As many of our members are seeking advancement or transfers to other areas within the Company, few have understood the criteria or process which AT&T staffing utilizes to make their decision when filling vacancies. The Local is posting information that will help with comprehending what and who is given more consideration over another when these positions are awarded. Seniority, test qualifications, previously holding the title, Article 7, versus article 10, versus Article 12!!! All of these factors can make it difficult and it is understandable why those who apply and do not get the position are frustrated.
Seniority is a major component to the selection process, however it is only one of many that must be considered when reviewing applicants for a position to be filled. Test Qualifications such as Technical Knowledge Test II are a requirement for the titles Electronic Technician, Digital Technician, System Technician. Technical Mechanical Test III (TMT3) is required for Outside Plant Technician, Service Technician Facility Technician.A senior technician without these tests qualifications will not be considered. A employee with a failing End of Year appraisal in the prior year would also not be considered. Prior disciplinary entries (B Forms) would disqualify a candidate as well. Technician that held the title as a “temporary employee” as described in Article 1.33, would not trump the seniority of an applicant with many more years of experience. So there are multiple facets of the selection process that must be considered before challenging or grieving a Selection for a vacancy. It is important to note, the employee is responsible to ensure that their records, and /or testing qualifications are up to date when applying for a position.
In Addition to ensuring your records and qualifications are current, calling the testing hotline (Especially for our Wire Technician Members), to verify if your tests qualifications are accurate. The TMT2 is no longer in existence and has been upgraded to TMT3. This “Upgrade” is not automatic and might not reflect on the Employee record at the time of his/her application. You must verify before the close of the Job Bid or the applicant will not be considered Test Qualified. Some members have encountered this problem, so make sure everything is accurate on your record and are qualified at the time the application is submitted.
Testing Hotline Telephone Number is 1 469 662-2251 Tracy Prince
Testing Hotline 888-850-4609, Leave a message if no one answers with your UID and what the reason for your call is (Example schedule test, inquire on an existing test. 8:00AM 05:00PM Monday to Friday.
THE LOCAL IS INCLUDING SEVERAL DOCUMENTS THAT SHOULD HELP WITH UNDERSTANDING THE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS. PLEASE CHECK THE PAGE TAB MARKED AS “SELECTIONS /STAFFING GUIDELINES & PRIORITY GROUPINGS”.