreements that have suggestions
on improvements that should
be made in the new contract are
encouraged to submit the changes in
writing, at least 90 days prior to the
expiration date of the Agreement to
the Union office to the attention of
Vice President Ebeling.
In case you missed the names of
the Printing Sector Members that
passed away during 2011, notices
are printed in the Local 6300
Newsletter as they are reported.
They are: Peter Sturm 11/2010; Curt
Kopp 12/26/2010; Carl Bradford
1/4/2011; Edward Shinall 1/18/2011;
Melvin Acord 2/24/2011; Edward
Krite 3/8/2011; Donald Johnston
3/20/2011; Arthur Millar 4/11/2011
and Victor Reichert 4/22/2011.
A Union Dues reminder for Print
and Media Sector Retirees. Dues are
$3.00 each month or $36.00 for 2012.
COPE Voluntary Contributions can
be added to the dues check as long
as it is noted on the check or you
can make a separate check made
out to CWA COPE and any amount
given will be very much appreciated.
Retirees have consistently given
more than our working Members
and we congratulate you for your
leadership.
Any Print & Media Sector Member
that would like a Dues Receipt for
2011, please call the Union Office at
314-991-0200, request the receipt
from the Administrative Assistants
and it will be mailed to you.
Page 3
6300 News
Committee Report/Officers Report
Did You Know?
By Dawn Michele Bell, Steward/COE Committee Member
Black History Month conjures up
dozens of stories and biographies of
Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X,
Harriet Tubman, Sojouner Truth,
Dred Scott and Nat Turner. While all
of those stories are riveting and the retelling of them never gets old, many
are not aware of some of the interesting
regional tidbits of information.
Supreme Court Justice Thurgood
Marshall was a classmate of Harlem
Renaissance writer Langston Hughes
during their studies at Lincoln
University.
Before becoming a professional
musician, Chuck Berry studied to be
a hairdresser.
Black History Month originated in
1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson as
Negro History Week.
Homer G. Phillips first came to St.
Louis in 1915 after graduating from
Howard University Law School.
Dred Scott and Madame Pelagie
Rutgers,
(an
African-American
woman who grew to become one of St.
Louis’ wealthiest land-holders) are
buried in Calvary cemetery.
The first black regiment from
Missouri was recruited in June 1863
at Schofield Barracks in St. Louis.
William Wells Brown was an
American writer who is considered
to be the first African-American to
publish a novel and play. He was born
to a black slave mother and white
slave-holding father and grew up in
St. Louis.
Black settlers were listed among
those killed defending St.Louis from
the British in the Revolutionary War
Battle of Fort San Carlos, which took
place on what are now the Gateway
Arch Grounds.
The St. Louis Black Repertory
Company, which has been performing
in St. Louis for more than 30 seasons,
has been called the nation’s top black
theater.
In April 1866, Lincoln Institute,
founded by African American
soldiers, was incorporated as an
institution for black students in
Missouri. It later became Lincoln
University.
In 1922, comedian Redd Foxx (John
E. Sanford) was born.
An MLK Day Dream
By Sonja Gholston-Byrd, Vice President
being threatened or taken away. The awardees
unwavering spirit as agitators, instigators,
organizers and occupiers in the struggle for social
and economic justice for all working people. The
awardees were Mr. Ed Bell, Retiree of UAW Local
1 and long time Member of CBTU, Roz Sherman
Voellinger, Liaison for the United Way and Mr.
Wiley Price, Photo Journalist for the Saint Louis
American Newspaper. The welcome was given by
Missouri State Representative Karla May, the
remarks were provided by Missouri State Senator
Robin Wright Jones and the introduction of the
evening keynote speaker was made by Missouri
State Representative Clem Smith. The keynote
Front row, left to right: Earline Jones, Tony Hill, Roz Winston, Deb Murray,
speaker for the evening was Ken Rigmaiden,
Pam Ferrill, Karla May’s mother and Karla May.
Executive General Vice President of the Painters
Back row, left to right: Keith Robinson, Floyd Bell, Darryl Loving and Ken Bates
International Union and CBTU National Executive
Council Member. Awards were presented by Lew
On January 16, 2012 as we celebrated the Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. National Holiday I was humbled as Moye, CBTU Chapter President.
