AT&T "Legacy T" Bargaining Report #47

Bargaining again slowed to a crawl as your CWA team continued to press for movement on our key job security issues.  AT&T's leaders in Dallas just don't get it.  There are just too many ways for AT&T to destroy our unit – layoffs, VTP, movement of work to management, subcontracting, and movement of our work to other AT&T companies.  We need some real protections for our jobs over the duration of this next Contract.  While some progress had been made on JOG and National Transfer Plan, there is still not nearly enough protection of our existing work.

Because so little movement is taking place right now, the Company and the Union agreed to recess until Monday.  This will allow our bargaining team members to see their families for the Holiday weekend.  While we are aware how difficult it is for you out in the offices, you should remember that your bargaining team has been away from home with only a couple of trips home since FEBRUARY 19th.  They are making huge sacrifices, and everyone should remember that when your Locals ask you to participate in Mobilization activities.

July 4th is the day to celebrate America's independence from unjust domination.  All fights for justice demand courage and persistence.  Our fight is a part of a larger one for freedom from corporate greed that workers are waging across this country – from contract fights like ours at AT&T to the takeover at Republic Windows and Doors to the fight in Congress for the Employee Free Choice Act and real Health Care Reform.  We all need to be soldiers in this fight.