Brothers and Sisters,
On December 10, 2025, the Union submitted an initial information request regarding Optimum’s decision to transfer field operations to the contractor MasTec. While the Company provided some of the requested information, significant portions were withheld, and much of what was produced was heavily redacted.
The Union has consistently maintained that this information is necessary to understand the basis for Optimum’s unilateral decision to contract out work historically performed by bargaining-unit members—resulting in a planned reduction in force of the union-represented workforce—without notice to, or bargaining with, the Union. This information is essential for the Union to fulfill its duty to represent members in effects bargaining and to mitigate any adverse impacts or diminishment of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to which Optimum (Altice) is a party. The Company’s actions, among others, constitute clear violations of the CBA.
The Union has also requested a second meeting with Optimum (Altice) to discuss the effects of this transaction. We are currently awaiting confirmation of the proposed dates.
The Union has not received an answer to our second step grievances presented on 12/23/25. (Step 1 was waived — Articles XXIII and XXX Violations).
As referenced in an email sent yesterday, the Union is also seeking clarification regarding Optimum’s decision to release employee personnel files to MasTec. CWA Local 1103 has formally requested immediate clarification regarding:
• What specific documents and data from employee personnel files have been shared, or will be shared, with MasTec;
• What information will not be shared, including but not limited to disciplinary records, investigatory materials, medical information, complaints, or subjective evaluations; and
• Whether employees will be notified and/or given an opportunity to review or correct any information prior to disclosure.
CWA Local 1103 has further expressed serious concern that the disclosure of incomplete, outdated, or disputed performance or disciplinary information to a prospective employer may cause reputational harm and negatively affect employees’ future employment opportunities.
In addition, the Union requested to meet directly with MasTec, based on assurances from Optimum HR that MasTec would be open to meeting with the Union. MasTec management has indicated that due to PTO during the holiday season, they are unavailable to meet until January 7 or January 8, 2026. Despite this, the January 9, 2026 decision deadline—set unilaterally by Optimum and MasTec without Union input—remains unchanged.
Given that MasTec is unavailable to meet until just days before the deadline for members to make a decision, the Union formally requested that the deadline be extended to January 23, 2026. MasTec refused to extend this timeline, which is disappointing. We requested that this decision be reconsidered so that members have a fair and informed opportunity to evaluate their options. No response was received on the reconsideration request.
CWA Local 1103 will continue to keep members informed as developments occur.
In Unity,
Kevin Sheil, President, CWA Local 103
