What's going on in Pa. ?

**flagsrme** · February 25th, 2010, 07:12 PM

Today, USIC ask for volunteers to work in Pennsylvania. Supervisors are tells us that we pick up a new contract. And they need help. Just wondering if this is true before I volunteer. I not sure where.

**6feetunder** · February 25th, 2010, 07:17 PM

Talks of a possible strike by the union.

**ProfessionalLocator** · February 25th, 2010, 08:47 PM

http://www.thecablevine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2020

also

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Contra.....-a0213696254

PITTSBURGH -- A contract covering nearly 70 United States Infrastructure Corporation workers represented by the Communications Workers of America Communications Workers of America (CWA) is the largest communications and media labor union in the United States (the union also has locals in Canada), representing over 700,000 workers in both the private and public sectors.
expired at midnight with many important issues including concessions in wages and work conditions not resolved. The contract originally due to expire on October 31, 2009 was extended through December 4, 2009.

The important nature of the services provided, which directly impacts how safe our communities are during commercial and residential construction, is one of the reasons the workers have opted to continue working without a contract. For now, employees will continue to report to work although that can change at any time. Workers are keeping their option to strike open. For workers, the terms of the contract will remain in effect, meaning that wages, working conditions and benefits like health care will continue unchanged, with the exception of the arbitration for grievances.

Local 13000 members in Pennsylvania voted yes by a 2-1 margin to authorize a strike if a fair contract is not reached. CWA also represents other USIC workers in North Carolina however; their contract doesn't expire until December 2010.

The Union and Company are scheduled to meet with a Mediator on December 21, 2009.

- - - - -

But it looks like they made an agreement on the contract. This is becasue your boss told you that they wanted you over there for some new contract, not to be scabs and strike breakers.

**yahoo** · February 25th, 2010, 09:30 PM

i would have to assume that there will not be alot of people going over that way now

**flagsrme** · February 25th, 2010, 10:02 PM

I don't mine going somewhere to help but I refuse to be a scab. Thanks for the info.

**sprayandpray** · February 25th, 2010, 10:11 PM

A buddy of mine was recently told that USIC has changed the rules on the use of company vehicles while out of town. His Sup told him that employees working out of town can no longer use their vehicles to go out and eat or for any other personal use, just like if you were at home. You either have to walk or take a cab-at your expense. Don't know that this is the truth.

**ProfessionalLocator** · February 25th, 2010, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by sprayandpray

A buddy of mine was recently told that USIC has changed the rules on the use of company vehicles while out of town. His Sup told him that employees working out of town can no longer use their vehicles to go out and eat or for any other personal use, just like if you were at home. You either have to walk or take a cab-at your expense. Don't know that this is the truth.

Man, I can take an out of town assignment. I can drive a day or two to get there. I can live out of a suitcase and motel room. Even sleep in the cab of the truck.

But I would not be willing to work out of town under those terms.
I mean if it were a big rig I could understand but just a pickup truck, no way. I would be better off letting someone else take that assignment.

**ProfessionalLocator** · February 25th, 2010, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by yahoo

i would have to assume that there will not be alot of people going over that way now

Well it depends. Maybe they signed that contract and there really is a new contract they are picking up. When did a boss ever lie to you?

If it is to get strike breakers you can bet that not all of their locaotrs read this forum so many will not know about it.

Then again it is a matter of timing. That contract ran out the first week of last December. There is no point in going on strike when the weather has forced a reduction in work load. They went on working without a contract waiting for the weather to improve. They will wait until just before the beginning of the busy season. That way the company will need those out of area locaotrs to carry the work load of their own areas.

The strike vote was already made and passed 2 to 1 last December. With 66% of the employees voting for strike they know they would lose too many locators to get their work done. While 33% voted against striking they still cannot be counted on to cross the picket line. Anybody who crosses that picket line knows they would have to work side by side with those that did not cross that line. They face after the strike never being able to get help in the field from most of their coworkers. Still some number of people will cross the line regardless of the way they voted, just not enough to keep the operation running. Which is why they are, maybe they are, trying to get locators from other areas to come there.

What we here do not have is clear and concise information of if a contract has been signed. If that firm has or has not picked up another contract and if so in what area.

We are making a lot of guess work.

**flagsrme** · February 25th, 2010, 11:48 PM

I should have said they told us it was a new [U]utility[/U] contract. Sorry for the mix up.

**ProfessionalLocator** · February 26th, 2010, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by flagsrme

I should have said they told us it was a new [U]utility[/U] contract. Sorry for the mix up.

Well what they said could mean more than one thing.

They could have signed a new contract with one of their client firms upon the expiration of the old contract. Then it is indeed a "new" contract but not a new client bringing in more work.

They could have singed a contract with a new client and have more work to cover.

I know I am being a pain in the as but the devil is in the details.

**ProfessionalLocator** · February 26th, 2010, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by ProfessionalLocator

<SNIP> Maybe they signed that contract and there really is a new contract they are picking up. <SNIP>

Sorry, I really msiwrote that sentance above.

It should read ;

Maybe they signed that UNION contract and there really is a new UTILITY contract they are picking up.

Sorry gang.

**mattm211** · February 26th, 2010, 02:03 AM

I wouldn't mind going to PA, if i worked for USIC. My last job was 100% hotel living so that wouldn't bother me, but not being able to even use the truck?

They'd have to make it worth it...after all if you went you'd be helping out the company in a big way, they'd should return the favor!

**6feetunder** · February 26th, 2010, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by mattm211

I wouldn't mind going to PA, if i worked for USIC. My last job was 100% hotel living so that wouldn't bother me, but not being able to even use the truck?

They'd have to make it worth it...after all if you went you'd be helping out the company in a big way, they'd should return the favor!

Unfortunately USIC is not in the business of returning favors to their employees. The mindset of upper management is that everyone is expendable and you should be thankful you have a job. Once in awhile you might get the patented " thanks for all you do " but that's about it.

**boozerr** · February 26th, 2010, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by flagsrme

Today, USIC ask for volunteers to work in Pennsylvania. Supervisors are tells us that we pick up a new contract. And they need help. Just wondering if this is true before I volunteer. I not sure where.

I'm not aware of a new contract (utility) nor was I told the union contract was signed (but that is not unusual here in this mess we call PA). I do know we have shortages of manpower due to people leaving and a few transferring. If a strike occurs I imagine it will come after April. You guys probably know more than us as to what is going on here!

**Mke** · February 26th, 2010, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by sprayandpray

A buddy of mine was recently told that USIC has changed the rules on the use of company vehicles while out of town. His Sup told him that employees working out of town can no longer use their vehicles to go out and eat or for any other personal use, just like if you were at home. You either have to walk or take a cab-at your expense. Don't know that this is the truth.

Hopefully the hotel has room service.