I would like to thank our Executive Board for
I was asked to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the
34th Annual Coalition of Black Trade Unions - Martin the purchase of a table that reflected the Locals full
support for such a memorable occasion. I especially
Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Awards Banquet.
As we celebrated the legacy of Dr. King, we saluted would like to thank the Officers and more importantly,
and honored three local community activists that the Members that made it a noble event.
Always Rocking Solidarity!
have stayed in the trenches and have seen the gains
workers have won in battles of the past that are now
Page 4
February 2012
Scholarship
6300 News
Annual CWA Local 6300
Scholarship Application
Each year, Local 6300 will offer three (3) college scholarships,
each for $1,500.00 per school year, $750.00 per semester.
Scholarship eligibility and award criteria are as follows:
• Active CWA Local 6300 Members in good standing, spouse of Member or dependent child
who is graduating high school or is currently enrolled full time (minimum of 12 credit hours)
in a trade or technical school, college, university or private school.
• Verification of enrollment will be required.
• Money will be held in a trust at the winner’s choice of school.
• Only one scholarship will be awarded to a family per year.
• Previous winners of CWA Local 6310, 6320 or 6300’s scholarships are ineligible.
• Limit one entry per student.
• Include with the application, an essay of no less than 500 words depicting your personal
view on the Right to Work Legislation and Organized Labor (parental assistance encouraged).
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Plagiarism will disqualify entry.
• Winners will be determined by merit of qualified applications, judged by the Local’s
Scholarship Committee and announced at the June General Membership Meeting.
• Completed application with attached essay on the Right to Work Legislation and Organized
Labor must be received by May 1, 2012 at CWA Local 6300, 2258 Grissom Drive,
Saint Louis, MO 63146.
CWA Local 6300 Scholarship
Official Application for the 2012 Fall and 2013 Spring Semesters
Applicant Information (please print)
Name _ ______________________________________________________________________________ Address _ ____________________________________________________________________________
City__________________________________________ State____________________ Zip___________
College ______________________________________________________________________________
Member’s Information (please print)
Name _ ______________________________________________________________________________
Address _ ____________________________________________________________________________
City__________________________________________ State____________________ Zip___________
Phone # ______________________________________________________________________________
I am an active dues – paying Member in good standing of CWA Local 6300 and the above applicant
is either myself, my spouse or my dependent child, who is graduating high school by June 2012 or
is currently enrolled full time (minimum of 12 credit hours) in a trade or technical school, college,
university or private school.
Member’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________
February 2012
Page 5
6300 News
New Members
Congratulations
Next Meetings:
February 15
March 21
Demetrius Johnson
Philip Muenster
Baby Girl
Twin Grandaughters
Members’ Losses
Motions 1/18/2012
Motion: Motion Joe Sobkow, second Marty Bethel to send Mike Mehringer, Mike
Lavoie, Bob Murray and Tori Pratt to the
Legislative Conference and Presidents
Meeting in Washington, DC from January
31, 2012 through February 2, 2012. Motion carried.
Motion: Motion Mark Johnson to donate
to the Mary Ryder Home $1,500.00, second
Linda Mance. Mary Ryder Home does not
support Unions anymore. Earline Jones
and John Ebeling spoke against the motion. Motion defeated.
