Hi all! Found this place recently. Im reading a lot of interesting things on Altice. Well, Im new to this field and I may have the opportunity to join Charter or Altice(Brooklyn) in the NY Area.
It seems to me that Charter is unionized by local 3? & I've read on here Altice is unionized but Im unsure of what union?
Which company would you advise someone who will be a new tech to join? THANKS!
if I was mistaken OP I apologize wish you the best on whatever endeavor you take.
Hey OP.... No one can control what some of these guys say on this website.
Some are technicians. Some are from management. You got those who prefer union representation, and those who do not.
Those from management will NEVER okay a union atmosphere. The one most important reason companies do not want unions is "lack of control" over employees. Currently, all Altice (ATS) workers are "at-will" employees. That means any "at-will" employee can be released or fired for any reason whatsoever. The advantage for this action is that it would allow the company to rehire another employee at a lower wage to perform the same function. ATS has consistently stated the company will NOT pay more than they have to. And their past history in how they've treated employees and contractors is depressing but predictable.
Sadly, technicians in the ATS footprint are showing blind faith in an entity they hope will not do to them what was done to workers in France, Morocco, and Israel. They honestly believe that what happens in Europe CAN NOT happen to Americans. And I assume ATS employees hold that same logical reasoning with the bombings that's been occurring there. After all, It could never happen here. Why believe in history? Why worry?
Either way, good luck in your decision.
Just make it a good one.
Good luck.
I only asked that because I read this on another post:
"Yes both depots will stagnate for a number of years. You will have to work until Altice USA transfers all operations to ATS. but until this happens ATS will continue hiring hiring new employees and using contractors. Than you union guys will be offered a spot when one is available. But there won't be any and you'll be a part of a layoff based off Altice USA closing. Remember ATS is a new company you chose to stay with Altice. They don't need to offer you anything.
So yes your screwed."
Anyway, there's only 2 posters that were helpful in here. The rest of you couldn't help a horse find water. Thanks again Obeeone.
"work is work if you need the job take it" HAHA if you only knew me, you would know that comment does not apply to me. I guess that's the big difference between me and you.
This guy is just clowning everyone he did not get a offer to work in Brooklyn depot. He is a company troll, work is work if you need the job take it. You heard the pros and cons already and if he does get in Brooklyn he will be groomed to hate the union so they can try to decertify it. Those are the only guys that will be hired in Brooklyn
Hello OP.... As a rule, if you joined the Brooklyn depot, you'd be joining the union. I say that because I do not have the entire contract on hand. There will be a section pertaining to that subject. If you decided to join the Bronx, which has no union, then your answer is self-explanatory.
You would have to verify with CWA that represents the Brooklyn depot if it is in the contract. You have their number.
I'll be here for ya.
Later, dude.
No..... You will be the only tech in the shop who is not part of the Union . Really???
OP here again. I do have another question and I will likely ask directly to the person Im communicating with in the company but would be nice to know in advance.
If I will be a new tech for Altice(brooklyn).. does that mean I'll be unionized as well or since I am new and didn't sign the original contract, I will not be part of the union?
You a funny guy time will tell who is right and who is wrong good luck with you and your self serving interest Mr Ats.
Get away from Altice USA as quickly as possible. This is a toxic company with the worst type of people dismantling it.
They said they wouldn't touch customer facing employees for 4 years Altice USA. Techs are all signing over to ats with the exception of techs that are covered under a collective bargaining agreement. So those techs will not be coming over to ats. So after that 4 year agreement (and it goes for the same for the techs that don't sign on to ats ) will be let go OR they can try and apply for a job with ats if there is an opening (and if so probably at a lower salarie) . So again where do the Brooklyn techs stand after the 4 year agreement. Ats is a new company. They dont have to honor Altice usa union shop. Technically they can close the shop because altice usa will no longer support services. But ATS will be the new company that does regardless of contractor or not.
Your the idiot if you think that Altice can just fire all of Brooklyn because their a union shop. That's not going to sit well with the labor board.
I'm sorry, I thought this was a layoff info site, not an organization site for unions. What fight is there to win exactly? You still have a well paying job, and work for the foreseeable future. Look around more than your small world, and see if others have it so good? Fight for your job by being the best you can be, not counting on a security blanket of mediocrity.
Like I said in another comment if you are resigned to the fact that Altice has won why are you on this site, Business as usual don't post anything I say it because I care do you? I fight for what I have and what they are trying to take away do you?
"Keep taking that Blue pill Ats so you can stay in the Matrix nice reply Leia
2 hours ago by Neo | Post ID: @MrzGzhM-1ouh"
You know your defeating yourselves with your movie quotes and ridiculous handles. No one takes you serious, especially the one that posts the page long threads of propaganda. Go find another job, or do the one you have. Those are your choices. The unions can do nothing for us now. We should've gotten them involved when "he" took control back. But we didn't, shame on us. Things were to good then, now they s---. Too bad for us. It's to late to turn the ship now, Altice/ATS won. Get what you can until you get out.
