Count the times you see anything mentioned that might benefit a member other than Mike Crowell (President of Local 9588) wanting to know when the dues will be lower!

May 15, 2000


TO: All Local Presidents, CWA District Nine

FROM: Tony Bixler, Vice President CWA District Nine

SUBJECT: Minutes of District Nine Conference

Attached are the Minutes of the District Nine Conference which was held March 20 - 22, 2000 in San Francisco, California.

Please give any corrections or additions to my Administrative Secretary, Marguerite Stone.

TB/mks
cc: District 9 Staff

Communications Workers of America
District Nine Conference
San Francisco, California
Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf
March 20, 21, 22, 2000

Monday, March 20, 2000, Call to Order 9:00 a.m.

Vice President Tony Bixler called the meeting to Order and introduced Administrative Assistant, Larraine Darrington for the Pledge of Allegiance. Alvin Beck was introduced for the invocation. Tony introduced the District Nine Staff, Locals and Delegates. Also introduced were special guests; Staff Representative Ken Prairie, Linda Kearly and Executive Assistant Dina Beaumont.

Michele Noia, from the San Francisco CWA Local 9410, was introduced for her welcoming remarks.

Tony asked the delegation for any additional agenda items to be placed on the agenda.

Break

Administrative Assistant, Larraine Darrington was called on for the Legislative Report:
Larraine commented on the Legislative report that was handed out, rating that there were various amendments. Larraine reported that in 1999 District Nine sponsored three pieces of legislation in California and of those three Governor Davis signed them into law. The second piece of legislation sponsored by CWA District 9, and signed into law by Governor Davis was SB645, the Fair Share Fee. The third piece of legislation sponsored by CWA District 9 was AB418, the two year bill, the Forced Overtime Bill.

"The Tone"

Tony commented that Local 9400 has a.registered lobbyist, Judy Perez, who has been working in Sacramento which strengthens us, and Monica Hogan coming on board along with Marie Malliett will give us two lobbyist. Marie will be helping with the hospitals in Local 9119 and also with the part time faculty and as a strategist on legislation on where we go with testimony. Monica will be building an organization in the locals and councils. Tony commented on various bills in Hawaii and California.

CWA Staff Representative Darren Parker was called on for the Political Report:
Darren commented on the political hand-out package which contained the COPE Quorum in section 1 and the Membership Development in section 2. Darren reported on what our goals are and what we're doing right now. Darren commented on our long term goals as well as our short term goals, Project 2000, COPE issues, communications and data base.

"The Tone"

Tony commented on the COPE quota, District 9 is behind last place, we can't get any worse. We are looking for $2 per member per year, that's the COPE quota. Tony commented, if we would contact the new hires, as some of us do, at orientation or on the job we usually give them a new member packet or a membership card. At that same time we should give them a COPE introduction card. Tony commented on various Locals and their COPE quotas.

Larraine was called on for the Safety Report:
Larraine gave the Safety Report on behalf of Jerry Morris, who has been working with the District on safety issues. Larraine commented on some of the things that have been initiated in District 9. We have requested to fill one of the union vacancies on the CAL OSHA Advisory Board by Jerry Morris. We have been an active participants in the culmination of the heat stress standards. We have been active participants in the heat stress advisory committee. We expect a draft of the proposed standards in the late spring and its presentation to the CAL OSHA Standards Board shortly thereafter. This, if it is adopted, will be the first heat stress standards in the US. We have petitioned the CAL OSHA Board for significant changes in the telecommunications end. It will be the first significant changes in the standards since its inception. Of particular concern is the pole climbing man hole and road work safety. We submitted Pacific Bell with a proposal for union training of our members who could be subject to danger from animals and creatures, etc. Similar proposals will be made to all of the employers where our members face these kinds of dangers. We will be developing a health and safety network in which every Local will be encouraged to participate. This will include a health and safety section on the District 9 work site where updates and messages can be posted and members can chat about health and safety issues and develop collective strategies to deal with some of those problem., Larraine commented on e-mail communications and guidelines. We are requesting all Locals to keep the District informed of any OSHA complaints that are filed and any grievances in which the health and safety of our members are becoming affected.

