CWA Files Petition to New York State Public Service Commission

CWA District 1 Legislative Political Director, Bob Master, held a tele-press conference and received coverage from a number of outlets.  Bob thanked the efforts of all CWA Local union leadership, including Local 1103, for securing the petition endorsements.     

We'll keep you posted as things develop.  Lets continue the fight for good telecommunications services and jobs in New York State.  

Click links below to see coverage!

Post-Standard                    WNYC                                     Buffalo News

SUMMER IS UPON US, AS IS THE HEAT IT BRINGS

With summer finally here relieving us of the bone chilling temperatures of winter, we now face new threats from heat and humidity. No matter if you work indoors or outside the heat and humidity of summer can have serious affects on your health. By knowing some simple facts we can all not only identify when a health issue is present in ourselves or others, but we can also avoid an issue before it arises.

There are five major heat related disorders to contend with when temperatures and humidity rise.

Heat Stroke is the most serious of the five. Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to control its temperature. The body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is not able to cool down. The body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher in 10 to 15 minutes. This can cause death or permanent damage if emergency treatment is not given.  Symptoms include hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperatures, confusion/dizziness, slurred speech.

To treat someone with these symptoms you should call "911", move the person to a cool shaded area. Try to cool the person by soaking their clothes or spraying, sponging or showering them with water and fanning their body.

Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body suffers an excessive loss of water and salt, usually do to excessive sweating. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, those with high blood pressure and those who work in a hot environment.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, extreme weakness, confusion/dizziness, nausea, clammy or moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, muscle cramps, slightly elevated body temperature, fast and shallow breathing.  Treatment includes having the person rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place. Have them drink plenty of water or other nonalcoholic beverages. Have them take a cool shower, bath or sponge them with cool water.

Heat Syncope is a fainting or dizziness episode that usually occurs with prolonged standing or when suddenly rising from a sitting or lying down position. Factors that contribute to heat syncope are usually dehydration and lack of acclimatization (the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a gradual change in its environment allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions).  Symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness and fainting. Anyone with Heat syncope should sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel the symptoms and slowly drink water, clear juice(s) or sports drinks.

Heat Cramps usually affect those who sweat a lot during strenuous activities.Sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in the muscles cause painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of Heat Exhaustion.  Anyone with Heat Cramps should stop all activity, sit in a cool place, drink clear juice(s) or sports drinks, and not return to strenuous activities for a few hours after the cramps subside. Medical attention should be sought if the person has a history of heart problems, is on a low sodium diet or the symptoms do not subside within one hour.

Heat Rash is the most minor of heat related disorders. It is the irritation of the skin caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Symptoms include a rash that looks like clusters of pimples or small blisters most likely on the neck, upper chest, groin area, elbow creases or under the breasts.  Anyone experiencing heat rash should try to work in a cooler, less humid area when possible. Try to keep the affected area dry. Putting powder, such as talc, on the affected area may also aid in adding comfort to the area.

The best way to avoid any of these heat related disorders is to stay hydrated, avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeine and take cool down breaks in shaded or air-conditioned area as often as needed.

Gerry Guarino

Business Agent

NYACK MEDICAL PLAN CHANGE

Nyack Hospital has denied the grievance regarding the unilateral medical plan change meaning the case will likely go to arbitration. CWA District 1 Staff Representative Mike Garry and Upstate Area Director Debbie Hayes have assured the Local that the case will be protected and authorized for arbitration. Both have been very supportive and helpful to the Local.  Business Agent Anthony Pugliese presented the third step grievance to the hospital human resources manager.  He made it very clear that this is a violation of the contract; the hospital failed to notify the union of this change prior to implementation; they did not discuss the change with the union prior to implementation; and the new plan is not the same level of benefit as provided to other hospital employees. 

The City of West Haven Local 1103 bargaining committee continues to discuss ways to break through at the bargaining table as a fair contract is desired. The city had refused to meet with the committee without a mediator but when CWA Local 1103 planned a press conference at West Haven City Hall to bring the issue to the public, the city decided to come back to the bargaining table and continue talks without a mediator.  At this time, their isn't too much to report as far as progress is concerned, only that the Local leadership and our Membership are committed to fighting for a contract for as long as it takes.      

Local 1103 Business Agent Gerry Guarino met with the new mechanics at Horgan Hall this week.  Mechanic work had been contracted out for many years, but through an agreement with CWA and Verizon in October 2013 the work and workers are now back in the bargaining unit. The agreement also provided for first shot at the new jobs for all mechanics who were contractors and members of CWA.  Local 1103 conducted test training and other educational opportunities, including bringing in an instructor for all our mechanics prior to any actual testing or interviews.