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Monday, 26 January 2009 |
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IBEW Local 21 in Chicago has received a ruling in the federal lawsuit that IBEW filed against AT&T for unjust discrimination against union stewards, union activists, and staff regarding FMLA eligibility and …won! The District Court ruled that AT&T's refusal to allow IBEW members to apply for FMLA because of time worked for the Union was illegal.
All members negatively impacted by AT&T's illegal actions will be made whole. In addition, the judge ruled that AT&T must pay all of IBEW Local 21's legal costs, so, AT&T gets to pay IBEW to sue them. When this dispute arose, AT&T offered to resolve the issue, but only if Local 21 would agree to significant benefit diminishments. The leadership of IBEW Local 21 refused to accept these concessions and instead sued AT&T in federal court.
This lawsuit was the first time a labor union had challenged an employer's FMLA policy concerning time an employee/union member works for the union, so this decision could have nationwide implications for all of organized labor. A special thanks to Recording Secretary pro tem and Benefits Coordinator Lynn Arwood and IBEW’s benefit department who spearheaded this lawsuit. In addition, thanks to all members who had the courage to submit affidavits against AT&T in this case. The evidence that rank and file members submitted was the key to winning this victory.
Fraternally, IBEW Local 21
Chicago, IL
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