BULLETIN 40
October 22, 2007
Today the Union received by fax a cover letter and a so-called "Comprehensive Final Package Proposal" from ABC.
Like the Company's October 19, 2007 bulletin, the letter is riddled with distortions and untruths beyond anything the Bargaining Committee has encountered in the past, raising the Company's behavior to a new level of absurdity.
The Company's proclaimed "shock and disappointment" that the Union was not present for a meeting on October 19, 2007 is disingenuous at best, and a complete fabrication at worst, because the Union clearly told the Company that it would not be present, as can be clearly seen from the following excerpt from the Union's contemporaneous bargaining notes:
"Ruthizer: We are going to go back to our place and take a meeting and talk about where we are and meet with you tomorrow at 9:00 AM.
Clark: The arrangement we had was to meet tomorrow only if it was productive. We don't see anything productive so far. We don't see what has happened here as productive. Originally, I proposed meeting this entire week. You came back and said you wanted to meet in New York. When I told you we needed a large meeting space for observers, you then didn't want to meet in New York, and you then wanted to meet in Chicago. I can show you the e-mail chain if you want…
Ruthizer: You are going to negotiate the way you want to negotiate; you tell us that there is nothing productive here. Everything you accepted today are things that go in your direction. 61 proposals we have made in your direction so far. We will be here at 9:00AM tomorrow, leave us a sign on the door.
Clark: You may be here alone. Our arrangement was that we would meet tomorrow if it would be productive. We don't see anything here that would indicate meeting tomorrow would be productive.
Ruthizer: You do what you want. We will be here tomorrow in any case.
Clark: You will be here alone. Let the record show that you are just being silly...."
The Union is reviewing the Company's latest package, and will have a detailed response in due course.
NABET-CWA Network Negotiating Committee
The Union Bargaining Committee reminds all members to ignore rumors. All official negotiation and mobilization information will be delivered on the Sector website at www.abc-contract.info. Please also check Local websites, hotlines, and e-mail for additional information.
For an archive of all bulletins, go to www.abc-contract.info/barg_mobe/.