Yes they said not all but most areas will be ftth. There will be some areas with 3.1 but ats will be responsible for all networks. So where does Brooklyn sit? they're not part of ats. Ats will be taking care of all the networks so again where does Brooklyn sit? On the Unemployment line you idiots
"Why is it hard for you union guys to accept what's been stated by the horses mouth"
because this horse has already proven to be dishonest.
the same horse that told Bronx techs in 2012 that if they voted in the union they wouldn't be a part of their new wi-fi technology
the same horse that refused to bargain in good faith with Brooklyn techs
the same horse that allowed Barry Monopolí to mistreat employees for the past 25+ years
the same horse that has been found guilty of several unfair labor practices by the National Relations Labor Board
the same horse that continues to strip benefits away from us
Here's a quote from NLRB court documents:
"The evidentiary record in the instant case clearly demonstrates that Cablevision has continued to engage in the same pattern of misconduct. In this case, the driving force behind that misconduct was Regional Vice President of Operations Barry Monopoli"
source: http://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d458204e4f8 (page 40)
This is the same man that's running ATS. Are any of you the least bit concerned about this man you chose to work under?
I luv it.
Neo.
Great choice.
Judging from there post, I'd what you're looking for is management v tech, tech v tech, union v non union, smoke blown up your a-- from both sides. Then, Altice is perfect for you. Good luck in your discussion!
Keep taking that Blue pill Ats so you can stay in the Matrix nice reply Leia
Why is it hard for you union guys to accept what's been stated by the horses mouth. In 3 to 4 years all union and non ATS employees must apply for any AVAILABLE positions within ATS. That is what they mean when techs say close a depot. There will be no more Altice USA. we all know no positions will be available so you will be out of a job.
ATS technicians will build out fiber Altice techs will not. It's very simple. Just because your union doesn't mean you get a free pass into the new company. You must apply like anyone else who stood behind. Even now while techs are migrating over you act like union had a choice in the matter. That fact is you didn't you got locked out and screwed. Don't act like you preferred and wanted it like this. You got checkmated plain and simple.
That is why it is said all union depots and techs that refused ATS just locked themselves out of a job especially when your contract is up. Which just happens to be right when Altice finishes migrating techs over to ATS. It's already known that contractors would handle the bulk of the work load and ATS techs the rest. That leaves you guys out in the wind.
What you failed to realize if you knew or actually read up on technolOgy you would know, that their is a cheaper option than Ftth. Which is the plant that we have currently, I am going to give you a typical Scenario and you tell me which one is more cost effective that would benefit Altice Plans.
Altice wants IPO Money
Announce generation Gigaspeed Ftth Project
Creates Ats during process to make techs contractors which you claim your not Ha
Gets IPO Money billions for project stocks through the roof yeah. we get none of it of course
Claims Ftth is too costly going with cheaper alternative 3.1 docsis upgrade with existing plate at a significantly less upgrade.
Existing techs in Ats will be forced to take salary reductions based on market Value which you agreed to by joining and never read see obeeone post about it.
Now All The S---ers have no choice to take it or leave it no packages no nothing, because you voluntarily separated yourself from Altice USA (optimum)
Altice gets a new acquisition Altice saves by getting rid of expensive technicians.
I can do this all day which plan is better and more feasible expensive Ftth build or mine.
Did Brooklyn techs sign over to ats? No There not part of it. They are Altice usa not ats so with that they have nothing to do with the ftth. So once they shut down the old system they will be on the unemployment line.
Soon be parted spell check lol
Your a knucklehead if you think there going to close down a union shop, Ats will be gone before that I will put money on it. I give you less than 2 years at your rate of pay you and your money will see on be parted sheep.
Sorry to inform you the Brooklyn shop that is union only has about 2-3 yrars left. They wont be part of the fiber builds and servicing of it. They are apart of Altice USA and not part of Altice ATS. anyway good luck with thst
Anonymous.. try googling "altice usa jobs review". I've already read glassdoors and indeed reviews that fills the first page. This website is on the second page of the search results. You think I'm going to stop looking for as much information I can get before making a decision? In fact, these replies and this website has provided me with better information than the aforementioned sites.
Jeez... but let's say I am a union troll... what exactly do you think Im trying to accomplish here? Are these answers spilling some secret? Am I trying to propagate an agenda?
The only questions I asked were, which union these two companies belong to & what's the pay like? Ground breaking stuff right there... Talk about paranoia...
Anyway, thanks for the answers Obeeone and Leia, I'll have to make a decision very soon. I have more information than when I first started. Still very unsure but I'll do more research!
