2013 Mayoral Hopefuls Boost Bronx Cablevision Technicians’ Hopes Of Unionizing With CWA

BY CELESTE KATZ

Since workers in Brooklyn voted for CWA representation, Cablevision management has started making promises, like these pay raises and promotions.

But make no mistake: No matter what management tells you—that the union isn’t necessary, that they’ll treat you better from now on—without the union, they will always go back to trampling on workers.

It’s a fact: Union members all over the country are paid more than non-union workers.

Congratulations on our first union victory—let’s make it last!

STAY STRONG. KEEP MARCHING. ORGANIZE

“I’ve waited 13 years for this,” said Cablevision technician Clarence Adams.  “United, as members of Communications Workers of America, we now have the power to negotiate a fair contract that will give us the dignity and respect on the job we deserve.”

Cablevision workers are currently subject to arbitrary discipline and favoritism by managers, their health care coverage is inadequate, their workload is unreasonable and they have insufficient 401(k) retirement plans.  Cablevision workers also make at least one-third less than Verizon workers, who are represented by CWA.

“This is about my son, his future, and the future of the Cablevision 99%,” said Cablevision technician Marlon Gayle.  “We can now negotiate with management for a safer work environment, better healthcare, a more secure retirement and a salary that will allow us to support our families.”

Cablevision leads the Cable TV industry in “average monthly revenue per subscriber of $153.97.”  And outgoing COO Tom Rutledge made $28 million in 2010, about twice the combined pay of the 282 technicians in Brooklyn.  Rutledge’s $28 million is over 600 times the average technician’s pay.  Despite $361 million in profits, Cablevision paid no federal income taxes in 2010.

As soon as Cablevision’s management learned of the organizing drive, they began a campaign of harassment and intimidation, including forcing workers to attend high-pressure, anti-union “captive audience” meetings, and pressuring workers to oppose the union in one-on-one meetings with managers.

“Over the past few months these courageous workers withstood a blistering assault on their right to form a union, said Chris Shelton, CWA District One Vice President.  “Cablevision truly took the low road by pressuring workers with endless amounts misinformation, but these workers – backed by countless community leaders and elected officials – stood strong.  Now we will bargain collectively for a contract that gives the Cablevision 99% equity and dignity on the job.”

The vote could signal a shift in the telecommunications industry.   Only two to four percent of eligible cable TV workers are members of a union, compared to 90% in the traditional telecommunications industry.  Despite the recent news coverage on the increasing skill levels required of cable workers, their wages lag far behind those of traditional telecom workers.

“Cablevision’s owners – the Dolans – have successfully negotiated contracts with unions at Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden,” said Local 1109 Executive Vice President Chris Calabrese.   “We look forward to negotiating with them a fair contract for Cablevision workers.” 

Additional Background (For more information visit www.thecablevision99.org)

Cablevision workers first contacted CWA in October.  On December 2nd, over 70% of the 282 Brooklyn-based Cablevision workers submitted union cards to the federal National Labor Relations Board asking for union representation.  The election was delayed until January 26^th at the insistence of Cablevision’s union-busting attorneys at the law offices of Jackson Lewis LLP.

Instead of coming to the table and discussing the merits of union representation in the open, Cablevision forced workers to run a gauntlet of intimidation and misinformation simply because they wanted to exercise their democratic right to have a voice at work, and to achieve a measure of equity and dignity on the job.

Cablevision refused to participate in a public debate on the merits of union representation, moderated by Public Advocate Bill de Blasio. A delegation of elected officials, including De Blasio, Speaker Chris Quinn, Comptroller John Liu, Minority Leader John Sampson, and several Congress Members and Council Members, joined Sharpton in signing a letter sent to Cablevision CEO James Dolan, requesting a meeting to discuss ways in which the company can let the process unfold free of intimidation and harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who voted?

The unit consists 282 cable technicians and dispatchers based in Brooklyn.  The workers are predominantly African American and Caribbean.

What did they vote on?

They voted on being represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 1109.

How did they vote?

