SBC and CWA begin contract negotiations

On Thursday, February 12, SBC and CWA officially began contract negotiations. The Communications Workers of America held various actions to express their resolve for a fair contract.

SBC made 7.4 Billion dollars in profits last year, and their profitability per worker has been on the rise. They are in fact, one of the most profitable corporations in the country. But apparently that isn't good enough because in spite of these facts SBC has made it clear that they intend on attacking worker's benefits, including but not limited to shifting health care costs and attacks on worker job security.

In response, CWA has been organizing against this corporate assault by holding actions in the workplace such as "just practicing" picket lines at various work locations on thursday morning, wearing union colors to work on thursdays, and rallies at various locations including one on the steps of the State Capital in Sacramento.

The atmosphere was intense and the workers are obviously preparing to fend off any corporate attack on their health care. Solidarity was shown with the Grocery workers in Southern California, and a representative of their union (UFCW) spoke at the rally in Sacramento.

People were excited and spirits were high. The chants echoed throughout the cities and the word went out to everyone within earshot that if provoked, the communication workers will strike back.

(Will post video by 2/19)

See pictures from the CWA rally in Oakland at:
http://www.indybay.org/news/2004/02/1670667.php

See pictures from the CWA rally in Sacramento at:
http://www.indybay.org/news/2004/02/1670681.php