"The Tone"

Tony commented on e-mail and direct communications with our members. Tony introduced Executive Assistant to the President, Dina Beaumont

"Her Highness"

Dina commented that our union has been so fortunate. We have been a flexible union, able to deal with all the changes that our members have had to face. We have been particularly Fortunate in terms of the type and the caliber of leadership that we have had to lead CWA. There is no better example of the type of leadership that CWA has but, that the labor movement has as well. Dina proudly introduced CWA President, Morty Bahr:

Morty commented on the strike at Boeing by their professional and technical engineers. Besides Boeing's reluctance to settle, there was external pressure ftom Intel & NficrosofL Microsoft was not interested in energizing their internal organizing drive, which would be a by-product of a union win in this strike. But the solidarity and strength prevailed. Besides wage gains and the defeat of health co@ sharing this victory proves that the solidarity and hard work of labor resulted in victory and CWA was there. Morty also commented on the "CWA 2000" triangle, utilizing the overhead projector. Emphasis was placed on union organizing. Citing the struggle at Spanish speaking Channel 21 (KFTV-Univision), we must fight to protect our jobs. We are in the fourth week of a hunger strike and the publicity is more positive for workers than the Company. Solidarity activities at the San Jose Mercury News (TNG/CWA 98) were announced.
Lucent workers demands to the shareholders and CWA's work in blocking the AT&T attempts to eliminate 800 DA service. Morty commented on UPTE issues - fair share legislation and Los Alamos organizing supported the premise that union power is collective strength. A letter of gratitude from UPTE was read and greeted with applause. In seven years UPTE's size has grown to I 0,000 members in California. Morty also commented that the MCI World Corn Sprint merger creates an Internet monopoly , anti competitive, job cuts, lower quality and is anti-union. International industry consolidations such as the British Telecom and AT&T were mentioned, and that CWA need to consider our own international labor relationships. The number of major telecoms is shrinking with the escalating number of consolidations. There will be fewer "global" players, followed by "niche" players and, if a niche player gets too big, a global player will buy him out. The composition of these consolidated global players changes almost weekly. Morty reminded us that CWA is getting closer to a merger with IUE (the Washington, DC Local of the Printers is the oldest union local in the nation). With IUE's assistance, we could move to organize all the hi-tech manufacturing in the US. We will be updated about this merger at the next convention. Morty also commented on political action and the upcoming November elections, including the necessity of Gore taking California over Bush. Bush cannot win without this State. The fact remains that it is the Democratic party that sponsored and passed proworking family legislation, not the Republicans. The close relationship between CWA and the White House provided the impetus to move US Air on the final issues at the bargaining table. The list of ant-labor legislation that would undermine workers and their families would grow and become law if George "Dubya" Bush is elected. Research on George Bush shows he supports the mis-named "Paycheck Practice Act", right to work laws, privatization of special security, etc. Morty commented on the importance of membership participation in CWA COPE and it cannot be over-stated. We should get more members contributing smaller wnounts t I o increase participation. California will be the key to a Democratic victory, help deliver the Americaii dream to working families.

Tony called on Larraine for housekeeping items.

Tony called on Administrative Assistant Virginia Rodriguez for the Organizing Report:

Virginia commented that the CWA Executive Board set up an Organizing Award in the amount of $5,000. and that this Award is given to the Local, for educational purposes, in recognition for organizing done by that Local. This year the Award is being given to Local 9576, who organized the Alan Hancock Community College in Santa Maria, California. Virginia discussed the organizing report which lists the organizing gains of the Locals that have gone on in the District this past year. Virginia also mentioned an ongoing effort to get more Locals involved in organizing, we're encouraging Locals to participate in a three day training at the AFL-CIO Institute. A form was provided with the Organizing Report. Virginia commented that there were many active organizing drives going on in the District this year, as listed in the report. There are two more organizing drives not listed in the report and they are out of Local 9415. Morris Communications with twenty workers, has signed a Recognition Agreement Letter, and Tucker Technologies, also with twenty workers, will sign the contract tonight. Virginia also commented on the Los Alamos Laboratory. They have formed their own organizing committee and are moving ahead. The have done this all out of their own will and now they have collective bargaining rights and so they are now able to form a union. They are forming alliances with the community groups around the:.i and with legislators who are sympathetic to conditions thev face. Another drive Virginia commented on was Hemet Valley Hospital out of Local 9588. The unit is service maintenance and it has been in existence for twenty-five years. This past year they decided they wanted to expane. their unit and they set out to organize 180 to 200 technical titles. They now have a majority of the 180 technical people and they will be petitioned soon. Virginia commented on the court interpreters in San Francisco who started up their own organization. They are now considered independent contractors, they will be re-classified as employees soon. There are 1500 to 1600 court interpreters all over the State that are in the same position as they are, as independent contractors. So they have linked up with the 600 Los Angeles County interpreters, and they are moving ahead to do the same thing on organizing. Virginia also discussed the Sacramento County Employees, the Viejas Indian Casinos out of Local 9400, AT&T Broadband and GTE.

