Comcast Workers Fight Back

Southeastern Massachusetts Comcast Workers Formed A Union In Their Workplace

2011-02-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

All further information regarding Comcast workers and their fight for a voice in the workplace will be posted on this new webspace: Comcastunion.blogspot.com

It will serve as a virtual bulletin board for ACCURATE INFORMATION, LETTERS OF SUPPORT and OTHER NEWS regarding Comcast Workers and their campaign to be recognized by Comcast as IBEW union members.

Questions & Answers

2010-09-28T22:14:00.004-04:00

**Information is vital in this process. Comcast is known for holding meetings with its workers about unions and has historically given out information that is inaccurate and misleading. Talk to your co-workers, your friends, other union members and members and staff of the IBEW to ensure that you have the RIGHT information**

To help you get ACCURATE information: we have set up this blog. At the end of the day, or at the end of a Comcast "Captive Audience" meeting; Visit this site, send your question along, and wait for an answer. We will post the most frequently asked questions as they come in and encourage you to ask as many questions as you wish. This is about your job, your future and your family. You deserve to be informed!

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Please type your questions here. Members of the IBEW will do their best to answer your questions and will post the responses on this blog.
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OPEN FORUM # 16

2009-02-26T11:21:00.002-05:00

Post Away and Speak Freely.The Union Believes You Have The Right To Have An Open And Honest Discussion, And We Are Aware That Comcast Wishes To Deny That Right. This Is Your Opportunity To Discuss Your Workplace Issues. Please do not use names as post will be deleted.

*Archived Posts Can Still Be Viewed. Scroll Down To Last Post and Click on Link: Older Posts*

Q & A

2009-02-26T11:21:00.001-05:00

Comcast has held meetings over the last few months advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform. So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

*Please post your questions here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

OPEN FORUM # 15

2008-09-29T16:03:00.001-04:00

Q & A

2008-09-29T16:01:00.001-04:00

Q & A

2008-09-29T16:01:00.000-04:00

OPEN FORUM #14

2008-06-25T12:25:00.000-04:00

Q & A

2008-06-25T12:24:00.000-04:00

OPEN FORUM # 13

2008-05-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

Q & A

2008-05-20T10:17:00.000-04:00

Comcast has held meetings over the last few months advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform.So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

*Please post your questions here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

OPEN FORUM # 12

2008-05-03T12:17:00.000-04:00

Post Away and Speak Freely.The Union Believes You Have The Right To Have An Open And Honest Discussion, And We Are Aware That Comcast Wishes To Deny That Right. This Is Your Opportunity To Discuss Your Workplace Issues.Please do not use names as post will be deleted.

*Archived Posts Can Still Be Viewed. Scroll Down To Last Post and Click on Link: Older Posts*

Q & A

2008-05-03T12:15:00.001-04:00

Comcast has held meetings over the last few months advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform.So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

*Please post your questions here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

OPEN FORUM # 11

2008-04-13T13:03:00.000-04:00

Post Away and Speak Freely.The Union Believes You Have The Right To Have An Open And Honest Discussion, And We Are Aware That Comcast Wishes To Deny That Right. This Is Your Opportunity To Discuss Your Workplace Issues.Please do not use names as post will be deleted.

*Archived Posts Can Still Be Viewed. Scroll Down To Last Post and Click on Link: Older Posts*

OPEN FORUM # 10

2008-04-03T14:11:00.002-04:00

Post Away and Speak Freely.The Union Believes You Have The Right To Have An Open And Honest Discussion, And We Are Aware That Comcast Wishes To Deny That Right. This Is Your Opportunity To Discuss Your Workplace Issues.Please do not use names as post will be deleted.

*Archived Posts Can Still Be Viewed. Scroll Down To Last Post and Click on Link: Older Posts*

Q & A

2008-04-03T14:11:00.001-04:00

Comcast has held meetings over the last few months advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform.So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

*Please post your questions or concerns here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

TODAY IS THE DAY

2008-03-12T10:40:00.005-04:00

THE TIME IS NOW!

3-12-08 3-12-08 3-12-08 3-12-08

Can you feel it? That feeling like something big is happening? Can you see the angst in management's eyes as they realize that you, as workers, are joining together?

You have commenced an effort to join together not as a work group, or garage, or region; in fact, Comcast workers all over the United States of America embarked on a journey this morning that will begin to hold this corporation accountable for its treatment of workers.

