17,000 ATT workers end one of longest telecom strikes ever
What's the story
AT&T and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have successfully concluded negotiations, marking the end of a month-long strike involving approximately 17,000 employees.
The strike spanned nine states and is now recognized as the longest telecommunications strike in the history of the southeeastern part of US.
The primary points of contention were wages and healthcare costs.
Agreement details
AT&T agrees to wage hike, healthcare premiums
The CWA announced that AT&T has agreed to a wage increase of 19.33%, with Wire Technicians and Utility Operations receiving an additional 3%.
The new contract in the Southeast covers technicians, customer service agents, and workers who install, maintain, and support AT&T's residential and business wireline telecommunications network across nine states.
The healthcare agreement keeps premiums steady in the first year and reduces them in the second and third years, with modest monthly increases in the final two years.
Union solidarity
CWA president commends unity during negotiations
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. praised the unity displayed by members and retirees during these contract negotiations.
He stated, "I believe in the power of unity, and the unity our members and retirees have shown during these contract negotiations has been outstanding."
Cummings also highlighted that this solidarity extended beyond just AT&T employees in the Southeast and West, with support coming from all regions and sectors of their union.
Additional agreement
AT&T West reaches new 4-year agreement
In addition to the Southeast contract, a new four-year agreement has been reached with AT&T West.
This contract covers 8,500 workers in California and Nevada and builds on the achievements negotiated in the previous agreement.
The wage increase will now be retroactive to the contract expiration date, resulting in a compounded increase of 15.01%.
The updated agreement also includes improvements to overtime and scheduling conditions.