AT&T workers strike for better conditions, job security
Some 40,000 employees at giant US telco AT&T have held a three day strike a part of bargaining for improved conditions and job security.
The strikers, members of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) were largely from AT&T’s mobile division, AT&T Mobility, although they were also supported by employees from the company’s wireline and Pay TV businesses.
The strike represented the first such action by employees of the company’s mobile operations, including those working in retail stores.
AT&T returns nearly US $1 billion a month in profits but it continuing to squeeze employees by suppressing wages and threatening health benefits. At the same time it continues to outsource jobs to low wage countries. The CWA estimates that 12,000 call centre jobs have been cut out of the company since 2012.
CWA members are demanding AT&T commit to an agreement that delivers wage increases that recognise rising healthcare costs, job security against outsourcing, affordable healthcare, and a fair rostering/scheduling policy.
