My brothers this is it the final stretch on what has been an emotional and stressful few months. Come out to brush Ave Tuesday Jan 3rd 7:30 am. Meet your proud Union brothers from BK and congressman Andy king along with various CWA reps who have helped us stay strong during these turbulent times.
Than sit with yourself and your family dig deep and come to a conclusion about your future for Thursday's vote. But before you do let me clarify a few facts.
I've been with cablevision for over two decades and within that time I believe we are now at the fifth Union attempt. One of which did not even get to a vote. With each failed attempt this company continued to do the opposite of what they promised when Union wAs active. I wAtched as one by one Union supporters were fired by way of rediculous company regulations designed to be enforced as needed. I watched as they laid out more work, stricter metrics, and used nps and Voc to opress even the best technicians while promoting the weakest ones simply becAuse they were pro company. I watched one or two yr techs get promoted to osp over highly skilled ones with many years of tenure simply because they spoke up when it mattered. I wAtched techs throw other techs under the bus for those brownie points just to get in good with management. (Many of those techs are no longer here)
I watched many heads roll out the door prior to Altice buying the company and many more bounced out afterwards. Across the footprint you've read the stories 600 in CT. 100 in bethpage laid off. Logistics cut in half. The bloodbath is all around us. The company purposely divided technicians by giving some perks and favoritism to some and blacklisting others. Those that received a perk would feel an obligation to the company while those who didn't would feel resentment towards their fellow techs.
The division must end. To those who feel an obligation to this company understand the company does not feel that way about you. You are an asset a tool to be used as needed. When they look at you they see only a number not a man with a family and just trying to make an honest living. I understand some of you ask but BK Union lost the same days what's the point? I can tell you that had we all been Union and not left BK in the dirt that would not be the case today. BK fought three long yrs with no support from none of the other footprints eventually had to fold and accept the contract given. Which had the clause about the changes the company can make which must be accepted. Union derives its power from numbers the more of us there is the stronger we are the more power is leveraged away from the company and in the hands of the employee. At this time jersey is set to vote Union on Wednesday BX on Thursday. This terrifies Altice reps.
Is Union the magic pill to our problems of course not. But the simple fact of the matter is when you are Union you are protected from at a whim choices the company can make that adversely effects your life. Just ask the 22 techs in BK that got their jobs back. Furthermore let me point out that it was CWA that fought to have all our jobs protected for at least four yrs if not for that many of us wouldn't be here now.
When the time comes to vote you might ask yourself what's the point were all f*ked either way. Let me remind you that the future is not set in stone anything can and will happen maybe we'll win and retain jobs in optimum maybe we won't maybe we'll move to ATS and if we do only a strong Union made up of us not CWA reps but of us right here right now who are willing to take it to Altice and fight for our share of the pie can and will make a difference backed up by the employment laws CWA is ready to hand us if we need it.
Some of you question dues. But look at it like this the CWA is a cheaper costing lawyer. Your dues are just over 1% of your salary before taxes. You are paying for your Union reps to have the tools needed to fight in your behalf when you need it. Something we currently do not have. We already know of the life without Union and many of you know how terrible it is. How many more people you have to see unjustly fired how much longer will some of you sell your dignity for job security that can on,y last so long.
If you truly love what you do, truly care about the security of your future and your family why would you question an attempt to unite with each other under the protection of CWA? The time is now to Come together to let go of the things that divide us and become stronger through unity.
Some of you are afraid and that's ok we all are. But the fear is lessened when you know your not alone.
Together we will make a difference. And even if we fail to stop ATS and it's true purpose wouldn't it be nice to know you went down fighting instead of just accepting the crumbs given to you. You each deserve more than what Altice has instire for you. But they won't just give it. We must wrench it from their greedy hands. They have a lot to lose and so do we. The winner will be the one with the strongest convictions and resolve.
Vote yes and take the first step in controlling the outcome of your future.