The vote is by secret ballot, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  The vote occurred between 7am and 5:30pm on Thursday, January 26^th at three different Cablevision garages in Brooklyn.

Why did this vote matter?

This vote is significant from an industry point of view.   Cable TV is overwhelmingly non-union nationally (only 2%-4% of eligible Cable workers are unionized, compared to 90% in the traditional telecommunications industry).  Despite the recent news coverage on the increasing skill levels required of cable workers, their wages lag far behind those of traditional telecom workers.

###

Who is voting?

The unit consists 282 cable technicians and dispatchers based in Brooklyn.  The workers are predominantly African American and Caribbean.

What are they voting on?

They are voting on being represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 1109.

How are they voting?

The vote is by secret ballot, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  The voting will take place between 7am and 5:30pm on Thursday, January 26^th at three different locations in Brooklyn.

Where are they voting? 

The workers will be voting at three Cablevision garages in Brooklyn (East 45^th Street and Ave H; East 92^nd Street and Ave D, and East 96^th Street and Ave D).  The NLRB will be conducting the election.

When will results be available?

The votes will be counted after 5:30pm at 9502 Ave D (at East 96^th Street).  The results will be available between 6pm and 6:30pm.

Why does this vote matter?

Cablevision workers want to join a union and negotiate a fair contract that will give them dignity and respect on the job.

Cablevision workers are subject to arbitrary discipline and favoritism by managers, their health care coverage is inadequate, their workload is unreasonable and they have insufficient 401(k) retirement plans.  Cablevision workers also make at least one-third less than Verizon workers, who are represented by CWA.

Meanwhile, Cablevision leads the Cable TV industry in “average monthly revenue per subscriber of $153.97.”  And outgoing COO Tom Rutledge made $28 million in 2010, about twice the combined pay of the 285 technicians in Brooklyn.  Rutledge’s $28 million is over 600 times the average technician’s pay.  Despite $361 million in profits, Cablevision paid no federal income taxes in 2010.

This vote is significant from an industry point of view.   Cable TV is overwhelmingly non-union nationally (only 2%-4% of eligible Cable workers are unionized, compared to 90% in the traditional telecommunications industry).  Despite the recent news coverage on the increasing skill levels required of cable workers, their wages lag far behind those of traditional telecom workers.

Cablevision is also one of the most combative, competitive cable companies around, and has beaten back several previous organizing attempts.  But, there is precedent for the Dolans bargaining collectively with their employees.  The musicians at the Dolan owned Radio City Music Hall are unionized and regularly negotiate contracts with the company – as do the workers at Madison Square Garden.

When did this process start?

Cablevision workers first contacted CWA in October.  On December 2nd, over 70% of the 282 Brooklyn-based Cablevision workers submitted union cards to the federal National Labor Relations Board asking for union representation.  The election was delayed until January 26^th at the insistence of Cablevision’s union-busting attorneys at the law offices of Jackson Lewis LLP.

How has Cablevision management responded?

As soon as Cablevision’s management learned of the organizing drive, they began a campaign of harassment and intimidation, including forcing workers to attend high-pressure, anti-union “captive audience” meetings, and pressuring workers to oppose the union in one-on-one meetings with managers.

Instead of coming to the table and discussing the merits of union representation in the open, Cablevision forced workers to run a gauntlet of intimidation and misinformation simply because they wanted to exercise their democratic right to have a voice at work, and to achieve a measure of equity and dignity on the job.

The 285 Brooklyn technicians and dispatchers are set to vote Thursday on whether to join the Communications Workers of America. Cablevision opposes the move, and a similar effort to unionize was defeated in 2004. This time, 70% of the workers have signed cards indicating early support for the union.

Cablevision managers have fought back, hosting mandatory meetings for workers about the perils of unionization, bringing in big-time national anti-union law firm Jackson Lewis, and launching a “Why Union Free?” website painting the union as corrupt and hungry for workers’ dues.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn-cablevision-workers-aiming-form-union-company-opposition-article-1.1011850#ixzz1kZrK3hSU