Communications Workers of America, Bell Atlantic and NYNEX pledge to work together in merged company

The management of NYNEX and Bell Atlantic and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have reached an agreement to work together in the merged company in a partnership based on mutual trust and respect.

The agreement, signed by executives from both companies and the union, is attached.

Following is a statement by CWA President Morton Bahr:

"This agreement, reached after months of discussion, establishes a framework for the relationship the CWA will have with the new Bell Atlantic. We are confident there is a mutual trust between the companies and the CWA that will enable the merged company and the members of the CWA to grow and succeed together.

"We're certain that through the full utilization of our CWA members' skills and abilities blended with the most innovative and effective technologies, we can better serve our communities and our customers, while providing job security for our members."

NYNEX and Bell Atlantic said, "We are gratified that we have been able to achieve this agreement. Ever since we announced our intentions to merge, we have made it clear that our employees will be treated fairly in the new company. We are committed to working for the long-term benefit of all our employees by creating a strong, vibrant company that can prosper in a new competitive environment."

Following is a complete text of the agreement:

Building for the Future- A Compact -

The New Bell Atlantic and The Communications Workers of America

The management of NYNEX and Bell Atlantic and the Communications Workers of America pledge to work together in the new Bell Atlantic Company for commonly shared purposes and values in a true partnership based on mutual trust and respect.

Joined at all levels of the enterprise in a spirit of cooperation, we commit to achieving our common goals of competitive performance and exceptional service to the communities we serve through the full utilization of our human skills and abilities blended with our most innovative and effective technologies.

As our two parent companies will join to better serve their customers and stockholders, so will we forge a team of men and women, management and vision, to make the achievement of this goal a reality. Together, we will create a new enterprise based on a human relations model that will set a standard for commitment to each stakeholder for the twenty-first century and beyond.

We recognize that such an ambitious undertaking can only be achieved over time with all concerned demonstrating a willingness to be innovative and a willingness to change. As we proceed in the design and implementation of this new compact we will face difficult challenges which will test the mettle of all involved.

We therefore pledge to work diligently together; to preserve:

• The company, by respecting the vital role played by each individual employee and honoring the indispensable role of the union as it responds to andarticulates the concerns and aspirations of the men and women of the new Bell Atlantic;
• The union, by accepting its important role in meeting competitive challenges as difficult choices affecting the enterprise and its employees unfold;
• The employees at all levels of the organization, by grasping opportunities and challenges being offered and responding with enthusiasm and commitment.

On this day, Nov. 5, 1996, the officers of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX and the leaders of the Communications Workers of America attest their affirmation of the Compact presented here.

The agreement reached by the Communications Workers of America, Bell Atlantic and NYNEX was signed by the following individuals:

Morton Bahr, president, Communications Workers of America

James G. Cullen, Bell Atlantic vice chairman

James J. Dowdall, NYNEX vice president for labor relations

Donald B. Reed, NYNEX president and group executive

P. Tyler Williams, Bell Atlantic vice president for labor relations