The bargaining committee returned to the table on Tuesday to continue negotiations.
 
I'm sending you another document which may be helpful in educating members about where things stand. There appears to be a perception among some that the agreements reached by Districts 4 and 9 don't offer significant standard of living improvements because of increased health care costs. In fact, at the end of the new contract, members will see their standard of living improve by an average 2.85% after inflation. This is a significant gain in this difficult economy—the dollars in members' pockets will grow at a faster rate than prices.

Details are provided in "District 4 and 9 Agreements Raise Members' Standard of Living."

• Download District 4 and 9 Agreements Raise Members' Standard of Living

While we need to make sure we are combating rumors and misperceptions, let's not get sidetracked by what's happening at other tables. Please continue to educate your members on the importance of the overall package being negotiated and keep them actively engaged in supporting the bargaining team.
 
Stay strong, stay united, and stay mobilized!

In Unity,

Judy Dennis
Vice President, District 3
 
Remind your members: Official and up-to-date bargaining information is available only from the District 3 site at district3.cwa-union.org.