Faces of Mason - Partner Spotlight: George Magnuson, CWA Local 1104
- Mason Technologies
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
George Magnuson
Business Agent, Telecommunications Division, CWA Local 1104
In low-voltage work, great projects run on great people, and great people deserve strong representation. For more than three decades, George Magnuson of CWA Local 1104 has been that steady and respected voice for technicians across Long Island and beyond. George came up in the craft, earned trust on the job and at the table, and believes the best outcomes are built on two things: respect and straight talk.
It’s rare in this industry to see a union business agent and a company maintain harmony for so long, but it isn’t about comfort, it’s about commitment. When both sides share a purpose—protecting people, solving problems, and doing things the right way, the result is a relationship built on integrity and respect. That shared approach has helped Mason grow while keeping people front and center, the #MasonWay.
Below, George reflects on his start, his approach to representing members, and why progressive discipline, consistency, and listening matter more than bluster.
Q: George, how did you find your way into the union world?
George: I joined the union at 18. I started at New York Telephone, then moved to AT&T, and later out to Long Island working remote maintenance on the big switches. I served as a steward in the city and out here. We had a tough third-level manager, so I went head-to-head, got things straightened out, and was appointed chief steward. A year later I ran for executive board rep and beat the incumbent two to one. I’ve been serving ever since, 38 years, and haven’t lost an election. It’s been a lifetime of advocating for fairness, making sure people are treated right, and helping the next generation of techs succeed.
Q: What’s your core philosophy when you’re representing technicians?
George: Respect and consistency. Follow the contract. Use progressive discipline. And tell everyone the same thing, you can’t give different answers to different people. You listen first, think before you talk, and you solve problems without turning every disagreement into a war. Representation isn’t about who can shout the loudest, it’s about knowing the facts, keeping calm, and helping both sides come to the right result. That’s how you build long-term trust.
Q: It’s unusual for a business agent and a company to have a long, productive relationship. How do you approach that balance?
George: My job is to represent the members, period. But you don’t have to be at war to do it well. If a company calls with a problem, I’ll tell them honestly whether it’s going to be a grievance or if we can correct course. With Mason, when something’s off, I’ll say, “Don’t do that, follow progressive discipline, do the reviews, follow the contract.” Most issues never turn into fights because we handle them early and by the book. That’s how you maintain mutual respect. You don’t cut corners, and you don’t play games.
Q: You’ve worked with many companies. Where does Mason fit in your story?
George: Right at the top. I met Adam and Jen in the early days of Mason. We had frank conversations about what would work and what wouldn’t. They listened, adjusted, and we built a working relationship grounded in respect for the techs and the contract. That’s why it works. They’ve built something special, a company that puts people first, values good communication, and does things the right way. I’ve always said, when you’ve got leaders like that, the members benefit too.
Q: Any career moments or organizing wins you’re proud of?
George: I’ve organized a lot of shops, and today I represent roughly 900 people. I’m proud of bringing in companies that historically weren’t with CWA and helping them become good citizens under contract. When word gets around that you’re fair, that the deal is good for employees and sustainable for the company, people call. I’ve always believed the union works best when both sides win, when employees are respected and companies can thrive.
Q: What advice has shaped the way you lead?
George: Two lines I live by: “Don’t try to be me, be you,” and “Engage brain before opening mouth.” Listen first. The more you listen, the faster you spot what’s real and what’s noise. You don’t need to dominate a room to lead one, you just need to be thoughtful, prepared, and honest.
Q: You’ve mentioned progressive discipline a few times. Why is it so important?
George: It protects everyone. Techs get coaching and a fair chance to improve. Companies build documentation and clarity. Skip the steps and you’re in grievance territory. Follow the steps and most problems get solved early. It’s the structure that keeps things fair and consistent, and that’s what keeps a workforce stable.
Q: Outside of the job, what keeps you grounded?
George: Family. I’ve been married 60 years, with six kids, sixteen grandkids, and a couple great-grandkids. We’ve camped, fished, crabbed, and made memories that remind you what matters most. Family keeps me balanced. They’re my reason to slow down once in a while, laugh at myself, and be grateful. My wife has been my rock, and she’s taught me plenty, like knowing when to listen instead of fix. That same principle applies to this work. Whether it’s at home or across the table in a meeting, respect starts with listening. The family mindset—patience, compassion, and accountability—is how I try to do the job too.
Q: Any thoughts on the future and succession?
George: Once my time in this position is over, my hope is that there’s continuity in how things run, that the right person steps into the role and continues to support our members the way they deserve. I’ve been proud to serve a long time, and I just want to see the same values carried forward.
A Message from the Masons:
"George has shown us one thing before all others, that integrity and caring about people is the way to run a business and create a family. The Mason Family is what it is today due in large part because of George's guidance with absolute morality and goodness in his heart. George, we are grateful and will always love you. "
Sincerely,
Jen & Adam Mason
About CWA Local 1104
CWA Local 1104 is a democratic union run by elected members who enforce contract provisions, organize the unorganized, coordinate mobilization, support community causes, and communicate on behalf of the membership. Business Agents like George serve to represent and support members across the Telecommunications Division.
At Mason, we believe strong partnerships with labor make stronger projects and safer, better careers for our technicians. That’s the #MasonWay. Thank you, George, for your decades of dedication and for always putting the careers and experiences of our technicians first.
