As previously reported, the CWA bargaining committee has passed numerous proposals and counter proposals across the bargaining table relative to AT&T's plans to implement a rigid COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. The ball remains in the company's court as the Union committee continues to await AT&T's response to our most recent bargaining demands. At this time, there is nothing new to report.

The CWA bargaining committee will remain on standby awaiting a response from the Company. We will distribute additional updates once there is new information to report.

In Unity,

Your CWA Bargaining Committee:

District 3: Nick Hawkins, Assistant to the Vice President
District 4: Curt Hess, Assistant to the Vice President
District 6: Mark Franken, Administrative Director
District 9: Dominique Thomas, Assistant to the Vice President
CWA T&T Office: Ken Saether, Assistant to the Vice President

On September 17, 2021, the parties continued meetings at the bargaining table. The CWA bargaining committee passed modified bargaining demands across the table. The company's committee had several questions about the Union's efforts to protect its membership from the company's hardline stance on the implementation of their COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Our Union bargaining committee answered the company's questions and made it clear that certain protections must be in place for our membership. As it stands today, our committee is on standby awaiting a response from AT&T. As additional information becomes available, updates will be distributed.

In Unity,

Your CWA Bargaining Committee:

District 3: Nick Hawkins, Assistant to the Vice President
District 4: Curt Hess, Assistant to the Vice President
District 6: Mark Franken, Administrative Director
District 9: Dominique Thomas, Assistant to the Vice President
CWA T&T Office: Ken Saether, Assistant to the Vice President

On September 16, 2021, the parties resumed negotiations on the Company's proposed implementation of a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Proposals presented by the CWA Bargaining Committee the previous day were discussed Ultimately, the Company provided responses to each of them; either rejecting them or indicating where there might be latitude for movement.

After the bargaining session adjourned, the CWA Committee caucused to review and discuss the Company's responses as well as prepare counter proposals to be passed during Friday's joint session.

Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

In Unity,

Your CWA Bargaining Committee:

District 3: Nick Hawkins, Assistant to the Vice President
District 4: Curt Hess, Assistant to the Vice President
District 6: Mark Franken, Administrative Director
District 9: Dominique Thomas, Assistant to the Vice President
CWA T&T Office: Ken Saether, Assistant to the Vice President

Yesterday morning, the CWA Bargaining Committee worked on formulating proposals to present to AT&T representatives relative to the Company's proposed implementation of a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. During the afternoon, parties reconvened negotiations on the matter. During the session, the Union passed twelve proposals to the AT&T committee. After explaining each proposal and answering the Company's initial questions about them, the bargaining session adjourned to allow the Company time to further review and consider the Union's proposals.

The parties agreed to meet again today. Future updates will be forthcoming as negotiations continue.


Your National CWA Bargaining Committee,

District 3: Nick Hawkins, Assistant to the Vice President
District 4: Curt Hess, Assistant to the Vice President
District 6: Mark Franken, Administrative Director
District 9: Dominique Thomas, Assistant to the Vice President
CWA T&T Office: Ken Saether, Assistant to the Vice President

Today, the CWA bargaining committee met with AT&T and rejected the company's proposed mandatory vaccination policy for Union-represented employees. Our committee further emphasized that CWA supports voluntary vaccination programs and opposes mandatory vaccination as a condition of employment. Our committee then introduced a counter proposal which provides incentives to employees who volunteer to be vaccinated, as well as those who have already been vaccinated. The Union's counter proposal also includes a testing option for employees who choose not to be vaccinated.

Yesterday, CWA District 4 was able to reach an agreement with AT&T Labor to continue the AT&T U.S. Flexible Workplace Program through September of 2022.

The Robert D. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Cleveland Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 academic year. Application deadline is 5 p.m. EDT, April 15, 2021. Awards will be announced by June 15, 2021.

The CARES Act was recently passed by Congress in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The CARES Act also provides for special rules for use of retirement funds. Instituting these rules will result in a need to amend plan documents and SPDs to reflect the changes.

An agreement between AT&T Midwest and CWA regarding temporary and limited participation in the Flexible Workplace Program has been reached. CWA has worked diligently with the company to protect and safeguard the health of our members during these unprecedented times. While all of our members in particular units are not covered by this agreement, many of our members will have this option to voluntarily participate in this program.

So, you've slugged away at your job for a few years and your role and responsibilities haven't changed. No one seeks your input and most important meetings and work happen around you without you being involved. Where and how do you kick your career back in gear?