"The Tone"

Tony commented on recognizing Locals in some kind of category for their organizing efforts where you have dues payers, non-members, part time workers, casual workers or fees payers. Tony commented that there were scrolls to be awarded to the Locals who were 95% or higher organized. Also, there was one scroll to be awarded to the Local with highest percentage of membership gains and that was Local 9413, Reno, the right to work State of Nevada. Tony commented that the scrolls were still at the printers and would have to be presented at a later date.

Lunch Break

Tony introduced Executive Vice President Larry Cohen:

Larry commented the District's activities on the organizing fronts as well as the bargaining fronts during this past year. Larry also commented on the activity of the Spanish broadcasting company, Univision in Fresno. What these people are @g about in Fresno is just a wage increase as opposed to a no wage increase. The people who own this company are billionaires and the share prices have zoomed in the past two years. The New York Times did an article last week, Henry Cisneros is the President of Univision and has getting continuous mention as a contender for Vice President of the United States, as a Democrat. It's important that as we renew our commitment to political action, we also renew our commitment to holding them accountable. We're not a money machine for them, and this goes two ways and the Democratic Party, not only here but everywhere else, needs to be accountable for Henry Cisneros and the fact that this incredibly wealthy corporation refuses to negotiate a pay increase in Fresno,California.,Larry conunented on the changes in the District that is really incredible and hopefully it's beginning to set a pace for the union as a whole. Larry also mentioned the six new appointed staff this past year. It's not so much naming people to staff that's the key thing, it's the variety of backgrounds that they come from, and the variety of jobs that they're doing and the diversity this District represents, that does not come naturally in the American labor movement. District 9 has led the way in terms of diversity in terms of staff appointments and more importantly, in terms of building this District. Larry went on to comment on US Airways, who joined the District after five years or more and who now have a union contract. Larry commented on the joint effort and how it was a number of locals worked on together, the Pacific Bell Wireless campaign and how it was a major achievement last year. Not only did your organize that group and they have a contract but, it's a pay steady contract. Larry commented on the locals working together in collaboration on the Cellular One and wireless. Larry cheered District 9 for its' leadership on all fronts of organizing and bargaining in ways that are unprecedented at all levels; stewards, locals and leadership. No matter how good you play defense, you must play offense. We all talk about it but, you're doing it and moving it. Larry reminded us that wireless is the future and we must use the power we've built. It isn't risk free but, it's the only way to get to the cheer of victory. The union isn't something we just join, it's something we build. The number one thing you face in an organizing drive is management planting the idea, in the minds of workers that the union is a third party. There are things we can do. Management is more determined to fight us. Large corporations are structured in a way that allows them to duplicate all their functions in separate and off shore plants. American upper management is so cynical, they would never work without a team of professionals drawing up personal contracts, they'll attempt to deny workers the abilitv to similarly draft their own contract. AT&T is an example. Holt the valve of AT&T is in their broadband.. Larry stressed that the most critical fight facing CWA is the negotiations for contract renewal of the AT&T/TCI Broadband workers represented by CWA Local 9415. The main issue is AT&T's refasal to provide these 200 cable workers with a 401K match, which all others in the company enjoy. The "all others" are non-union. We can take our inspiration from the hunger strikers at Univision. District 9 will continue to lead.
Meeting recessed

Tuesday, March 21, 2000, Call to order at 9:00 a.m.

