As you probably know, the Company has sent a DVD to every Member’s home. Obviously, our message that Verizon is trying to destroy the Middle Class is hitting home. Please give the Company’s DVD to your Shop Stewards……they will be collected and delivered back to the Company with a message from the Members and the Bargaining team!

Ballots for the CWA Local 1101 Officer Elections will be mailed out today, November 4th. Please contact the 1101 Election Committee if you do not receive a ballot by November 10th and request a duplicate ballot (212-633-2666). The ballots will be counted on November 21st at 9:00 AM.

The Importance of Voting in Union Elections

As 1101 members working for Verizon, AT&T Mobility, Avaya, CW Post, Arms Acres and Conifer Park , we have a right and a duty to vote in the representative election process. It is a special opportunity where the individual member can take part in their unionʼs development. There are at least two very important reasons that should compel each of us to vote.

The first is the most obvious. If you don’t vote, you give up your most fundamental right of influencing who is your elected representative. This representative will be responsible for shaping every move, direction, and agreement in which your union participates. What our union does via the representative has a direct impact upon each member. It is important that each of us participate in this most basic democratic process in order to best select the person who will help determine our unionʼs future path.

The second reason is less obvious, but still of great importance. Management carefully observes the actions of employee unions and the level of support each one receives from its respective membership. They know that a weak union is much more easily controlled than a strong one. A weak union can be easily stalled and pushed around. They wonʼt make any noise when the union contract is violated!

One of the signs of a weak union is a lack of voter participation. After all, if the members can’t be bothered to take two minutes to vote for their own representation, then they will also not bother to do anything which requires more effort. These extra efforts include volunteering for union work, walking picket lines, attending meetings and rallies, or even going on strike. An apathetic union is a weak union.

Regardless of whom you vote for in an 1101 election, please understand the importance of voting. Please take the time to properly fill out a nomination ballot and mail it in.

Take the time to participate in your most fundamental right as a union member. Send a message to management that you do care about your union and you will do what it takes to fight for it!