Authorization To Stike Vote

Brothers and Sisters,

The Election Committee has mailed out Authorization to Strike Votes to the last known address of our members. Please see below information.

June 20, 2018
To: All NOKIA Local Presidents - Telecommunications & Technologies
Re: Strike Authorization Vote
Greetings,
By now you all should have read the reports about the proposals the Company has presented during
this bargaining: the complete annihilation of one of the oldest bargaining units in CWA. Reaching a
fair contract with them will be extremely difficult. In light of this, it is important we proceed with a
strike authorization vote. NOKIA must know that we are serious about maintaining good jobs and a
fair Contract.
Attached is a sample ballot for you to reproduce.
Important: The Strike Authorization Vote count must be received by our office no later than 4:00 pm
EST, June 28, 2018. The count may be faxed to 202-434-1308, emailed to wconnolly@cwa- union.org
or mailed to:
CWA Telecommunications & Technologies Office
501 Third Street, NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
Attention: Vice President Lisa Bolton
If mailing, please put Strike Vote on the envelope. Please note, by law, Locals must keep the actual
ballots on file, so only forward the count to us and not the ballots. Please do NOT release any
numbers. Results will be posted in percentages only.
Also attached is an educational flyer originally developed to educate members about the importance
of the Strike Authorization Vote.
Also, you should be preparing your Local. Contact your District for training in preparing for use of the
Defense Fund, continue to build up your phone and contact lists and assign picket duty. Show the
members and the local management that this is a real option.
NOKIA Strike Authorization Vote
Locals have been directed by Vice President Bolton to conduct a Strike Authorization
Vote. What is this and what does it mean?
The CWA Constitution requires this before a strike can be called. Members of CWA working under
contracts with NOKIA must vote to authorize the CWA Executive Board to call a strike should this
become necessary. Members voice their wishes, which can then be acted on by the Board. Each
Local conducts a vote of their membership. These are turned into the T&T office. A final result is then
announced to the membership. NOKIA management is also made aware of the numbers.
A strong strike authorization vote lets NOKIA management know members are ready to do whatever
it takes to get a good Contract. It gives the Union bargainers the support they need at the bargaining
table when NOKIA is resistant to our demands. Without a strong strike vote, we are sending
bargainers to do a job without a necessary tool. A weak vote is a signal to NOKIA management that
we are willing to take whatever they give us.
Does a strong strike vote increase the chance we will actually go on strike?
No, a strong strike vote is one important element in bargaining with NOKIA. Another tool which helps
us get the best Contact we can is a strong Mobilization effort. Your Mobilization is a clear signal to
the NOKIA management you understand the issues; you are in support of the Union and willing to act
to show that support. Strong mobilization is often an effective way to avoid a strike. Another
important aspect of mobilization is obtaining public support, including legislators, community groups,
and customers.
Remember, in the event of a strike, members performing their assigned strike duty receive $200
starting on the 15th day for two weeks, then $300, and on 57th day it goes to $400 a week.
What are the issues for a good contract?
We have seen NOKIA continue to destroy good jobs. They subcontract out our work home and abroad.
While they train contractors for the future they have not done so with our members. At the bargaining
table, they demand us to agree to terminate the whole bargaining unit and subsidize the cost with our
pension dollars while not a dime comes out of NOKIA’s pocket. We must be able to secure a future of
our members in this round of bargaining. Send a clear message to NOKIA casting an overwhelming
STRIKE VOTE.
By casting a strong Strike Authorization Vote you will be telling NOKIA management we are “Fighting
for Fairness.” You will be giving your CWA bargaining team the additional strength they need when
they negotiate your future and your contract.
In Unity,
Lisa M. Bolton, Vice President
CWA Telecommunications & Technologies

Why do we need you to vote YES for strike authorization?
By Voting YES you are giving the CWA International President the
authority to call a strike against NOKIA if the contract negotiations
warrant.
Does that mean we will go on strike?
No. 98% of contracts are resolved without a strike. There has not
been an economic strike since 1986 in the NOKIA bargaining unit was
part of AT&T, but each time we have negotiated, members
overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike to be called if necessary.
We need a strong YES strike vote, and all workers in all locations
to participate in mobilization.
Please mark YES on your strike ballot.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Do we get paid while on strike?
A: It depends on how long the strike lasts. Every member in good standing who fulfills their strike
assignment will be entitled to pay from the National Member Relief Fund every week starting on day 15
of a strike paid out as follows: $200 on day 15, $200 on day 22, $300 day 29, $300 day 36, $300 day 43,
$300 day 50, $400 day 57 & every subsequent 7 days thereafter $400.
Your picket assignment will be determined by your Local.
Q: How do benefits work?
A: No CWA member on strike has ever been without access to emergent or necessary medical treatment
for themselves or their family. Not everyone will have their medical premiums paid by CWA, because
not everyone needs medical treatment during a strike. If you or a covered family member have a
chronic or recurring illness, receive an injury or otherwise need emergent medical care; information will
be provided about getting assistance with payment for premiums and/or necessary medical treatment.

A Yes to Strike
is a YES for:
Job Security
Increased Wages
Better Pensions
& everything else negotiated in the contract
Voting YES is not a guarantee that
we will strike.
Mobilization and a strong YES vote
help give our bargaining team the
POWER to protect our interests.
Protecting Our Past & Fighting for
Our Future
VOTE YES

In Unity,

R.K. Ferdinandsen

President

CWA Local 7590