Addie Brinkley was introduced for the Retired Members Report:
Addie commented on the concerns of the GTE retirees about their benefits' a concern shared by all. There are 144 new retired members. Locals are encouraged to form clubs, assistance is available. Several locals have clubs which have funds available for their use. T-shirts are available, free of charge to RMC members.

CWA Staff Representative, Ed Venegas was introduced for the Equity Committee Report:
Ed commented that the National Equity Committee set the dates and agenda for the upcoming Civil Rights Conference in Las Vegas in July. The intent is to bring into focus the great changes (technological and government, etc) we face and how equity fits into the picture. Meetings are held in the South. We need to encourage Northern meetings.

Connie Belisle was introduced for the Women's Conunittee Report:
Connie commented that it's not just women, it's working women's issues that need to be addressed. The essence of the Women's Committee is to educate and train working women's issues. We must utilize everyone, every Local to collectively organize arotmd these issues. A handout was distributed that listed current issues. Locals are encouraged to form women's committees. Dates are being set for building committees in both the North and the South. Pay equity is a priority and legislation is needed. Social Security is also a critical item. CLUW was discussed, as was the Working Women 2000 Conference. The number one priority, on a national women's survey was respect. Mobilization activity is scheduled for Stand Up For Children Day on June 1, 2000. In July, testing for bone mass is highlighted. Connie will send out information about this. In the fall, a walk for cancer cure is being arranged. The Working Fainily's Bill of Rights is another important piece of legislation, as is a bill about the effects of domestic violence on children. Another bill addresses employment concerns faced by battered women. The CWA Women's Committee will meet September 21 - 24, 2000, in Las Vegas. a concerted effort is being made to cut costs and encourage more participation. Kathy Kinchius and Mary Hicks were thanked for their help in coordinating committee formation, as was Vice President Tony Bixler. Connie provided her e-mail address joncon@gte.net for feed back.

Tony thanked Addie, Ed and Connie for bringing life into these committees which were formed by Convention Resolutions, making them part of Union Policy.
Break

Tony called on Assistant to Vice President, Bill Quirk to introduce our guest speaker:
Bill introduced Dr. Fernando Gaspasin, whose long labor history includes consultant to several Internationals and the AFL-CIO, and devising the structure that today is known as AFL-CIO's Union City Program

Dr. Gaspasin,.uttilized overheads, and spoke about the important role union organizing plays in the quality of California families. An "Economic ' Reality Check" common sense economics was Discussed. Again the emphasis was that organizing the new workers becomes a life and death proposition. Dr. Gaspasin spoke of how President Bahr's book outlined both the future and the history of CWA. Divestiture was a part of the massive restructuring of the US economy. Analyzing CWA data, we are in better shape than many other international unions. However, we cannot rest. Interactive discussion on organizing strategies and techniques was encouraged. Overheads illustrated that, despite media reports of a booming economy, workers have not proportionately benefitted. Re-regulation, privatization, "casual-ization" of the workforce (temporaries) and de-unionization become the foundation of corporate driven economic restructuring in the mid 70's. The AFL-CIO then restructured in the mid 80's necessary due to an overall 13% unionization factor in today's workforce. We used to grow together, ut we are increasingly growing apart. The pay gap between CEO's and workers is particularly onerous. The "short term cycle" of profit sharing was illustrated by the rates at which CEO's receive wage increases the same time workers are laid off. It leads to a lowering of the "wage floor" in the U. S. and put union workers on edge, clinging to their wages. The U. S. has the biggest gap between the haves and have-nots. Califomia's union density has also declined, though not as bad as other states, but wages, cost of living/real wages, are down steeply. Within the communications industry, CWA has held on fairly well to union density within unionized telecommunications industries. However, global capitalism looks to grow in two areas, @portation and communications. Within the growing telecommunications industry, as a whole, we are falling behind. We only grew 4% while the whole industry grew by 8%. If this continues, our impact/influence will be significantly diminished, both in terms of our members and working families M a whole. The projected rate of union density shows a slide from 14.1% (1997) to 6.9% (2015). Overall CWA has a critical role in saving this country. Through unionization drives in telecommunications and conununity activism we can turn the comer for all workers. A great example was the WTO street demonstration that caught the world's attention. The CWA triangle is a great model, and community activism is an additional -component to focus on. Union cities program provides a foundation for building strong communities and one now hears Vice President Al Gore putting components of union cities into his speeches. The real change in the union movement will come from local unions where 70 % of the ftmding resides. You must think about the multiple levels involved in organizing and the risks inherent. Locals should commit 30% of their budgets to organize effectively. We must meet the demands of American workers, on all fronts of the employment sector. As long as employers can undermine any worker they undermine all of us.

