AT&T Reaches Tentative Agreement with Communication Workers of America, Ending Historic Strike
By Savannah Logan
After a protracted and challenging negotiation, AT&T and the Southeast and West divisions of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) have finally reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to the lengthy strike that has taken hold.
The strike in the Southeast, which lasted for 30 days, stands as the longest telecommunications strike in the history of the southern U.S. Workers across Central Alabama and the state rallied in support, staging protests to demand better wages and benefits for telecommunications employees. These demonstrations, joined by workers and union supporters, were instrumental in keeping pressure on AT&T throughout the negotiations.
The new five-year contract will affect approximately 15,000 workers in the Southeast region. Under the terms of the agreement, employees will receive a 19.33% wage increase across the board. In addition, Wire Technicians and Utility Operations employees will see an extra 3% wage increase.
Healthcare benefits also formed a significant part of the negotiation. The contract will hold healthcare premiums steady for the first year, and in the second and third years, premiums will decrease, followed by gradual increases over the final two years.
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. praised the solidarity of the union members during the strike. “I believe in the power of unity, and the unity our members and retirees have shown during these contract negotiations has been outstanding and gave our bargaining teams the backing they needed to deliver strong contracts,” he stated.
Workers were expected to return to their posts on Monday, September 16, 2024, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in the fight for fair labor conditions within the telecommunications industry.
