Thousands of AT&T Workers Strike Across the Southeast, Including Alabama Cities
Over 17,000 AT&T workers, including those in Alabama, have gone on strike across the Southeastern US. Learn about the reasons behind the strike and its implications for employees and the company.
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On Friday afternoon, around 17,000 AT&T employees represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) initiated a strike across the Southeastern United States. This action includes workers from major Alabama cities such as Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile.
The strike was authorized following a letter from CWA president Claude Cummings Jr., who approved the action due to alleged unfair labor practices by AT&T. This decision came after a formal complaint was filed with the National Labor Relations Board. The union accuses AT&T of engaging in "surface bargaining" during contract negotiations, a term describing discussions where one party has no intention of reaching an agreement.
The previous contract, which had been in place for five years, expired on August 4, according to Mustafa Hassan, president of CWA Local 3905 in Huntsville, which comprises over 250 members. “We were prepared for a potential strike, but we hoped to avoid it,” Hassan stated. “Unfortunately, there was no progress in the negotiations.”
Since the last agreement was ratified in 2019, the nation has faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation, which have increased costs of living. The union is pushing for wage hikes, cost-of-living adjustments, and enhanced job security.
“AT&T is a multi-billion-dollar corporation that frequently boasts about its profits. We believe our demands are fair and reasonable,” Hassan added.
The strike impacts various positions, including technicians and customer service representatives, who are responsible for maintaining and supporting AT&T's network across Alabama and eight other Southeastern states. The CWA represents workers in several Alabama cities including Anniston, Gadsden, Jasper, Montgomery, Ashland, Sheffield, and Tuscaloosa. The dispute involves AT&T Southeast, AT&T Utility Operations, and AT&T Billing units.
While AT&T recently reached a tentative agreement with the CWA’s western units, the Southeastern units remain under a separate contract, as noted by a CWA spokesperson.
“If this situation can occur within a unionized environment, it should resonate with others who feel undervalued or underpaid,” Hassan reflected.
