608                               TABLE TALK                   712

      2009   Issue #3                                                                                                                    July

 What can we do to support our Union brothers & sisters In Arkansas ?

As you may now be aware, the Locals in Arkansas are facing a difficult negotiation process with Clearwater management.

It is important for us to show support for these members as we will begin bargaining in 14 short months.

The negotiation process in Arkansas can be viewed as a template for what we may have waiting for us once we begin. The Company has shown over & over again how they wish to go about collective bargaining with their employees. This is also happening during times of record business earnings for Clearwater , not to mention the windfall savings being reaped by the diesel burning tax credits.

So what can we do to show support?

Just knowing & staying up to date on the situation is a good place to start.

We can write letters to the editor of ours and their local newspapers in support of collective bargaining, including its advantages to the public.

Informational pickets are a good display of solidarity to those in Arkansas as well as the company & may even garner some attention in the media.

The Presidents from our two locals are planning to travel south & assist in the process in any way they can. This type of assistance shows that we are united across divisional lines. We must refuse to allow ourselves to be divided & show uniform support as there is strength in numbers.

 Safe work place as defined by OSHA

“To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; and for other purposes. Section 11(c) of the Act prohibits a company from discriminating against an employee for reporting a work-related fatality, injury or illness. That provision of the Act also protects the employee who files a safety and health complaint, asks for access to the Part 1904 records, or otherwise exercises any rights afforded by the OSHA Act.”

We are entitled to a safe work place; and under this act we have protection against recourse and retaliation from the company for bringing safety concerns to their attention. Please be our brothers and sisters keeper; let’s help to keep each other safe.

The Table Talk will be archived at www.usw-608.com. If you have any ideas for future issues, please feel free to send them to our e-mail address: catoffice@cableone.net If you would like the Table Talk sent to your home computer, email the CAT office with your home email address.