Election Petition filed for workers at Open Mobile?s call center in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Last June, workers from Open Mobile, after years of being at the mercy of their employer, with no job security and unfair disciplinary policies, decided to stand up and demanded a voice at their workplace.

The company counterattacked with a fierce anti-union campaign, hiring one of the top union busting consultants in Puerto Rico. Twelve workers were fired after being identified as activists, among them 4 members of the organizing committee.

On July 29, CWA Local 3010 organizer, Lizbenet Vázquez, filed a petition for elections in the NLRB after achieving a majority in cards. Charges have been presented, as well, to the NLRB for the illegal firings.

On August 8, all fired workers along with union members from AT&T Mobility demonstrated in front of the Open Mobile Call Center in support of the Campaign and in support of the workers that remain hostage with no rights and no voice.

The workers will receive a big wave of support next Aug 30 when local AFL-CIO unions, CWA Local 3010 members, and Open fired activists and their families demonstrate in solidarity for a YES vote on Sept. 4.

Open Mobile is a local wireless carrier with a Call Center and 30 company owned retail stores around the island. There are rumors about a possible Verizon takeover after roaming agreements have been signed and Verizon branded phones are being sold on their COR stores.

Quotes:

“This is not the time to be afraid; we are all Open’s victims. We need to vote for CWA, we need to vote yes!” said Sandra Guadalupe, one of the fired activists who worked 16 years for Open Mobile.

“We will continue to help bring justice and dignity to the workplace with the only instrument available to the worker, forming a Union and reaching a Collective Bargained Agreement” said Rafael Castro-Torres, Local 3010 President.

“I stand with these workers that have never seen a wage increase, are threatened with termination if they dare use sick-days and are arbitrarily rotated and abused.” said Lizbenet Vazquez, Local 3010 Organizer.

Solidarity Forever,

Rafael Castro-Torres
Presidente
CWA Local 3010, AFL-CIO

Caption- "16 years did not matter"

Below - AFL-CIO Puerto Rico President and Organizer Lizbenet Vazquez

Below - Local President Rafael Castro-Torres, Oranizer Lizbenet Vazquez and solidary members