SBC STRIKE NOTICE ISSUED WALKOUT POSSIBLE IF NEGOTIATIONS BREAK DOWN.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

Thousands of union SBC Communications workers could walk off the job as early as today following weeks of negotiations that have yet to yield a new contract.

Though talks continue, the union representing workers at SBC Communications Inc. issued a 24-hour strike notice Tuesday. If negotiations break down, more than 30,000 California employees - and thousands more across 12 other states - could strike at any time.

The Communications Workers of America and SBC are still negotiating a three-year contract a month after extending the last pact. Union leaders said consumers would not notice the immediate effects of a strike, although businesses in need of technical assistance for telephone and Internet service are likely to see delays.

``As far as we know things are still happening at the bargaining table, but the 24-hour strike notice gives us the ability to walk at any time,'' said Dan McCrory, an SBC power technician and president of a CWA local in North Hollywood.

The recently concluded grocery workers strike continues to weigh heavy on the minds of union leaders, especially when health care benefits and job security are seemingly in limbo. San Antonio-based SBC said health benefits will remain virtually unchanged, requiring workers to pay 12 percent of the cost per visit to a doctor instead of the current four percent copay. Under the new contract, SBC employees would still not have to pay a monthly premium and the company said it will guarantee jobs for employees regardless of a department surplus.

``We have some of the highest wages in the industry, with our techs making twice as much as the other cable companies,'' said John Britton, an SBC spokesman in San Francisco.

If the union strikes, workers are still entitled to the same health benefits under the old contract. However, striking workers will no longer receive their normal pay, with a union stipend of $200 to $300 a week not kicking in until two weeks after the strike's start date.

``It's obviously not easy working without a net if you are on a trapeze,'' McCrory said. ``But that's why we have to do things like launch electronic pickets.''

Via e-mail, the union is asking family and friends of SBC employees to switch local and long distance service should it become necessary for negotiating purposes. Union leaders are also circulating fliers that state: ``By taking the community pledge (of switching service), you are showing your support for the fight against corporate greed at SBC.''

The company is responsible for the maintenance of telephone and DSL connections throughout Los Angeles. The San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita account for the most extensive SBC network in the Los Angeles region.

Technological advances in these areas continue to threaten the longevity of jobs for many SBC employees. And while the company is guaranteeing jobs for existing workers, labor remains SBC's greatest cost, said Wayne Homren, research analyst with Parker/Hunter in Pittsburgh.

Wireless technologies are leading SBC and other telephone companies to downsize because they no longer need as many workers. ``And any growth these companies are seeing is all wireless,'' Homren said.

To meet the new demand, companies like Verizon are whittling down their labor costs through attrition. Severance packages are also offered to influence early retirements or even career changes.

Though the short-term cost associated with severance packages is usually significant, the long-term benefits eventually outweigh initial losses.

``In terms of the bottom line, over the long-term Verizon was certainly able to save,'' Homren said.

Evan Pondel, [phone]

evan.pondel(at)dailynews.com