Due to the incredible response to this blog, as well a flood of phone calls into our union offices, the IBEW has recognized that now is the time to escalate this effort and to help you in your goal of gaining a voice at work. You have spoken loudly, and have made it clear, that enough is enough Comcast. It is now the worker's turn to capitalize on the success that has been made possible by the workers.

TODAY kicked off one of the largest organizing drives in recent history in our industry. Union members that are your friends, and neighbors in the community showed up at Comcast locations throughout the Country this morning. We met many of you, and handed out flyers with a simple message, and a website for you to visit. http://www.comcastworkersunited.com/

The goal of the IBEW is to raise the standard for all workers throughout our industry. Comcast has made it clear, that they intend to lower the bar and deny you a "voice at work". In a society in which our Governmental and business leadership have largely devalued labor's contributions to capital; You stand on the vanguard of a movement that will recapture that respect, by demanding a seat at the table, and by bargaining a fair contract for all Comcast workers. You do not stand alone; every member of the IBEW regardless of their place of employement, stands with you in your fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions at Comcast. Welcome aboard !

The Next Step is Yours:
Visit http://www.ibew.org/ContactForm/ and send us your contact information.
In New England, call Steve @ 978-302-3690

The Time IS Now!

Open Forum # 9

2008-03-12T10:38:00.002-04:00

Post Away and Speak Freely.The Union Believes You Have The Right To Have An Open And Honest Discussion, And We Are Aware That Comcast Wishes To Deny That Right. This Is Your Opportunity To Discuss Your Workplace Issues.

Please do not use names as post will be deleted.

*Archived Posts Can Still Be Viewed. Scroll Down To Last Post and Click on Link: Older Posts*

Q and A

2008-03-12T10:37:00.001-04:00

Comcast has held meetings over the last few months advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform.So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

*Please post your questions or concerns here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*

Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

OPEN FORUM # 8

2008-02-09T18:10:00.001-05:00

Q and A

2008-02-09T18:09:00.001-05:00

Comcast has held meetings over the last few months advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform.So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!*Please post your questions or concerns here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

OPEN FORUM #7

2008-01-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

Post Away and Speak Freely.
The Union Believes You Have The Right To Have An Open And Honest Discussion, And We Are Aware That Comcast Wishes To Deny That Right. This Is Your Opportunity To Discuss Your Workplace Issues.

Please do not use names as post will be deleted.

Q and A

2008-01-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Comcast has held meetings recently advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform.

So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!*Please post your questions or concerns here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

Capitalize Your Labor

2008-01-08T15:04:00.001-05:00

"If capitalism is fair then unionism must be. If men have a right to capitalize their ideas and the resources of their country, then that implies the right of men to capitalize their labor."
-Frank Lloyd Wright

Your employer belongs to multiple trade organizations, chambers of commerce, etc. Comcast has found it necessary to join with other corporations to maximize their profits and success. Comcast lobbies your elected officials with other companies, and they meet consistently with other companies to strategize. They have seen the value in joining together to affect change. Comcast has figured out that there is strength in numbers, yet they are fighting everday to ensure that you remain as one individual.

Join with other workers to make a better life for all working Americans. Protect your own livlihood by putting yourself on a level playing field with this multi-million dollar corporation and its greedy executives.

THE TIME IS NOW! THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Comcast Workers United

2007-12-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

Things are moving along at all locations. Please keep up the momentum and request a meeting with your co-workers.

In the meantime, jump on to www.comcastworkersunited.com for some great information from the IBEW.

Q and A

2007-12-16T22:20:00.000-05:00

Comcast has held meetings recently advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform. So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

*Please post your questions or concerns here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.*

Remember we do not want anyone identified that chooses not to reveal their identity.

OPEN FORUM # 7

2007-12-16T22:17:00.000-05:00

Post freely as always.

Remeber no names should be used. Comments will be deleted unless the individual named has chosen previously to identify himself/herself.

*Be sure to post questions in the Q and A post, and a union member will answer as quickly as possible.*

OPEN FORUM #6

2007-12-13T20:59:00.000-05:00

Please use this section to post openly as always. I ask all of you once again to refrain from using names in your comments.

**If you have a question that you would like answered, or a concern that you would like addressed: Please comment on the Q and A posting.**

Q and A ?????

2007-12-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

Comcast has held meetings recently advising some of you to try and garner as much information as you can about unions. Unfortunately it is usually followed by lies, and propoganda that is meant to misguide and misinform. So, here is your chance to get your questions answered.!!!!

Please post your questions or concerns here. Union members will do their best to answer as timely as possible.

