Inside the Hurricane

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.