An open mike discussion began on the issues raised during the presentation. A need for workers to gather and have their basic needs met was discussed. A model has been set to create a community'center designed to meet such basic needs and results in an opportunity for union organizing.

Dr. Gaspasin encouraged everyone to "think outside of the box". Pension boards have oversight over trillions of dollars, and offer an opportunity to demonstrate power. On the issue of temporary workers; the suggestion was that a union hiring hall concept, for temp workers to facilitate union organizing. The Baltimore CLC has such a center. A centralized methodology hasn't yet been formed, which would allow for union history to follow a worker wherever they may go. Finally, Dr Gaspasin announced a new book forthcoming that will further explore, strategies.

Bill Quirk announced that the hotel has again promised to cease delivering USA Today to the rooms. A volunteer crew of eight is needed to monitor the hotel's promise early tomorrow morning, before our 7 am start time. Bill went on to announce the location of each bargaining unit meeting for this afternoon, and added that the bargaining unit meetings will start at 1:30 p.m.
Recessed

Wednesday, March 22, 2000, Call to order at 7:00 a.m

Tony called on Jim Weitkamp, Southern California Area Director, for his report:

Jim commented on the triennial bargaining at GTE, and that they finished early. Jim commented on each of the Staff Reps activity and duties for the past year. On organizing, we saw success with Hancock College, Consap, and a cable TV group, a subsidiary of GTE in Cerritos. Coming up next is about fifteen arbitration cases between the three of them and this is in addition to all the work they do for all of you day in and day out. The best thing they did was something new, we took all of the Staff completely out of the work load for six weeks to work on the primary elections. The results of the elections in California speak for themselves and they are very proud the had a hand in it. The amount of work they accomplished every day and every week is amazing. Jim commented how very pleased he is with what they do and they make his job easy, and Jim gave special thanks to Rudy Mendoza, Staff Rep, for forty-two years of, vork.

Tony called on Jim Gordon, Northern California, Hawaii and Nevada Area Direcor for his report:

Jim commented that for most of the past year they've been working under less than full staffing conditions. The staff have been working very hard with their assigned locals on various issues. Jim commented on each of the Staff Reps activity and duties for the past year. Jim thanked the Staff for the good job they have been doing, as well as the previous Staff who worked with him.

"The Tone"

Tony commented that we are blessed with fine leaders and he's proud of his Staff and thanked them for a good job. Tony introduced Dina Beaumont, Assistant to the President:

"Her Highness"

Dina commented that she is very proud of District 9 for it's diversity and strength. Dina commented on the membership development report and that we're doing better. Dina also commented on membership cards, COPE cards and the political activities at work in the District. Dina commented on the goals of CWA in the upcoming election in November. Dina also commented on her concern for our members and that CWA delivers for our members in many ways even through our companies, because we have political clout and because we have a contract. Dina then commented on the Bargaining Council kick off, and the various bargaining activities nationwide. Dina then commented on mobilization activities, one example being "Red Thursdays", where members wear red as a symbol of unionism and commitment and strength, and the companies hate it Dina then commente-.Lon "Respect". Respect from the company, the respect from the union tc, the company and the respect of the members to the union. We've got to let the members know that they're not alone. When they have a problem, we need to find out what the problem is, we may have to file a grievance on their behalf. We need to focus on their struggles, then that member will know that they are not alone. Dina added that she feels Distnct 9 is in good hands and to keep up the good work

Break

Tony asked for any additional items, and added that there weren't any mailed in. Next on the agenda was site selection for the next District 9 Conference.

Craig Hansen, President of Local 9413, made a motion for Reno as the next site. There was discussion on union hotels. Motion was carried. Reno will be the site for the next District 9 Conference.