OPEN FORUM #5

2007-12-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

OPEN FORUM # 4

2007-11-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

Post Away. No Names, or comment will be deleted.

Comcast is Anti-Worker

2007-11-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who posted tonight and did not leave names and personal info. We can have a healthy discourse of the issues that does not offend each other.

Please continue to ask questions, and gain information. Comcast will continue to adhere to the anti-union playbook. We on the other hand offer honesty.

We will be back again soon, with live posting or a chat similar to last week. Spread the word to your co-workers and we will see you soon.

**All Comcast managers should be advised that legal counsel has been notified regarding your continued effort to disuade union participation by threats, coercion and harrassment on this particular blog.**

SEE YOU SOON!
CICERO

OPEN FORUM # 3

2007-11-28T14:22:00.001-05:00

Feel free to post openly and freely. Refrain from posting personal information and remember that this should be a frank discussion that allows for an opportunity for a healthy discourse of the issues. If you have a question: Post under the Q and A section.

Q and A

2007-11-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

Feel free to ask questions of union members. We will do our best to answer them in a timely fashion.

Mission Statement

2007-11-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome Back.
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the Holiday weekend.

We will start this blog back up for now, and encourage you to once again post freely and openly. I will, as previously stated, draw the line when it comes to the posting of personal information. I will review the blog from time to time and remove any posts that put anyone at risk.

We do know who the Comcast Managers are that frequent this blog, and have recorded all previous posts. They will be dealt with appropriately, as that type of fear mongering will not be allowed. The purpose of this blog is to:

1.) Break down the climate of fear in your workplace. (Comcast and their anti-worker lawyers specialize in scaring the hell out of their workers. No need to be afraid, as you have Federal Law on your side in addition to the support of the thousands of unionized workers in your industry here in New England)

2.) Dispel rumors, and provide you with facts. (Comast and their anti-worker lawyers are good at throwing out lies. Distorting the truth and employing a fear and smear campaign. We hope that this blog will serve as a medium for you to post the bizarre things that Comcast tells you in those "Captive Audience" meetings. We will provide you with the truth.)

3.) Provide you with the resources needed to make an informed decision. (We believe it is important for you to know how to ascertain the information YOU need to make an informed decision. Comcast and their anti-worker lawyers will tell you what THEY want you to know. As a union, we believe YOU know YOU best and should decide for yourself what information you need.)

4.) Give you a sounding board. (We think it is important that you have a place outside of work, to go and speak your mind. Whether it is a manager or a human resources clown that lies to your face, you have the right to sound off ! Post online with your co-workers and join with other Comcast workers from different locations to share your stories. Just remember not to post personal information. Comcast managers and their anti-worker lawyers will be online as well, so be honest and tell them how you feel.)

5.) Provide you with information regarding upcoming meetings, online debates, card signing's etc. (Many locations in New England have contacted the IBEW about taking the next step. We will continue our meetings to help you in organizing your workplace and will post information on this site. Keep in mind that Comcast and their anti-worker lawyers will be reading as well, so we can't post Everything.)

Patience is a Virtue. SITE WILL CONTINUE

2007-11-25T16:42:00.000-05:00

Thank You To All of The Readers And "Posters" of this blog.

This site will not be down for long. We are trying to come up with some improvements for this blog and will be "live" soon.

Unfortunately some people found it necessary to post specific information about people, their names, locations, etc. This site, as I posted initially, was meant to be a freeform way to communicate. A non-censored enviroment that allows all of you to discuss a very important issue openly. I do, however, have to draw the line when it comes to personal information. Unions are proud to advocate for ALL WORKERS, and do not just protect those that have a union card. We must respect all who work to make a better life for their family.

THIS SITE WILL CONTINUE. It may take some time, but we hope to have a different format that allows for more Question / Answer type communication soon.

The momentum gained by this blog has been incredible. So many questions answered, rumors dismissed, knowledge gained, and opinions discussed. The Comcast Corporation is threatened by the overwhelming lack of confidence its workers have in management. They are frightened by the fact that you are all fighting for a better workplace, and increased pay and benefits. The local media has picked up on this blog and have been asking questions and monitoring the activity. Two major newspapers are interested in this story and are close to publishing 'THE TRUTH ABOUT COMCAST." The entire labor movement, including the hundreds of thousands workers that are members of the AFL-CIO (www.massaflcio.org) are ready to mobilize, and are currently strategizing for a public campaign to help you gain a voice at work.

