17,000 Former AT&T Wireless Workers at Cingular Join CWA

A wave of organizing by Cingular workers in Iowa, Texas and Michigan has brought the total of former AT&T Wireless employees represented by CWA to nearly 17,000. More than 75 percent of the former AT&T workers have signed up for CWA representation within the past year. Overall, nearly 90 percent of Cingular's employees, or 38,500 workers have representation with CWA.

The latest gains include 78 network technicians in Iowa and Texas. In a drive fueled by concerns over rising healthcare costs and secure benefits, 66 cell and switch technicians across the state were visited by organizers and Cingular workers from CWA Locals 6001, 6110, 6132, 6137, 6143, 6150, 6200, 6206, 6222, 6225 and 6733.

In another multi-local campaign in Iowa, organizers from Locals 7102, 7103 and 7108 spoke one-on-one with 13 former AT&T Wireless techs, answered their questions and helped them join the union.

The American Arbitration Association also certified 87 former AT&T Wireless retail associates in Michigan. With that certification, all eligible customer service representatives throughout District 4 have gained CWA representation. Locals 4100, 4108 and 84768 assisted those workers in getting their CWA voice.