May Update

President’s Report – May 2025
CWA Local 13101 

I want to take a moment to update you on several key developments across our local and the bargaining units we represent.

State of Delaware Bargaining – Office of the State Bank Commissioners & Capitol Police Dispatchers
We are continuing to fight for fair and equitable contracts for both the Office of the State Bank Commissioners and the Capitol Police Dispatchers. Unfortunately, the State of Delaware has taken the position of offering identical wage proposals across all unions, which in our view does not constitute good faith bargaining. These roles are highly specialized and deserve individual consideration. Because of this, we were not able to reach an agreement on compensation and the next step in the process will be mediation. We want to be transparent: this will not be a quick resolution, as there are more than two dozen state contracts heading to mediation. Nonetheless, we remain committed to fighting for the wages and respect our members have earned.

Verizon – Storekeepers, Fastenal Phase-Out, Broadband, and Early Bargaining
On a positive note, Verizon has notified us that it will be discontinuing the Fastenal vendor model for minor materials. This change will take effect no later than October 31, 2025, and moving forward, Storekeepers will resume responsibility for managing materials delivered to the GWC. This is an important step in returning critical work back to our bargaining unit.

In addition, we recently received encouraging news that the State of Delaware has received Final Proposal approval from the NTIA. This is a major milestone in the effort to expand high-speed broadband access. Coordination with NIST is now underway, and permitting and statements of work are expected to move forward in the coming months. This deployment process will have a direct impact on the telecommunications industry in our region, and we will be watching closely to ensure it supports quality union jobs and strong infrastructure.

Verizon has also agreed to enter into early bargaining, with initial discussions scheduled to begin on May 21. This process will allow us to explore the possibility of reaching a new agreement before the expiration of the current contract. We don’t yet know if an agreement can be reached, but we will approach these talks seriously and strategically. I will continue to update you as those negotiations evolve.

Wells Fargo Bargaining – June 2025 Start
Bargaining for our Wells Fargo unit is set to begin sometime in June. While we are still finalizing proposals, our focus will be on securing meaningful wage increases, improving job protections, and ensuring a fair process around scheduling and work-life balance. I will share more specific updates as we approach the bargaining table.

As a reminder, please don’t forget to check our website at www.CWA13101.org for more updates. We regularly post bargaining news, meeting notices, and important member information there.

As always, I thank all of you for your continued support, solidarity, and engagement. Our strength lies in our unity, and we will continue to fight together for the dignity and respect each of you deserves on the job.

In solidarity,
Michael Watson
President, CWA Local 13101