United We Bargain • Divided We BegVolume 04/No. 10 October 2011

Elected By Acclamation!

Right to Left: Mark Kennon, Jeff Spraul, Sonja Gholston-Byrd, John Ebeling,Mike Barban, Debora Murray and Ken Bates. (Kim Reynolds is not pictured.)

TeamworkBy Mike Mehringer, President

After a long hot summer the weather is cooling off but the pressures of our jobs are not. We are still in a constant struggle with the companies we work for. It seems that they are all after the same thing, and that is to break the workers down by using rating systems that are unattainable and unrealistic.

These ratings are resulting in customer service suffering and unnecessary stress to our Members and their families. There was a time when going to work everyday and performing our job to the customers satisfaction was considered the right thing to do, although in today’s corporate world each department is working for themselves. It’s as if the companies want to push off anything they can to any other department and as long as we don’t get hit with bad ratings, then we don’t care.

What happened to working together as a company to give the customer what they are paying for? I don’t believe our customers cares if one department makes their numbers and the other departments don’t. A perfect example would be when we deal with Labor Relations regarding grievances; we are told that our customer doesn’t want to resolve the grievance. If you are working with a department by phone as a Technician in the field, you are considered a customer of that department. Whatever happened to the team effort in which we had one goal - customer service? This does not exist any longer, as long as we can put it on someone else, we are good. We as Union Brothers and Sisters cannot afford to be customers; we need to stay a strong team working together for a common goal. Our customers are paying the companies for the services that we as a team provide. I know that this Local works as a team; everyone has our Members best interest at heart. We work towards one common goal the betterment of our Members. Please keep this in mind when these companies are telling you just put it on another department. Let’s do what we can to not harm our team.

Under the Bylaws of our Local, a candidate is

automatically elected to office by acclamation if they are unopposed for

that office. (See page 5 for their offices.)

Ballots will be mailed to Members onTuesday, September 27, 2011.

To be counted, ballots must be in the PostOffice Box by 8:00am October 31, 2011.

ELECTION 2011 COMING SOONTO YOUR MAILBOX

If a Member does not receive a ballot or needsto request a duplicate ballot, contact the Local at

314-991-0200 to forward your request to the Election Committee no later than Friday, October 7, 2011.

ContentsPresident’s Report ......................1Election - Local Executive Board ................... 2-6Good & Welfare ....................... 6-7Retirees .........................................7

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PresidentMike Mehringer mmehringer@cwa6300.org

Executive Vice PresidentJim Kolve jkolve@cwa6300.org

Administrative Vice PresidentAwaiting Election

SecretaryGail DiSilvester gdisilvester@cwa6300.org

TreasurerVirginia Anderson-Dunbar vadunbar@cwa6300.org

Vice President ATT Plant 1Ron Munford rmunford@cwa6300.org

Vice President ATT Plant 2David Hoyt dhoyt@cwa6300.org

Vice President ASIKen Bates kbates@cwa6300.org

Vice President MetroSonja Gholston-Byrd sgbyrd@cwa6300.org

Vice President Appendix BLeola Beard lbeard@cwa6300.org

Vice President ATT Advertising SolutionsMark Kennon mkennon@cwa6300.org

Vice President Centurylink/ VerizonKim Reynolds kreynolds@cwa6300.org

Vice President ATT OperationsDonna Walsh dwalsh@cwa6300.org

Vice President Print and Media SectorJohn Ebeling jebeling@cwa6300.org

Vice President Legacy TGreg Hensler ghensler@cwa6300.org

Newsletter Editors/Graphics/Website:Marge DodsonDaniel JuedemannMark Schweigert*Reprint permission granted to all Union publications

Circulation 5,000Published Monthly by

CWA Local 63002258 Grissom Dr.

