CWA Opening Statement for YP and Print Media LLC Bargaining 2015 Richard Honeycutt, Vice President

July 21, 2015 - Today we are opening up 2015 bargaining between Yellow Pages, Print Media LLC and Communications Workers of America in District Three.  This is going to be an opportunity for YP, the largest yellow pages in the world, and Print Media LLC to do the right thing and take care of our members, the ones who are the face of this company and the ones that drive the revenue.  CWA understands that in order for our members to succeed, that the company has to be profitable, but this does not have to happen on the backs of our members.  

During the last contract negotiations, it was about take backs.  Our members gave up numerous things that had a direct impact on their jobs and lives.  Things, such as post-retirement healthcare, tuition reimbursement, AT&T concessions, the job bank, and a freeze on their pension.  The wage increases were minimal, while the expectations were greater. 

We want to see a fair contract, one that compensates and protects our members for the work that they do on a daily basis to make this company succeed.  We also want to see a compensation plan that does not take a law degree to understand.  There has got to be a plan in place that is clear and concise as to how it works.  Not one that creates mistrust into whether or not our members are receiving the proper credit. 

I would like to end with a quote that David Krantz quoted in an email to his employees.  “Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today.”  I offer that same statement here today.  “Never put off to tomorrow what you can do today,” and today is the day to start bargaining a fair and equitable contract for your employees, our members.               

In Unity

Richard Honeycutt
Vice President
CWA District 3