AT&T Southeast Workers Strike: 17,000 Unite Against Unfair Labor Practices!
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) have launched a strike involving over 17,000 workers at AT&T Southeast. They are protesting what they describe as the company’s unfair labor practices. This action is taking place amid ongoing negotiations for a new union contract.
The strike affects a wide range of employees, including technicians, customer service representatives, and others who handle AT&T’s wireline telecommunications network.
These workers are crucial for both residential and business services in multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
CWA has taken a stand against AT&T by filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The union accuses AT&T of failing to negotiate in good faith.
Specifically, they allege that the company engaged in surface bargaining—where negotiations are conducted with minimal intent to reach a fair agreement—and that they sent representatives to the bargaining table without the authority to make decisions. The charges also include complaints about AT&T’s refusal to discuss mandatory bargaining subjects and their breaking of previously agreed-upon terms.
Richard Honeycutt, Vice President of CWA District 3, expressed frustration in a recent press release. “Our union entered into negotiations in a good faith effort to reach a fair contract,” he said.
“However, we have been met with company representatives who couldn’t explain their proposals and lacked the authority needed for genuine negotiations. Our members are eager to return to work and provide the quality service our customers expect.
AT&T must start negotiating in good faith so we can move forward toward a fair contract.” The strike reflects growing tensions between the union and AT&T as they try to resolve these labor disputes and reach a mutually agreeable contract.