Inside the Hurricane" places the reader with negotiators at the Bargaining table, and carries him/her behind the scene listening to private conversations and strategy. The reader will share in the intense excitement of negotiations involving five separate bargaining tables with five Companies which created extreme conflict and a very difficult climate for reaching agreement. It describes outside forces and the impact they have on negotiations. Struggles are revealed between competing leaders who have different constituencies, objectives and goals. How the member is manipulated or manipulates the process is illustrated in detail. The winners, rewards and failures, relationships, power struggles, death, and heartache is shared. In spite of all the obstacles, including a 30-day strike, a contract was negotiated and a relationship built with the Company, It is based on minutes of negotiations, tape recordings, meetings, news articles and extemporaneous notes taken at the time. The book is in three sections: 1. The first is a blow-by-blow description of negotiations as described above and shares the internal conflicts, the use of media and public politics and how all the issues are resolved with the gift of an unbelievable issue that settled the strike. 2. The story then transitions into a union political struggle, demotion and forced transfer to another state. The turmoil and isolation resulting in these activities, then running for Vice President of the Union. The aftermath in negotiations with then South Central Bell and later with BellSouth and The Communications Workers of America. (CWA) 3. A number of stand alone arbitration cases involving immorality and sex and how personal morality effects decisions that have unpredicted results. We dedicate "Inside the Hurricane" to the millions of workers who struggle each day just to feed cloth and shelter their families and who so often feel that they are not informed . Also to the Officers and stewards who serve. It is often wished by those who lead, "If you could only be there with me." The Eye of the Hurricane will place you there and open the window of understanding the complexities in representing your interest. It will help you learn from the mistakes, the joy and the human interaction that is encountered with peers, leadership and the workforce we all serve. It is intense. Learn as you enjoy.
About the Author: Calvin Patrick spent 40 years with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) representing employees as a steward, Local officer and for 23 years as a CWA Representative. He was involved in administration and negotiation of contracts, in many companies including BellSouth, South Central Bell, General Telephone of Kentucky, and United Telecommunications. In 1980 Patrick was a pioneer in recognizing the danger of escalating health care cost and began discussions with then South Central Bell to contain cost. The Company insisted on monetary penalties. Negotiations continued for two years before an agreement was finalized in 1983. Patrick was innovative and developed an arbitration retrieval system that was used as a template for CWA's first nationwide computerized grievance system (called GRIT). He urged the Company to agree to expedited arbitration and mediation process's that allowed the parties to handle suspensions and most discharges cases without attorneys or formal rules. The result was many more cases resolved and resources saved thus satisfying everyone. His last innovation was convincing BellSouth that it was appropriate for employees to wear the CWA Logo on Company uniforms. This was placed in the 1996 agreement. Building Mutual Respect and Trust was a hallmark of Patrick's work After two strikes of five and seven months each, Payton Adams, President of General Telephone of Kentucky penned a personal letter to Patrick, "As we close out the year I want to personally thank you for assisting in making our Company have a successful year. In the years of dealing with Union personnel, I put you at the top of people I know that are outstanding Union leaders. "I shall always be totally grateful for the assistance you gave me in improving the relationship between the craft and management employees in our company". Local President Carol Moss wrote, "We sure do miss having you as our State Director. You were and are a mean little @#%$, but at least you got the job done, and a hell of a job at that. I still love you just like I do my two brothers - - -Well I know you just want the facts. - - - We all love and miss you. Sure wish you were up here for negotiations. Regina Carol Moss, President Local 10372 In retirement Patrick was instrumental in starting a Foodbank and Furniture ministry in his Church which continues to grow. He continues in service to others.