Last year an information request was filed with AT&T requesting a copy of any form letters as well as a copy of any scripts used by Sedgwick Case managers for processing short term disability claims.  This was done in our effort to help our members through the disability process.  After that request the Corporation advised the Union that they would have to sign a non-disclosure Agreement before AT&T would provide this to us.

In September of 2008 CWA Local 1298 filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for failure to provide this information to the Union and a Complaint was issued by the NLRB against AT&T East.    

An additional charge was added in March of 2009 regarding failure to provide the Union with information regarding workers compensation for our members.  Again, this Corporation never fails to show it’s contempt for the law and its arrogance when Mike Weiss- Director of   Risk Management from Illinois told the Union that the company isn’t required to provide the Union with any information on workers compensation because it isn’t a bargained for benefit.   The NLRB felt differently- they felt that even if this wasn’t a bargained for benefit it was still a term and condition of employment so they should provide the Union with information.  Thus, the initial complaint was revised to consolidate both charges. 

Since the complaint was filed, we (The Union) have had our day in Federal court, represented by the NLRB attorney and our own District 1 attorney Atul Talwar.  It was quite interesting to see the change in Mr. Weiss’s tone.  The arrogance was gone especially since he had to wait in Connecticut for three days to testify because of his disregard for the union.    Also, during our time in court when representatives from Sedgwick testified, they complained because the Union asked too many questions!  They complained that our Union Disability Benefit Liaisons are never satisfied with their responses.  Can you wonder why?  How many questions are we allowed?  Is there a limit of questions when you are trying to get approved for you illness?  We think Sedgwick asks our doctors too many questions – our doctors are harassed to a point where they don’t even want us as patients.   In addition, I am proud that our Disability Liaison’s are asking so many questions – they wouldn’t be doing their job if they didn’t. 

Finally, the attorneys for both sides will be filing their briefs with the court and we expect a verdict sometime in September of this year. 

Justice will prevail!

In Solidarity,

Mim