St. Louis, MO 63146Phone: 314-991-0200www.cwa6300.org

Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pmMonday through Friday

Election - Local Executive Board

October 2011Page 2

LOCAL 6300 CANDIDATESPresident and 1st Delegate*

Mike Mehringer

Mike was first employed with SWBT in 1978 as a Frame Attendant in St. Louis, MO. One of the first things he did upon reporting to work was sign up for membership in CWA. Mike is a second generation telephone worker and second generation CWA Member. Mikes father is a forty year retired Member of CWA.

Mike understands the struggles we have had in the past and the challenges we face in the future. He believes each of us deserve the opportunity to support our families and retire with dignity.

Mike has served as Steward for Local 6320 and Local 6310 from the time he was first employed with AT&T through mid 2000 when he became Vice President South for Local 6310. In 2002, he was elected Executive Vice President for Local 6310. Mike was a Member of the Merger Executive Council when Local 6310 and Local 6320 worked the merger to create Local 6300. He continued to hold the position of Executive Vice President through 2010 for Local 6300 at which time he was appointed President.

As your President Mike has the responsibilities of the day to day operation of the Local, from hearing the General Level grievances, authorizing expenditures, assisting the Vice Presidents on work place and grievance issues, authorizing the payment of bills and leading the Local in all areas of the CWA Triangle. Mike has taken an active roll in the United Way and March for Babies campaign.

In this time of economic uncertainty, and our employers constantly downsizing, we are fortunate to have Mike at the helm of our Local fighting for our Membership. As we look into the future it will be critical to have someone of Mike’s character and experience to lead our Local.

Keith Robinson

No PictureAvailable

No BioAvailable

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October 2011

Election - Local Executive Board

Page 3

Jim Kolve

Jim has been a Member of CWA for over 26 years. He has served the Membership in the role of Steward, Vice President and is the current Executive Vice President of our Local. He has completed Labor Law and Labor Arbitration training for the State of Missouri along with Steward Training.

Jim also serves as President of the Greater St. Louis CWA City Council working to combine the collective strengths of our Union. He was elected in 2011 to serve as the President of the Missouri Political and Legislative Committee where he is working to bring a collective fight against the Right to Work (for less) Legislation and to press our politicians to serve the American worker not just big corporations.

In his years of service to CWA Members, Jim has served on three Bargaining Committees for our Yellow Pages Members. Not only has Jim represented Yellow Pages Members, he has experience representing Members in multiple contracts held by our Local. Jim believes it is his duty to provide the best representation possible for our Members.

Jim was instrumental in developing the Local 6300 Stewards training curriculum and has served as our Steward Trainer for Local 6300. He is committed to working with and developing new leaders to ensure CWA Local 6300’s staying power as one of the best Local’s in CWA.

As Executive Vice President Jim has the responsibility of working directly with the President in carrying out the Members agenda as well as assisting the Vice Presidents in representation issues. As recent history has shown, at any time the Executive Vice President can be called on to assume the role of President of our Local. If that is the case you need someone with a proven track record to handle the job. Jim Kolve is that choice.

Mark Johnson

Mark has been a loyal member of CWA for 34 years. Mark started as a steward in Local 6320 changing jobs from installation to construction thus becoming a steward for Local 6310. While working with the Organizing Committee and serving on many of the other committees, Mark was appointed to Vice President for the North District fulfilling the last year of a three year term, representing outside plant tech’s, service rep’s, clerical and central office personal. Mark served 4 years as Vice President then was elected to an Officers position of Treasurer serving 12 years for Local 6310 thus becoming Local 6300. As an Officer for 12 years Mark has one time or another filled in every position on the board from Secretary to President. Having the knowledge to Lead, Mentor, and Represent the Membership/Board of Local 6300. Mark has earned the Honesty and Integrity, as a Treasurer going the through audits of the IRS and DOL (Department of Labor) with all records to be found in order. Mark not only worked on all the Local’s Committees he was the Chair of Stewards Training, Entertainment Committee, Building Committee, and Committee on Equity in Local 6310. Mark was also Secretary/Treasurer for the Greater St. Louis CWA City Council serving over 7800 members.