Retiring
Barbara Jackson-Tillmon
Barbara McAdams
Cindy Huseman
Phyllis Anderson
Patricia Butler
Wanda Dudley
Raymond Agne
Ray Engelmeyer
Dellarese Bryant
Gerald Winschel
Darlene Newman
Lorraine Aitken
Alice Irish
Benjamin Jansen
Julia Schweigert
Philip Muenster
Christopher Huels
Paul Mullersman
Michelle Koerner
Annette Lipsinsky
Good & Welfare
12/06/11
01/03/12
01/11/12
01/11/12
01/12/12
01/12/12
01/13/12
01/13/12
01/20/12
02/03/12
02/04/12
02/11/12
02/13/12
02/15/12
02/16/12
02/29/12
03/03/12
03/01/12
03/02/12
04/01/12
Correction from January newsletter
Cynthia Wahl - mother passed away not sister
Katherine Ayers
Sister
Stacie Beauchamp
Aunt
Kristina Boulware
Grandmother
Debra Day
Aunt
Verna Edwards
Sister
Avery Freeman
Uncle
Christian Goughenour
Grandmother
Juanita Houston
Aunt
Tonya Jackson
Aunt
Loretta O’Kelley
Aunt
Christine Schierhold
Mother
Tyishia Steward
Aunt
Rosemary Thomas-Simmons
Husband
New Members
AT&T Advertising Solutions
Gregory Alford
Lindsey Amick
Rapheal’e Anderson
Yarvette Bass
Larry Blake
Tim Chapman
Tyronnica Hill-Lewis
Steven Hoeing
Suzanne Hogan
Erika Hutchins
Jennifer Joelner
Angela Johnson
Melanie Johnston
Nikki Leach
Christopher Mohr
Carlos Pimentel
Marlon Rhodeman
Paul Rhodeman
Kimberly Robinson
Donald Seufert
Terence Skidmore
Chung Tsui
Michael Whitfield
AT&T Telephone
Lashandra Alston
Paul Bachman
David Ball
Cesar Barron
Kyle Becker
Thomas Belding
John Bielefeld
Michael Blankenship
Colby Bond
Larry Braithwaite
David Branson
Delrin Burnett
Ronald Cancienne
Mark Coloma
Deven Coy
Grayson Crane
Forest Crawford
Peter Diamond
Kevin Dilthey
Jermaine Ferguson
Lancelot Fordyce
Dennis Garrido
Andre Gipson
Justin Glaenzer
David Goldsmith
Michael Golup
Branden Grass
Ronaldo Griffin
Nick Gusman
Victor Hawkins
Stephan Hengehold
Sven Herwig
Mark Hoffman
John Hulette
Jeffery Huskey
Johnathon Jackson
Clay Johnson
John Jones
William Knott
Thomas Krug
Rachel Kyle
Michael Luong
Brian Meyer
Steven Montileone
Anthony Morrison
James Murnan
Jeffrey Myers
Derek O’Brien
Wesley Politte
Scott Sandow
Nicholas Schaub
Anthony Sierer
Scott Smith
Joseph Trail
Alan Webb
Jason Williams
Patrick Wroblewski
Jonathan Wycoff
AT&T Mobility
Brian Arp
Daniel Bellville
Kathryn Eilders
Joshua Hull
Johnathon Kennon
Ashley Masterson
Whitney Miller
Jeremy Moore
Print & Media Sector
CenturyLink
Robin Shanks
Jay Ellis
Alex Pagan
Logan Pickett
Kyle Post
Robert Schwitz
Ron Von Bokel
Nathan Watkins
Vanessa Wolford
In Sympathy
Darryl Kirby
Carl Bahr
Herbert Borcherding
Arthur Meyers
Thomas Newman
Frank Nilica
Joe Olderworth Harold Richert
Page 6
Member
Retiree
Retiree
Retiree
Retiree
Retiree
Retiree
Retiree
February 2012
6300 News
Good & Welfare/.Retirees
Retirees Meeting Minutes January 9, 2012
Retiree Meetings
February 13
& March 12
Meeting 11:30 / Lunch 12:00
Meeting Location
2258 Grissom Dr.
$12 charge per person.
Bring a guest but make
reservations:
Bob Huss - 636-947-4299
BHuss6350@sbcglobal.net
Earline Jones 355-6860
Nellie Girouard
314-739-0317
Nancy Jinkerson
314-809-3264
The meeting was called to order by
President Bob Huss. He said an opening
prayer and led everyone in the Pledge
of Allegiance to our flag. He asked for a
moment of silence for deceased members
Arthur Meyers, Thomas Newman and
Harold Richert.
Secretary Nancy Jinkerson introduced
US Congressman Russ Carnahan.
He shared information about what is
happening in Washington, especially
where it concerns retirees and seniors.
