FOUR-DAY STRIKE ON AT SBC THREE MONTHS OF NEGOTIATION PROMPTS WALKOUT.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

VAN NUYS - More than 100,000 union workers at SBC Communications Inc. began a four-day strike Friday, voicing concerns about health care costs and job security after three months of failed contract negotiations.

SBC didn't report any major disruptions in telephone and Internet service, although concerns still persist as to whether delays will surface through the weekend. SBC employees represented by the Communications Workers of America warned that customers should expect delays for new telephone and Internet connections.

``We are the umbilical cord from the customer to the company,'' said Terri Hughes-Haley, an SBC service representative and the executive vice president of a CWA local in North Hollywood. ``I think this will send a message to management showing that we are united.''

SBC amassed a team of about 40,000 employees to replace striking workers. Many of them include retirees and those from the ranks of management. The company said it does not foresee any disruptions going into the weekend.

At least 100 workers picketed Friday morning in front of an SBC building in Van Nuys, carrying placards that read ``S-elfish B-enefit C-utters.''

Because it's the first strike for many employees, their enthusiastic sign waving and chanting seemed to provoke an even louder cacophony of honking horns from passing drivers.

It's been about 15 years since SBC's previous strike and this generation of workers seemed prepped by the recently concluded grocery workers walkout. At least a quarter of the pickets in Van Nuys ranged from 25 to 30 years old.

Approximately 30,000 SBC workers in California and Nevada are expected to partake in this weekend's strike, with regional bargaining meetings scheduled across the nation.

The cost of rising health benefits is among the greatest concerns for workers. Under the proposed contract, SBC employees would see their co-payment for health care rise on average by $420 a year. Meanwhile, SBC employees currently make co-payments of about 4 percent to 7 percent, with SBC proposing about a 150 percent increase.

``We're single moms, and raising the price of health care is not easy for us,'' said Nicole Lopez, 25, who works in customer service. ``And then, there are the jobs that are going to India. Our customers would rather talk to local people that know the area. People are now starting to ask us where we're located.''

San Antonio-based SBC - the second biggest of four Baby Bell local phone operators - is also planning to start a three-tier drug plan in 2005, charging employees $10 for generic drugs, $20 for formulary drugs and $40 for brand-name drugs. Right now, workers usually pay about $5 or less for generic prescriptions.

``Health care is not optional for me. But it could become an expense that's difficult for someone that doesn't have big salary,'' said Gypsi Lopez, a 29-year-old customer-service representative who makes about $24.50 an hour.

The salaries of SBC employees generally range between $38,000 and $60,000 a year, with a majority of the work force netting close to $45,000 annually. Starting salaries for operators in the Los Angeles region begin at about $38,000 a year, with higher wages usually designated for service technicians.

SBC's proposal calls for employees to receive 4 percent of their salary in one lump sum for the first year and about a 7.5 percent increase in salary over the subsequent three years. Employees currently receive about a 10.5 percent increase in wages during a three-year period, according to the union.

``After six proposals, we're disappointed that there is still no closure,'' said Dan Gugler of Fleishman-Hilliard, which is handling media relations for SBC.

If the workers don't accept the offer, ``we're going to be starting with a completely clean sheet of paper beginning at 11:59 p.m. Monday (two minutes before the strike is scheduled to end),'' Gugler said.

The union and SBC management have yet to schedule a future meeting with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a Washington D.C.-based group that usually oversees contract negotiations.

CWA executive vice president Haley said the four-day strike will end Monday, although that ``doesn't mean it won't start up again. We're ready for this.''

Evan Pondel, [phone]

evan.pondel(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Communications Workers of America picket in front of the SBC building on Van Nuys Boulevard on Friday.

(2) Striking SBC employees show their picket signs Friday outside a company building on Van Nuys Boulevard.

Joel P. Lugavere/Special to the Daily News