Mark is currently a Board member of The Mary Ryder Home. Mark has worked with the Home for over 25 years, serving indigent and low income men and woman of the St. Louis area. Mark worked on the United Way Campaign for over 20 years serving on the Board for the Tri-County United Way for 6 years.

In Solidarity Mark G Johnson

Donna Walsh

Donna has been a CWA member for 34 years. Starting her career as an operator in Sikeston, MO. She moved with her job to Ferguson, MO in 1978.

She has served as an elected steward in Local 6301, as well as a Chief Steward.

Donna transferred to the Maintenance Center in 2001, where she became a steward for local 6310, and later was elected Vice President of Metro area. With the merger of 6310 and 6320 she was elected Vice President of AT&T Operations in 2009.

As the Vice President covering the Corporate Call Center she had over 30 grievances overturned due to mobilization fighting the Scorecard. As well as pushing grievances to arbitration in the Uverse MLAC. Donna takes all union members issues serious and is available at all times to listen.

Donna strongly believes in all three sides of the CWA triangle. Her goal is to leave this local stronger for the generations coming behind us while looking out for the retirees that have paved our way to get here.

LOCAL 6300 CANDIDATESExecutive Vice President and 2nd Delegate*

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Clarence Dover

You deserve someone with PRIDEProfessionalism Respect Integrity

Dedication EnthusiasmI started with SBC in February 2000 as

a Console Operator for 18 months. In my 11 and ½ year tenor I have also worked in the Treasury dept for 2 years before moving to ASI as a Service Order Writer for 2 ½ years. Currently I am working as a Facilities Specialist in the Uverse MLAC. I became a steward under Local 6320 and for the last 5 years been working to learn and do as much as I can to serve my fellow brothers and sisters. I am a advocate for equal and fair treatment in the workplace, I am a member of League, and I am on the entertainment committee for the last 3 years. I have a strong work ethic with an emphasis on being open and honest. I don’t believe respect is given simply by title but that you must earn that respect to match the title. With 18 years to go until retirement I have a vested interest in the future of our local and look forward to being given the chance to earn your respect and protect our future and the future of our local.

Page 4 October 2011

Election - Local Executive Board

Dave Hoyt

Dave has been a Member of CWA for over 27 years. He began his career with AT&T as a temporary 800 Information Operator during the summers of 1981, 1982 and 1983; then he was re-hired as a regular full-time Operator in 1985, again as a Member of CWA Local 6301. In 1992, he transferred to the title of Customer Services Technician as a Member of first CWA Local 6320 then Local 6310 where he became a Steward in 1995. Dave transferred to his current title of Cable Splicing Technician in 1999, serving in both Locals 6310 and 6320 in the position of Steward. He continued to serve as Steward in the newly merged CWA Local 6300, was appointed Chief Steward in 2009, then in 2010, to his present position of Vice President AT&T Plant 2.

Dave is currently the Executive Board Liaison for the Legislative Committee and the Building Committee, in addition to serving on the Mobilization Committee. In the past, he has also served on the Organizing Committee and the Election Committee. Dave has been involved with the United Way and March for Babies campaigns for many years and is an integral part in raising funds for these organizations.

Dave believes in the future of our Union, he has been an essential element in developing new Premises Technician Stewards and providing them with the opportunity to be involved with all steps of the grievance process.

Due to Dave’s involvement with the Building Committee, he has the experience and knowledge to manage the building and protect our largest assets. Dave has the commitment, drive and veracity that is necessary for great leadership. He has demonstrated integrity and dedication. Dave Hoyt is the best choice for Administrative Vice President.

Jim Riney

My name is Jim Riney and I am running for the office of Administrative Vice- President. I have been a union employee with AT & T for 31 years and a steward for the past 25 years. In that time, I have gained extensive experience working within and being involved with union activities. I have served on multiple committees, including the Election Committee and the Finance Committee. Most recently I was involved with the Community Services Committee. I earned a business degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. If elected, I envision a much more visible and active CWA membership base. With my experience, business background, and dedication to the values of the CWA, I hope you will find me to be the most qualified candidate for Administrative Vice-President. Thank you for your support. If you have questions or would like to speak with me, I may be reached at jriney75@gmail.com or 314-807-6804.