Meetings at various locations will continue to be held for all of you to come and get valuable information before you make your decision. These meetings are run by you, and for you with members of the union present to discuss whatever you wish to discuss. This is in stark contrast to Comcast's BullS&*t meetings in which they dictate the terms, and distort the truth, all while scaring you away from joining together. You will hear more details soon.

Stay Together, Stay United, and Maintain the Momentum!!!!!

"We insist that labor is entitled to as much respect as property. But our workers with hand and brain deserve more than respect for their labor. They deserve practical protection in the opportunity to use their labor at a return adequate to support them at a decent and constantly rising standard of living, and to accumulate a margin of security against the inevitable vicissitudes of life. "
~~~President Franklin D. Roosevelt, fireside chat, 1936

2007-11-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE MAKE SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SITE

ISSUE: Authorization Cards

2007-11-21T16:06:00.000-05:00

There was a comment posted today by anonymous that provided some great, accurate information about the process of card signing.

Anonymous said...
In response to the concern of the privacy of the signed cards. The way it works is that the union notifies the Labor Board that they have at least 50%+1 of the employees in favor of the union. Then Comcast can challenge that claim and send the issue to an independent third party(usually the Labor Guild). The third party recieves an employee list from Comcast and the signed cards from the union and verifies the names from both list and then issues a decision that either the union has the number of cards that they claim or they don't. The cards are returned to the union and the employee list to the company without either side gaining access to the others list.The system was set up to protect the worker from retaliation. If the majority is verified in favor of the union then we go to a secret ballot election similiar to the way we elect our public officials.
November 21, 2007 4:02 PM

ONLINE FORUM DEBRIEF.

2007-11-19T21:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone for a healthy discourse of the issues. You truly made labor history.
If you have any lingering questions or concerns, please post them here by clicking on the comments page. Remember your confidentiality is always upheld and we encourage you to be honest.

Online Forum Tonight!

2007-11-19T18:55:00.001-05:00

This is by far, not the best avenue for communication. It is however very unique, and a way we believe to have a healthy discourse of the differing opinions without fear of retribution or retaliation.

We extend an offer to everyone to meet in person at a location to be determined for a real question and answer period, with members of the IBEW, and managers from Comcast. It appears that the Comcast Corporation has a lot to say about unions, yet they have never attempted to discuss the issues. You deserve to have all of the information before you make decisions about you and your family.

We encourage Ms. Sue Wantee (No disrespect intended if spelling is incorrect) to accept our invitation for a real discussion. These workers are not just numbers, they are people that deserve respect. Why are you afraid to speak about unions with the people that actually know about unions.

TONIGHT:
Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to section titled: Chat

Enter a nickname. (Be unique so as not to repeat names)

Click join chat, and become a part of our historical online forum tonight. Be respectful and be patient with each other as we have our discussion.

Also. Look at the new poll on the right of this page. Weigh in on how you want to progress from here.

TONIGHT'S ISSUE: Fios Five Firings at Verizon

2007-11-19T16:26:00.000-05:00

Frequent contributor "Havoc" posted a comment recently regarding the decision of Verizon to fire five junior technicians just weeks before Christmas, and only days after one of our own died on the job in Massachusetts.

This seems to be a catalyst for discussion in the workplace today, and is a fitting issue to discuss this evening.

The posting clipped the text of a press release that was distributed from the IBEW after a union action in Duxbury MA. on Sunday. If you are interested, you can read the clipping that Havoc posted by clicking "read comments" below.

It is important for everyone to know that yesterday's inspiring events at the home of Verizon executive Ellen Corcoran are an important tool in the union arsenal while fighting for these 4 men and 1 woman. It correctly states that Verizon's impeccable timing came just days before each employee would have had rights to arbitration.

Though the company tried evasiveness tactics to avoid a neutral arbiter, they did not factor in the wrath of the 12,000 New England telephone workers that would stop at nothing to help their own. Verizon, much like Comcast, divorces itself from the human impact of its decisions. The need to please the CEO's and investors, though powerful, is not reason enough to ruin families with arbitray and caprecious decisions that are used to deliver messages to the workforce.

In the past year, these employees felt fortunate to find steady employment with Verizon that pays the bills, provides excellent "bargained for" health benefits, pays tuition reimbursement, has a pension, contributes a large match to the 401k plan, etc. Recently these five men and women had to return home one day, with all of that gone. They had to come to a realization that the holidays would be anything but joyous, as their children wrote out their Christmas lists, some wondered how they would afford, not presents, but healthcare for their kids. The incredible pain and trepidation that these workers feel is not taken lightly by their co-workers.

