That's what you're told by management. I should know. I was in those meetings. It's basically a movie script. Everyone is instructed as to what to say and do. And the goal was to create a feeling of inequality. To cause you to think that you're treated better than those who were in the union. Well.... SURPRISE... SURPRISE..... SURPRISE !!!!
The Brooklyn union and Cablevision agreed to add a provision or clause into their contract concerning benefits. This clause is known as the "Me Too Clause". Here's the definition:
Most Favored Nation Clause (aka “Me Too Clause”):
a Clause in a collective bargaining agreement whereby the union agrees that if it signs a contract with another employer containing more favorable terms such terms will automatically apply to the present contract.
What it means is that "whatever you're getting... I get it, too." Hence the term "Me Too".
I'll bet you never knew this, huh?
Here's the exact wording in Brooklyn's contract....
"ME TOO CLAUSE" excerpt from Brooklyn CBA
ARTICLE XIX: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Subject to the Company's rules of eligibility and applicable law, each bargaining unit employee shall be covered by the following Company benefits on the same terms and conditions as they are made available to non-bargaining unit employees employed by the Company in the state of New York. The Company's discretion and judgment as to the interpretation of, eligibility for, and practice under the respective benefits shall prevail. The Company may provide any such policies, programs, or plans itself or through a third-party vendor or by changing a third-party vendor.
-
Employee Assistance Program
-
Employee Product Program
-
Employee Services Program
-
Commuter Program Policy
-
NY State 529 College Savings Program
-
Savings Bond Program
-
Bethpage Federal Credit Union & TD Bank Policy
-
Flexible Spending Account Policy
-
Wellness Program
-
Group Legal Plan
-
Employment Verification
-
Operational Recovery Program
-
Inclement Weather Policy
-
Dress and Uniform Guidlines
-
Travel and Entertainment Reimbursement Policy
-
FreshStart
-
Vacation Policy
-
Personal Time Policy
-
Holidays Policy
-
Sick Leave Policy
-
Workers' Compensation
-
Income Protection (Short-Term and Long-Term Disability) Plan
-
CHOICEPlus Medical Plan, Cablevision Dental Plan, and Cablevision Vision Plan
And yes, if a non-union Cablevision tech was told that a certain benefit will no longer exist, the unionized tech suffers the same fate. If the rest of the Cablevision footprint found out that Brooklyn was receiving the same benefits like themselves, ALL HELL WOULD'VE BROKEN LOOSE.
I hope this gives you an idea of the B.S. I had to endure during my time with CVC. The difference with me was that I never told my guys this B.S.
And that's because you never know what comes to term between the union and the employer. And since that is the case, how in the hell can management know IN ADVANCE what or what NOT you are going to receive?
Simply because it wasn't fact. I am not a Clinton.