Good and Welfare

Tom Ramirez, VP. Local 9421, commented on the t-shirts from their Local and the place where they had them made. He calls it the "One Stop Union Shop"' in Sacramento. They had a drive to get CWA out, which was quite successful. They sold $20,000-00 worth of CWA merchandise during the Conference. Tom tries not to sell anything over $35-00.

"The Queen of Hearts"

Local 9510, stated they represent a union vendor.

Mike Crowell, President Local 9588, conunented on a conversation he had with Morty Bahr, CWA President, on the elimination of the extra 1/4 hour dues in Anaheim.

Ramon Miranda, President Local 9503, conunented on Union Friendly's two day classes in San Francisco, Monrovia and Pasadena. Anyone who has questions should call, 1-800-852-2678 for calls out of the area. For calls in the area callers should call 1-818-718-9900.

Kathy Kinchius, President Local 9415, if anyone has spoken to the Defense Fund Committee about the state of affairs of that committee, and currently there is only $200 a week on payout. Kathy commented that she is hoping to get a minimum of $500 at some point.

"The Tone"

Tony commented that he got a note from Judy Beal, that Chuck Weigman, who is the Defense Fund Oversight Committee Member who would normally have been here to give the report, is in the hospital going through some tests. Tony commented that Kathy's point is well taken. Tony commented that he has been a proponent as a Local President of not doing the flat fee. The problem is it's tough for the Local. The whole idea of raising that limit from $200 to $500 a week makes a lot of sense. When we talk about a liveable wage, talk about minimum wage, we ought to be treating our peoplf, a little bit better when they're fighting for the union on the picket line and have no income.

Mike Crowell, President Local 9588, commented-on how we got our dues. It was voted on by delegates at Convention, but it took several Conventions before we got the two hour dues. The reason Glenn Watts, then CWA President, felt it was important that we go to two hour dues. Locals like myself and other small Locals in the U. S. wouldn't have to keep going back to their members on this flat rate pay every couple of years. At the time we went to this in Local 9588,' we were paying $6 or $8 in dues, so the deal was, we were going to go to two hour dues. Mike said that he was gone for fifteen years, and all of a sudden they got this extra 1/4 hour that they put in the defense fund, then the rules of the defense fund changed, where we use to pay everybody's bills, all of them, then became a flat rate.

Cookie Cameron, President Local 9412, invited everyone to a party on April 8' on behalf of the Local.

Linda Sexton, Vice President Local 9509, commented that three years ago she came before the delegation and asked for assistance for her brothers and sisters of CWA. She stood before us as a Representative of the San Diego Labor Council and as a United Farm Worker, and asked for assistance in a march of the strawberry workers. Linda commented that since the death of Ceasar Chavez many United Farm Workers and many other community groups have tried to get a State Holiday honoring the late Ceasar Chavez. Linda asked the delegates to sign the cards being circulated among the group, with your name, address and the title you carry with CWA, to force Governor Gray Davis to sip into law a State Holiday honoring a great labor leader.

Larraine Darrington announced the San Jose Newspaper Guild is having a rally this afternoon in San Jose, from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m., and is asking the delegates to join them. Nancy Biagini is arranging for transportation.

Libby Sayre, CWA Representative, reminded everyone that we have a CWA family member, Marguerite Stone who is battling breast cancer, and she would like the record to reflect that all of us here wish her all the best and look forward to her return for the next District Conference.

"The Tone"

Tony said we will have a better conference after this one and those after that because Ramon is getting married to Heidi on Sunday, and Tony didn't get an invitation.

Kathy Kinchius, President Local 9415, asked how long it would take to get the assignments of the rotating staff.

"The Tone"

Tony commented this is the first time we have a full compliment of staff since he's been Vice President. There was much discussion on the District 9 Organizational Chart. Tony commented on a coined motto of CWA that Morty Bahr brought to life in 1985 and holds true for this District and that is, "We are Union, we are family and we are proud". That's not a false sense of pride, we're proud and we brag about our union. Tony commented on the unionism and the feeling and what's happening all over District 9. Tony adjourned the meeting with the Irish Prayer.

/mks :}

RETURN