CWA District 9/AT&T West Bargaining Bulletin #65 Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Your Bargaining Committee has continued to work to narrow the differences on many items. We have been meeting with the company in sub-committee and informal sessions and had a number of meetings with the CWA Research Department to analyze changes from our discussions on healthcare.

We have entered a critical stage of bargaining and need your help. While all of the Company's negative proposals remain on the table, they have finally engaged us in detailed, informal discussions on all issues. This is a process of "what if" for example, "If we move off of this, or give you that.. will you accept this or move off of that.." while this is an agonizingly slow process due to the detail of what we are dealing with - it is essential to narrowing the differences and get a true sense of what may either lead to an agreement or where we might completely break down.

Keep the pressure on! We understand that it is frustrating that we cannot share the details of these negotiations, however, rest assured at some point we will get a tentative agreement and be able to share all of the details with you in advance of casting your vote. Until then, please continue to support the Bargaining Committee who is working hard to get the best possible contract.

STRIKE STANDBY DAY 73!

IN UNITY,

Bill Demers

Pam Suniga

Art Gonzalez

Tom Runnion

William B. Harvey

Lupe Mercado

 1 Union 1 Fight 1 Future