LOCAL 6300 CANDIDATESAdministrative Vice President and 3rd Delegate*

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October 2011 Page 5

Election - Local Executive Board

Virginia Anderson-Dunbar

Virginia has over 30 years of experience representing CWA Members. She has held the titles of Steward, Chief Steward, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and Treasurer. Virginia has served on numerous Local Committees as well as representing all of CWA District 6 on the Safety and Health Committee and the Women’s Committee. Virginia was instrumental in setting up Local 6300’s current accounting system as well as building the reports that allows our Members fiscal transparency at every General Membership meeting. Guarding the Member’s money and treating it like it was her own are not just words with Virginia, it is reality. As your Treasurer, she is constantly looking for ways to save our Local money whether it involves recommending expense cuts or refinancing our building at more favorable terms.

With Virginia you can rest assured the Locals funds will be safe and the Membership will have the accountability it has grown to expect from this office. As times become increasingly difficult for Labor Unions in our country we need someone with Virginia’s experience and knowledge in this critical position.

Re-Elect Virginia Anderson-DunbarTreasurer CWA Local 6300

Vickie Jordan

I have been with the company and a union member for 34 years now. I have had quite a few positions with the company and have gone through many adjustments over the years with surpluses and changes within the company structure. Presently I am a Facility Specialist in Earth City with the Uverse/Mlac.

I have served on several committees’ such as the Woman Committee, Entertainment Committee and Mobilization Committee. I have been involved in United Way both in a committee member and a worker capacity.

I would describe myself for my members as being dedicated, hard working and organized. I have also served as a Steward and currently Chief Steward.

My background with college is finance and business administration.

It would be an honor for me to be able to serve this union as its next treasurer.

Thank you

Elected By Acclamation

Secretary and 4th Delegate*Debora MurrayVice President ATT Plant 2**Mark Barban Vice President ASI**Ken BatesVice President Metro**Sonja Gholston-ByrdVice President Appendix B&I**Jeff SpraulVice President ATT Advertising Solutions**Mark KennonVice President CenturyLink/Verizon**Kim ReynoldsVice President Print and Media Sector**John Ebeling

* A vote for a candidate for these offices of the Local shall also constitute the same person as a delegate to CWA Conventions held during the term of office for which the Election is being conducted.** Additional delegates to the CWA Conventions shall be elected from the Vice President Group by the majority of the Membership voting by secret ballot at that membership meeting conducted not more than 120 days nor less than 30 days in advance of the Union Convention.

LOCAL 6300 CANDIDATESTreasurer and 5th Delegate*

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Good & Welfare

Page 6 October 2011

Please see your Union Steward to submit notices of deaths,

retirements, disabilities, or other announcements within your office.

Next Meetings:October 19

November 16Motions 9-21-11

Motion: by Joshua Kayser, second Mike Bar-ban to sponsor two holes for the Local 6300 Community Services Golf Tournament that benefits March of Dimes, Voices for Children and the Joplin tornado victims September 24, 2011. Motion carried.Motion: by Jim Riney, second Russ Kaesser to purchase four tickets to the 25th Annual Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Awards Banquet 10/22/2011. Motion carried.Motion: by Bill Morton, second Joshua Kay-ser to send Mike Mehringer to the Missouri President’s meeting in the Lake of the Ozarks October 5-7, 2011. Motion carried.