The "union" is centered around benevolence for each other, and strength in unity. As a union member you feel comfort in the fact that you do not fight alone. We must make Verizon and their executives FEEL the pressure, and pain that they imposed on these workers. As an individual it cannot be done, union leadership cannot win this battle alone, only through the collective strength of thousands of workers will we affect change.

Any Questions: Post a comment, or join the online forum tonight @ 8:00 p.m.

ISSUE: Respect

2007-11-17T17:36:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest aspects of a union is the respect we have for each other, simply because we are all working to make a living and take care of our families. At times, we have our disagreements about the way we think things should be done, but most of the time it is done while respecting each others opinions.

There is a local labor activist here in Boston who reminds us to commit to principles over personality. The corporations we work for are generally dictatorships, they limit speech, they don't encourage creativity, they don't like open and free discourse as they see that as a threat to their bottom line. Comcast is certainly no exception.

Unions, however are democratic organizations that count on the differences in opinion of its members. Every month there is a union meeting in which every member has a right to decide the direction of the group. When was the last time Comcast asked for your help in running the company?

The union could not function though if we did not respect each others opinions.
To the many Comcast workers who have made up their mind to form a union: I applaud your courage and encourage you to maintain the momentum you have created. I implore you to do so while respecting others that have not made up their mind yet, as well as those that we know will never support the idea.
To those who are undecided: I ask you to look past some of the personal attacks, and try and garner information and facts.
Keep in mind that unions create bonds and expose commonality, this is what has worked for decades. Removing personal differences from the equation, and joining together as WORKERS will lead to the strength you need to get more out of Comcast.

Hundreds of you have already decided that it is time to get more out of this multi-million dollar corporation. Keep it up, be respectful, and let's all deliver a message to Comcast that enough is enough!

QUESTION: This question was posted as a comment in the forum

2007-11-15T21:53:00.000-05:00

Anonymous said...
FOR THOSE OF US READY FOR THE NEXT STEP. can we be mailed a card to sign. is there a confidential way or an email address we can send u so you can get a card to us and we will mail it back. it would be great if there was a link on this site. confidentiality must be upheld or people would fear company retailiation.

Click on the comments to view a response.

OPEN FORUM (#2)

2007-11-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

First Forum Got A Little Crowded. Click Below To Speak Freely.

Straight From The Anti-American Playbook (HERE WE GO!!!!!)

2007-11-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

"Aww Shucks, We really want to sit down with you guys and girls and address some of the things that have been on your mind, we know you have been real upset about things lately, and well golly, we don't want you to be upset or anything. Gosh darnett, we are all in this together so we should discuss what's bothering you."
--Comcast Management Puppet

It appears that COMCAST senses the fact that the workers are preparing to fight back, in response THEY have employed tactic #1 of the "screw workers out of their rights playbook."

Expect THEM to "randomly" put a group together that "reflects your views" to discuss work issues. THEY figure this will keep you guys happy for a while. What THEY don't tell you is:

1.) These "random groups" are by design. THEIR design.

With a Union, YOU decide who YOU feel best represents YOU and YOUR family.

2.) THEY only intend to "talk about" issues that THEY want to address.

With a Union, YOU decide what is important to YOU and YOUR family

3.) These "improvements" are only short-lived. Truth is, THEY have done this before to pacify the workers in hopes that you will not want a union. Then when the time is right, THEY make "some minor changes" that take away any improvements

With a Union, YOU negotiate a contract that cannot be deviated from.

What they don't realize is that YOU have had enough, and as a modern day American who knows their rights, you choose to stand up and protect them. Don't let THEM fool you into not standing up for YOUR rights on the job. Tell them: "This time, it aint gonna' work"

CLICK ON THE COMMENTS LINK JUST BELOW, TO SHARE YOUR OPINION OR STORY OF COMCAST'S TACTICS

Question: This was posted in the comments field of a previous post.

2007-11-13T22:24:00.000-05:00

Anonymous said...
I don't get it, do cards get signed and that's it? Is there a vote? If so, when?

Open Forum (Feel Free To Comment)

2007-11-13T15:18:00.001-05:00

POST AWAY COMCAST WORKERS. CLICK ON COMMENT, AND FEEL FREE TO SPEAK YOUR MIND.

Welcome

2007-11-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

Please be patient as we work out all of the bugs from this blog. It will update frequently, so check back often and refresh the page.

ENJOY!

If we are not ashamed to think it, we should not be ashamed to say it.
Marcus Tullius Cicero