Then, when it's time for the vote.... vote "YES" for the union. Hmmmm... now why would you want to do that? Altice can NOT suddenly lower your pay because of your "yes" vote. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will see it as "payback" and eat up Altice like dog-meat. Your wages will be "frozen", meaning whatever you're earning per hour (your new salary), REMAINS THE SAME, until a contract is reached.
I just spoke with Joe from the IBEW, who explained how the negotiating process, with the IBEW, NOT the CWA, works. Not only will Altice representatives and IBEW reps and their lawyers be at the table, but also a representative from EACH depot be present. A technician (one of you guys) will "listen in" on what is said.
THIS IS IMPORTANT. All depots will get first-hand information straight from their fellow technicians as to what was said from both sides. Hopefully, he'll be writing this down. But, the doubt as to "who said what" would be gone. The B.S. will disappear.
I'll say this.... these guys are NO JOKE. They are NOT messing around. But I know there is STILL uncertainty in most technicians of whether this is good for them or not. Again, my objective is to provide facts and data. It's easy to say "joining a union is good" and "joining one is bad." YA' NEED PROOF to make an intelligent decision.
So, I found a Comcast contract online. The link is below. If YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE AN INTELLIGENT DECISION, read this contract. It began on March 1, 2015 and will end February 28th, 2018. It is the most current, job-related, IBEW contract I was able to find. The entire contract link can be found below. If this were YOUR contract with Altice, the question for you would be, "can I live with this?"
It is only 18 pages long. You're not reading the Bible. I have read it and it seems reasonable. Keep in mind.... NOT ALL CONTRACTS are the same. It is negotiated between the company and IBEW Local 827. The offering contract is then presented to you. It is NOT a take it or leave it situation. You read it and tell the rep your displeasure or approval. If you feel there should be more sick days.. you say so. The union goes back and tells Altice.... "Not good enough." Again, the technicians will decide if the contract is fair for them.
READ THE CONTRACT currently signed COMCAST. This is a cable company. Like yours. Only 18 pages. If you care as much as YOU say.... READ IT. And then, decide.
Here's the link....
http://ibew827.com/sites/local827d6.prometheuslabor.com/files/comcast_fairfield_2015-2018_approved.pdf