Rachel Merrill CWA 1038 President rmerrill@cwa1038.org

CWA Local 1038 State of the Union, as presented by Rachel Merrill

Wednesday January 25th, 2012 in Wall Township during the Special Membership Meeting

Brothers and Sisters, it is truly an honor to be able to speak to you as your president of CWA Local 1038.

When District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton swore me in as the new president of CWA Local 1038 I realized the magnitude of the responsibility of the position and my charge to lead and build this great organization CWA Local 1038.  I also knew then, that assuming the presidency in the shadow of the past president would not be an easy task. One thing was absolutely clear we needed to move forward, to build our local, to reach out to our membership, and work together in solidarity so that CWA 1038 can be a shining example of how a CWA Local can thrive.

The local has made strides forward since the prior president resigned back in November 2011 and my efforts since assuming the position of the President have been focused upon correcting problems so that the staff at our local can better serve you, the members. Change unfortunately can not happen over night, it is a process, and certain actions may be taken immediately while others are a multi step process.

Since becoming President, I have begun a thorough review of all operations and have taken the following steps to rebuild our local and move forward:

·                     Brothers and Sisters we are moving forward. With consent of the board I have engaged a computer security consultant to conduct a review of the computer system and usage of Local computers to ensure that members’ information is safeguarded, that Local equipment is used solely to serve the members of the Local, and that computers are not used for inappropriate purposes. This local did this to establish better policies and security and to restore faith to the membership in knowing that when we ask for your contact information it is to send you important updates about union business and not to be abused.  These resources are owned by the membership, we as the leadership and staff of your local has a compact, with you, the members to use the Local’s resources to serve you and not ourselves.

·                     We are moving forward, by starting the process of conducting a thorough review of financial controls, processes and past operations.  Already through these actions we have found ways to save the members money. For example simple actions like streamlining office supply orders through one staff member rather than 3 has produced a 75% reduction in our monthly office supply bill.  This small step translates to a few hundred dollars in savings each month and over the year adds up to a few thousands of dollars.

Additionally, we were able to catch a proposed tax increase on our headquarters, and appeal the townships assessment. Well, brothers and sisters we won our appeal this will result in an estimated $1500 in annual savings for our Local.  These are but two examples as we move forward we expect to find savings in other area’s of the Local’s operations.  These saved monies then can be better served toward contract negotiations, mobilization, and Union representation.

·                     We are moving forward, by holding regular staff meetings to review policies and procedures, but also to provide additional training to staff so that they are better prepared for the challenges they face in representing our members.  Staff meetings also allow an open forum so that we can take advantage of the diversity of our staff.  So that the staff members can offer advice to their fellow co-workers on an issue that they have come across previously or perhaps a new way of approaching a member’s grievance, a contract negotiation, or arbitration. I am very proud of our staff at Local 1038, collectively we have over 100 years of labor experience, much of this experience could not have been taught in the classroom, and it is the kind of experience that is only learned through years of fighting for the rights of those we represent.

Brothers and Sisters, we are moving forward, but we can not do this alone! Brothers and Sisters we need more members like you to help build our local. Brothers and Sisters we need more members to get involved in our committees. Brothers and Sisters we need more members to attend membership meetings. Brothers and Sisters we need more members to provide constructive feedback as to how we can make your Union better and keep our Local moving forward.

Thank you.

In Solidarity Rachel Merrill, President CWA Local 1038

President’s Corner:

November 14, 2011

Dear Member:

Please be informed that Paul Alexander has retired after thirty years of committed service.
Pursuant to our Local Bylaws, I have been sworn in by the National to serve as President of
Local 1038.

I know that the Local, all of CWA, and most importantly you the members are confronting
enormous challenges with a Governor and Legislature that are hostile to workers, and
employers that want to take back bargained contractual rights. My Local administration will
make every effort to fight for your rights and will uphold with integrity the oath of office
that I have taken. I look forward to working with you to build our Local and move forward
in strength and solidarity.

Among other new developments, we will be rolling out a new level of information on our
website so that you the members are kept informed of our progress and can help us
mobilize. I will be ensuring that all staff holds regular worksite meetings and that relevant
information is posted on a members only section on our website. As President, I will be
going to worksites with staff to meet with you and to hear from you.

The Local will be providing a new level of transparency on our operations starting with my
direction that a Budget meeting, which is required by our Bylaws and has not been held in
the last year, be held within the next 60 days. Last, but not least, a special membership
meeting will be scheduled for December.

Please know that our members are most valued for there is no Union without you.

In Solidarity,
Rachel Merrill,
President