Sisters and Brothers,

Our fight starts now! CenturyLink management has proposed early bargaining for our contract which is set to expire March 28, 2020. We have accepted, and will meet with the company next week, on August 13-16, 2019.

We are ready to listen to what the company has to say. We are also crystal clear on what an early agreement must include: Job security for current employees and opportunities for the future -- as well as affordable health care and improved wages.

We have already begun building a strong mobilization plan for the upcoming contract expiration and CenturyLink management knows it. And we’ve been holding the company accountable for the inadequate staffing and lack of investment that has led to the deterioration of its network. In May, CWA filed a complaint with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Our New Mexico locals are urging the Commission to adopt strong quality of service and consumer protection rules to protect New Mexico customers' access to basic telecommunications services.

Other states have taken notice and are interested in ensuring that CenturyLink meets its obligations to its customers and employees.

This opportunity for early bargaining has come up quickly, and we want to make sure that everyone is well-informed about the progress of these talks. Please share this email with your union co-workers and urge them to sign up for email and text message updates.

They can sign up for CenturyLink bargaining updates at: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/centurylink-mobilization-and-bargaining-updates or by texting D7Strong to 69866 to join the text messaging list.

Our power at the bargaining table comes from the work each and every one of you does to make our union strong. This Thursday, make sure to wear red to show CenturyLink that we are united for a fair contract that keeps good jobs with family-supporting wages and benefits in our communities.

In Unity,

Your CenturyLink Bargaining Committee

Susie McAllister, Chair
Lisa Avila, Co-Chair
Valerie Packer, Local 7621
Jake Williams, Local 7804
Jeremiah Clever, Local 7603
Gregg Sherwood, Local 7777