CenturyTel Bargaining Report #14

March 12, 2008

This morning, the Bargaining Committees for CWA and CenturyTel gathered once again to continue negotiations on a new labor agreement. The parties met in several sessions throughout the day. During these sessions, the Union continued to remind the Company that they had yet to respond to the Union’s proposal on Wages. The final session adjourned at 9:48 pm. with the Union still waiting on the Company’s response on Wages. As such, the Company was very clearly reminded that the clock is racing toward Wednesday’s midnight expiration. The CWA Bargaining Committee reports that, while progress was made today, it was nothing more than taking baby steps.

There are many unresolved issues remaining. Along with Wages, other major issues that have not been satisfactorily addressed are Work Schedules; Evolving Technologies; Job Vacancy; Union Management Relations; etc. Your Union Committee will continue working into Wednesday’s morning hours in preparation for tomorrow’s sessions.

The Committee wishes to take the time once again thank the membership for the many supportive messages and signs of solidarity among the membership. This solidarity was on display once again this afternoon as a steady stream of vehicles drove past an ongoing bargaining session with horns honking.

Progress May Come

In Only The Smallest Of Steps

But In Marching Together

We Shall Prevail

UNITED WE BARGAIN

DIVIDED WE BEG