Altice management now will have to watch their P's and Q's. Any action taken by them will not only piss off the union reps, the NLRB, any lawyers involved, the media and social media but also, and more importantly, the other NYC area depots awaiting to vote for themselves. The possibility of ANY negative action from Altice that would cause negative reactions from the technicians will spread across the Altice footprint like cancer. For sure you'll hear it first on this website. So I hope Oakland gives you guys updates as to what is happening there. I can promise you this, though..... there are some technicians from other Altice cable systems checking this site, asking themselves the same questions. So ALL EYES and focus are here. And the word spreads. Suddenlink... be forewarned.....This is ALI-Frazier 4.
So, Oakland..... watch your backs, TRUST NO ONE in management if it involves personal decision making. Be sure to follow company rules and regulations. Be at peace and get there on time. DO NOT THINK that now is the time to do "whatever you feel like it." It doesn't work that way. DO NOT GIVE Altice valid reasons for a demotion or firing. Treat it as "business as usual." BAU.
Without a doubt.... if you do your job.. and do the right thing.... YOU WILL BE WORKING TOMORROW. And yes, your wages are now frozen. Yes, there will be no increase in salary until a contract is reached. Yes, company rules will not change. BUT yes..... YOUR JOB IS SECURE..... unless you give them a reason otherwise.
Prepare and budget your life accordingly. Things may get tight. Realize, accept and adapt your new situation. It is only for "the time being" and won't last forever. If the other depots join in, it would only force Altice to settle the matter quicker.
Pay your bills sooner rather than later. Do not over-spend and purchase unnecessary "toys". Be mindful of over-using your credit cards. The interest will kill you. Those trips you were planning.... reschedule them.
Was it all worth it? Did you make the right decision? Will you survive?
HELL, YEAH!
Altice will now have to open their books and expose their reasoning as to why they need to lower your pay, reduce your sick or personals, increase your health costs, etc. Heaven help us if their hiding something... for it shall be found. Altice will need to PROVE why they feel their actions are justified.
This is the one factor why companies despise unions. A "stranger" out of nowhere is telling you, "I want to see all your paystubs, credit cards, bill statements, driver's license, tax returns and social security card." I ask you..... how would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot. Not good. But then again.... NOT YOUR PROBLEM. Who started this fight anyway?
Do the right thing and you'll be fine. Obey all traffic laws and don't speed. Pull out the cones and follow the protocols. Give all vehicles the right-of-way. Watch your language. Be in proper uniform wearing all safety apparels required (what a pain in the butt, that is). Don't turn into a militant or wildman. More importantly, if you hear or see anything that doesn't seem right.... record it. Therefore, make sure that your phone is fully-charged every working day. Press the "record" button before the conversation begins.
Lastly, be assured that there are a few in management (whoever they are), who have silently become envious of you. Heads will roll for what you've accomplished. And the union CAN NOT protect them. But then again, that's not your problem.
So, to the Oakland technicians... congrats. It's time for the other depots to Rock and Roll. The beer is on me.