GTE’s Use of Outside Help to Restore Service Assailed

A Communications Workers of America representative claimed Thursday that GTE California, which provides phone service to Laguna Beach, was slowed in repairing fire-damaged phone lines because it used private contractors rather than employees--some of whom are slated for layoffs.

But GTE spokesman Dan Smith denied the allegations, saying the Thousand Oaks company used all available employees to assist the dozens of contractors it hired from throughout the state to restore service as quickly as possible.

Greg Summerell, president of CWA’s Local 9510 in Santa Ana, said GTE’s decision to hire private contractors saved the company money, but slowed the restoration of service.

“It’s just a slap in the face to the employees, and they’re pretty upset about it,” Summerell said. “Contractually, the company can do it. Morally, I think they’re exploiting those employees.”

Summerell said many employees wanted to assist in restoring service to Laguna Beach, but company officials chose to keep them assigned to regular duties.

Smith acknowledged such decisions were made. He likened the situation to keeping some firefighters at the firehouse while bringing in crews from throughout the region to put out wildfires.

“Somebody’s got to take care of regular business,” Smith said. “What Mr. Summerell is trying to do is take political advantage of a terrible disaster situation.”

Part of the dispute stems from a GTE announcement last month that the company had identified 284 “surplus” employees for layoffs by Dec. 15, including 30 cable splicers in Huntington Beach. Union-represented employees and GTE are also coming off contentious negotiations of a new contract signed in August, eight months after the previous contract expired.

Summerell said service in Laguna Beach could have been restored many hours sooner if employees had been sent in, because they know the area’s phone system better.

Smith disagreed, noting that Gov. Pete Wilson and the state Public Utilities Commission had commended the company on its response. He also said that several workers marked for layoffs have been working around the clock in the area of the Malibu fire.

“GTE has mobilized and organized the necessary work force to restore service to disaster victims,” Smith said. “We’ve used GTE workers and contract crews and we’re proud of our employees and their untiring efforts.”