This website is intended for discussion concerning layoffs, probably not the best place to look if you're trying to get hired. Try thehire.com (juss kiddin')
Nevertheless, It shouldn't be a crime in providing reliable information to anyone who seeks it, but as Obee stated, just make sure you do your due diligence with a little research
God Speed.
So... your looking for job advice on site callled "the layoff"? You seem like you'll fit rite in around here! Seems like it's more of the same union trolls. Keep thinking the Star Wars crew is anything more than out for themselves, see where it gets you!
Hey OP, in response to....
"There are empty information for Fiber years 1-6 along with ISP. The pay is decent but again, their salary never tops out and if it does it will take 20+ years to reach $34+ in field service and fiber.
I have a lot to think about and I may not even want to stay in this field for 20+ years."
Those "empty years" signify that when the contract was agreed upon, Cablevision preferred those with over 7 years experience in the Cablevision footprint to perform Fiber work. The presumption is you've gained the experience on the field and with OSP (Outside Plant). Of course, you are tested for the position.
When the contract was negotiated at that time, which I believe was in March 2015 (not sure), salaries were negotiated by both parties (Cablevision and the union). The union presented the results to the union members, and they, in turn, approved the contract. The union does NOT decide for you.
Thus, once the contract went into effect if you had 8 years in Cablevision, your yearly salary would be $56,545; if it were 10 years, you'd earn $64,445. So, the current contract isn't a 20+ year contract. I guess that is what was throwing you off. Normally contracts are 2-3 years in length. It can be longer. One never knows. It's what the two sides agree on. But when contracts expire, it's "negotiating time" again.
Do your due diligence with a little research. Find out if want a union involved or not.
Hope this helps.
If you call asking question to determine which company would be best suited for me and for my future, fishing, then Im Ernest Hemingway.
Again, thanks to Obeeone and Leia for providing real infortmation.
Lol this OP guy is fishing and you trout are taking the bait. Smh
Wow Leia Organa, thanks and I had no idea! That is something to think about.
Obeeone, I have a question about Altice salary, for the link "https://www.thelayoff.com/t/Mm0cjjR"
There are empty information for Fiber years 1-6 along with ISP. The pay is decent but again, their salary never tops out and if it does it will take 20+ years to reach $34+ in field service and fiber.
I have a lot to think about and I may not even want to stay in this field for 20+ years. However, I may want to stay with the companies and move around as I acquire different skill sets.
just in case you were unaware:
IBEW and Charter (timewarner) have not reached an agreement for a new contract. The present contract expires next Friday March 31st. Both sides preparing for a strike. Things could get ugly.
Depending on how this all turns out, it may influence your final decision.
Currently, there is one union. That union is for those who work in Brooklyn. You may not realize that Altice is divided amongst many depots, or sections in the Altice area. There is one depot working on a contract and the others are waiting their turn. So, the entire company is NOT unionized. That's a scary thought.
Brooklyn is represented by CWA (Communication Workers of America) Local 1109.
Address: 1845 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234
Phone: (718) 444-1109
And the salary levels are what you've read. As far as the title "journeyman", that's about what it is... a title. You need to find out what it encompasses. What are the advantages? Stuff like that. Otherwise, take it with a grain of salt.
If there's anything else, my friend, let me know.
The B.S. stops here.
Obeeone, thanks for your replies! No, I won't be a subcontractor. I will work directly for either of these two companies. I was just replying to the other person.
I've read your other post "Here's FIBER, FIELD SERVICE...." https://www.thelayoff.com/t/Mm0cjjR
Very helpful but can you tell me what union Altice is in?
I've compared both "offers" and although Altice may pay more in the beginning, it never really "tops off". Whereas with Charter, after 6 years, one becomes journeyman.
Seems like the choice is obvious but what do you think?
As a subcontractor you are hired by a general contractor (or prime contractor, or main contractor) to perform a specific task as part of the overall project and is normally paid for services provided to the project by the originating general contractor.
According to the IRS....
If a worker is an employee you are responsible for withholding and paying the employment-related taxes. If your worker is a subcontractor, he is responsible for keeping his or her own records and paying his or her own income and self-employment taxes. Therefore, it is very important to determine whether your worker is an employee or a subcontractor.
For what you have just stated, if it;s hourly wage plus piece-work, then you need to find out how much you're paid for what type of work, and figure out what you MIGHT BE taking home. If your hourly wage is $11.00 per hour then that is your minimum for whatever number of hours per week. Any added amounts would vary and never be the same. Do you get paid for a job if the customer is dissatisfied with your work? When do you get paid? What is the pay rate for each type of work.
As opposed to a straight hourly pay WITHOUT piece work, where you are guaranteeing yourself a determined salary plus any unknown overtime hours.
If it's piece work, what are paid for a one-box install? Two boxes and one modem? Modem only?
They are also hiring subcontractors as well.
If anyone has any answers to my other questions, please answer. Thank you!