CABL Forum - An unemployed HSP tech's story

I was employed by a HSP. The HSP had big plans to bring in Company Owned Vehicles (COV's) and provide gas cards. In exchange we were told that the tech's would be limited to $16 per hour top pay. Seeing that this is a %50-%60 paycut, the tech's became very upset as to how they would pay all their bills and provide a living for their families with the new changes.

We had several tech's quit for better work and the rest became interested in the CWA. After researching and meeting with the CWA, we found that they require the lowest dues, and they are ran by the tech's, not some outside entity, and by going to one meeting you as a tech have federal rights that protect you from being fired (the companies that don't adhere to this law get to pay the tech all the $$$$$ they lost while they were without a job and get their same position back, in some cases they get promoted, ie Comcast)

It took our office of 45 tech's 4-6 weeks to have %85 participation, but the conditions are perfect. At each meeting we had the Upper Mngmnt continued to talk down to us, not guaranteing a 40 hour work week, and basically say "if you don't like it hit the door." This added fuel to the fire and after each weekly meeting we got closer and closer to our %70 quota.

The main point is that the tech's MUST be employees. We were told that all HSP's would eventually do ALL DirecTV installs and ALL HSP's would have COV's and a hourly pay. This means at some point in the near future, moms and pops retailers will be forced to give their sales to HSP's. So, now is the time to get organized before the big wind of change keeps us frozen in the past making chump change.

The goals we are going after with the union are:
1. An hourly rate from $15-$22 top out. (very reasonable)
2. An affordable health care package. ($560 per month is our
current family plan)
3. Time and a half for Saturday/ Double time for Sundays and Holidays.
4. The abillity to wear weather appropriate clothing. (shorts as FedEx, USPS, Bellsouth, etc.)

Good luck and God speed

INSTALLATION

CONSTRUCTION / TECH

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An unemployed HSP tech's story