RetiringJulie Altman 08/07/11Veronica Andrews 08/08/11Shirley Lanier 08/19/11Margaret O’Connor 08/19/11Donna Mareschal 08/19/11Mark Hellyar 08/19/11Kristine Drzewucki 08/26/11Jerry Buehler 08/31/11Sharon Roberts 09/01/11Henrietta De Vore 09/01/11Michell Britton 09/02/11Cynthia Isom 09/02/11Betty Works 09/02/11Valerie Richardson 09/02/11Monica Tyler 09/02/11Pamela Vogler 09/02/11Kimberly Oldani 09/02/11Janet Twente 09/02/11Patricia Costello 09/02/11Kathie Rich 09/02/11Lee Lampe 09/02/11Margie Graham 09/02/11Susan Risinger 09/02/11Andrew Bova 09/02/11Florence Arnold 09/04/11William Schulte 09/09/11Kellie Graves 09/16/11Rebecca Marrs 09/28/11Peggy Haefner 09/28/11

Alex Platipodis

I have been a member of CWA for over 11 years. I started with SBC in 2000 at ASI as an NCT. During my time at ASI, I served as a steward and chief steward. While serving with Local 6310, I was the chairman of the Audit and Finance committee and worked through two audits with the IRS and Department of Labor. After the merger I also served on the Audit and Budget committee of Local 6300. I served on the Building Committee for both locals and the Organizing Committee for Local 6300. I moved to a CST position with installation and repair at the Baltimore garage(Overland, MO) in 2009. I served as a steward in installation and repair and I am fully aware of the challenges that we face in the increasingly demanding environment created by AT&T.

As vice president of AT&T Plant 1 my focus will be to serve the members with strong representation and to rebuild the trust of the members. When I speak with fellow union brothers and sisters more times then not I hear negativity about our local. My goal is to focus my work, and the work of the local, to serve the members in a manner in which we regain their trust. In order to maintain our power and respect at the bargaining table we must be united. We can only do that with a united membership that has full faith and trust in its leaders. Together we can build a stronger union.

Mark Crawshaw

As a CWA member for more than 22 years; he began his career with AT&T as an Operator in 1989 and is currently a Customer Services Technician in Florissant. Mark served as a Steward for both Local 6310 and Local 6320 for seven years and was appointed to his current position of Chief Steward in 2010.

Mark has worked closely with current Vice President Ron Munford on the representation of the Members and has proven to be successful in resolving grievances. He was part of a task force in 2010 that was responsible for getting MSOC Objectives lowered to a more attainable level. Mark is currently working on the issue of the new idling policy; he has been dedicated to proving the company is unfairly treating the employees and putting our Members at risk.

Mark is a Member of the Legislative Committee, Bylaws Committee and the Mobilization Committee. Mark works with fellow Members of the Legislative Committee to pursue legislation to level the playing field and gain job security for our Members. He has proven to be a dedicated Union Member with the continued participation in Mobilization events.

Mark is dedicated to the Members of this Local and is looking forward to all the upcoming challenges that he will face.

Elect Mark Crawshaw Vice President AT&T Plant 1

LOCAL 6300 CANDIDATESVice President ATT Plant 1**

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The meeting was called to order by President Bob Huss. Bob said a prayer and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.

There were no Member deaths since the last meeting. Bob did ask for a moment of silence for any Members who may have passed that they were not aware of. Secretary Nancy Jinkerson read the minutes of the July meeting and announced the menu for the lunch. With no additions or corrections it was moved and seconded to approve the minutes as read. The motion passed unanimously.

Nellie Girouard gave the financial report. It was moved and seconded to approve the report. The motion passed unanimously.

Bob Huss introduced Marcia Cline from the United Way. She urged everyone to fill

out entry forms for a drawing and thanked everyone for their support of United Way. She also urged the Members to read the brochures and to contact United Way if they know of anyone who has a need. She showed a film and spoke of the help United Way has given to families of union Members.

Bob introduced Mike Barban who updated the chapter on the status of the flagpole for the CWA building. The concrete has been poured. It will be dedicated on September 21st and all Members were invited. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 with the cutting of the ribbon.

Vice President Earline Jones spoke. She reported on the Alliance for Retired Americans conference. Many issues affecting seniors were discussed along with ideas on how to promote those issues. She also reported on all the accomplishments of the Alliance. She listed the five goals of the Alliance.