He discussed some of the fights in
Congress and he assured everyone that
Social Security is sound and will remain
so for decades to come. He stated that
no one who is currently retired or close
to retirement needs to be concerned.
He expressed optimism that things are
getting better with the economy.
Bob Huss thanked Congressman
Carnahan for coming. He then
introduced Dave Henroid from the USO.
He spoke for a few minutes about what
the USO does and showed a video. Bob
presented him with a check from the
Chapter. He shared his own experience
with the USO.
Nancy Jinkerson announced the
menu for the day and read the minutes
of the previous meeting. With no
additions or corrections a motion was
made, seconded and passed to approve
the minutes as read.
Nellie Girouard gave the Treasurers
Report. A motion was made, seconded
and passed to approve the report.
Bob Huss announced that the Alliance
for Retired Americans is having a
fundraising event on February 28th.
It was moved and seconded that the
Chapter send the officers to the event.
Since there were no birthdays, it was
suggested that the Member who came
the farthest be given the cake. Therefore
Imogene Sutton won the cake.
Vice President Earline Jones spoke
briefly about the Right to Work initiative.
Drawings were held and monies were
given out as prizes. Following that, the
drawing for the 50-50 raffle was held. It
was won by Carren Eugea, a recently
retired new member. She won $564.00.
Congratulations to her.
Bob told a joke. The meeting adjourned.
Bingo was played afterwards.
$2,274.03 Raised
For “5 for the Fight” Fund
The raffled 40” HDTV that was donated by Terry Holtsclaw
of NettWorth Financial Group was presented to Eric Watson
(right), Steward by Vice President Ken Bates (left). The raffle
raised $1,974.03 for the “5 for the Fight” fund.
In addition, Tori Pratt, Chief Steward and Stephanie Bates,
Steward donated Little Caesars Pizza to sell at the January
General Membership Meeting to benefit the “5 for the Fight”
fund, they raised $204 and Steward Dave Wilkerson donated
$96 to make it an even $300.
THANK YOU TO ALL MEMBERS THAT SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT!
Please see your Union Steward to submit
notices of deaths, retirements, disabilities,
or other announcements within your office.
Become A Steward
WE WANT YOU!
Call 991-0200
Call your Vice President at
February 2012
for more information
Page 7
6300
6300 News
Communications Workers of America
Local 6300
2258 Grissom Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146-3309
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Dated Material Enclosed
AT&T Mobility Bargaining Begins January 30, 2012
by By Jim Kolve, Executive Vice President
These contract negotiations will replace the four (4) year contract that expires in less than two months on February 24, 2012.
Our Members deserve a good contract! The Bargaining Team will be working for you to achieve this goal. We will need to
help the Bargaining Team succeed by supporting mobilization. This mobilization will include the process of keeping all our
Members informed of the issues.
To be successful at mobilization we need your help! Please call the Local at 314.991.0200 and we will put you on the growing
list of Members who want to be informed and are willing to mobilize. We have over three hundred Members in our Local
who have helped build one of the best and most profitable wireless companies in the world. Let’s support our Union wireless
brothers and sisters in achieving a contract worthy of their efforts. We have established a hot line for wireless negotiations
that will be updated weekly when Bargaining begins.
The Bargaining Hotline is 314.991.9984 and check our website www.cwa6300.org for updates as well.
CenturyLink Contract Ratified September 30, 2011. Expires March 12, 2014
Legacy T Bargaining begins in February
by Greg Hensler, Steward
Beginning in late February your elected Bargaining Team will begin bargaining for our Members at Legacy
T. The 2009 contract expires April 7, 2012. With fewer than 6,000 Members remaining, bargaining will be even
tougher. We will need all of our Members to mobilize when asked to. Let’s show our solidarity by wearing red
every Thursday. If you don’t have any red shirts the Local has them for $5. For the latest Bargaining information
checkout our website at www.cwa6300.org or contact Greg Hensler at 314.239.8074. We will update the website
as information becomes available.
Check our website www.cwa6300.org or contact Greg Hensler at 314.239.8074 or updates