President Bob Huss spoke. Forms from the Alliance for Retired Americans telling Congress to “Keep Their Hands Off Social Security” were put on the tables along with copies of a recent “Letter to The Editor” thanking labor unions for their work in ensuring better working conditions in the US. He asked Members to go onto Facebook and find the Retirees Chapter page. Bob updates it on a regular basis. He also asked Members to Google “Made In America” and they will find sites with products that are not foreign made.

Drawings were held and monies were given out as prizes.

The monthly birthday cake was won by Pat Morton. Bob told a joke. A motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting. Bingo was played afterwards.

Good & Welfare / Retirees

October 2011 Page 7

Retirees Meeting September 12, 2011New Members

AT&T Advertising SolutionsJustin AdamsSaroya AndersonAnn BerryJennifer BrueggemanMary DarlinTisha DillardJerry DuncanRyan FeldmanAshley GlassLakesha JohnsonRonald JohnsonKenneth JohnsonMeltoya JonesJanee’ KendrickMatthew Kidane

Darryl KirbyTobius LampkinChristopher NoeldnerMichelle PointerNicole RiceTiffany RobertsonDorothy RobinsonJamie RobinsonWilbur RossBrian RothThaddeus SalenderAshley SpencerEmily TuckerAndrika WhiteMegan Willbanks

AT&T TelephoneFrancisco AlbertoAbraham AlhalabiRichard AltmannGrant AndrewsShawn BarnardTimothy BethelPaul BlackmanNathan BriggsJermaine BryantZachary ConstantineBradley CradicCameron CrowJeff ErbJoshua EsalaZachary EvansJason FearsMark FigurelJason FinleyDaniel FoyJames GoudeauMichael GuthMike HaftarzcykCody HaleRyan HeinleinNathan HildebrandCorey HillJeremy HilliardMyron HortonTommie JohnsonSteven JungeRonald KeeblerRichard Kerr

Dylan KiferJacob KlineKirk KozmaJoshua LanceWalter LandriganRobert LeeShanika LoveJacob MarinoRyan McCluskeyJason McVeyKaelan MuddErmin MukicDerron PorterFrank ProkawskiAnthony RandleJake ReedWalter RobertsAnthony RukcicVarner ShippyShawn SladekZachary StanfillByron TateThomas TuneRyan TurnerMichael WalerLarry WatrobkaDonnie WeedmanRichard WileyDarrin WilliamsHieoshi YoshinoJultin Zaloshnja

AT&T Mobility Jenna BarbosaJason BarfieldCandace BrewerJack BrothertonScott DiehlBradley EldridgeAaron FornkohlLori GonzalezJoshua HastingsCraig JamesKenneth KellyMatthew KeslJared KingJeremy Moore

Ryan OakleyRachel ParrishKatherine PaulCassandra PennyJoseph PfundJames PickettGrant ReedMegan SaleJanelle SpringfieldPeter TalloKyle UffmannJamela WilkesLori Woltz

Retiree MeetingsNovember 14

& December 12 Meeting 11:30 / Lunch 12:00

Meeting Location 2258 Grissom Dr.$12 charge per person.

Bring a guestbut make reservations:

Bob Huss - 636-947-4299BHuss6350@sbcglobal.netEarline Jones 355-6860

Nellie Girouard 314-739-0317Nancy Jinkerson

314-809-3264

The Women’s Committee is appreciative of the opportunity to visit the wonderful city of Chicago for the annual CWA Women’s Convention. We spent three days listening to speakers speak about women of the past and where the women of the future need to go. It was very invigorating to listen to the speakers as well as the other groups of women and how committed we all are. We spent time in our groups discussing the things that each committee has done for women or their community. We are all hopeful to be able to do more and get other committees involved in things such as coat drives, toy drives, school supply drives. There are so many ways to get involved and give back. We are really looking forward to the next year and what it holds for the women of CWA Local 6300.

The Women’s Committeeat the CWA Women’s Convention

By: Tori Pratt, Steward

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