AT&T Mobility Refuses Extension as Contract Expires, Union Advises Members to Report to Work for Now

Contact: Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, cjohnson@cwa-union.org, 202-434-1168
ga.cwa-union.org/att/mobility

Washington, D.C. – The contract covering 20,000 AT&T Mobility workers represented by the Communications Workers of America expired at midnight, with several critical issues not resolved. CWA and Mobility bargainers met briefly yesterday, and at that time, CWA requested a 30-day contract extension because of the number and complexity of remaining bargaining issues. AT&T Mobility refused.

For now, employees will continue to report to work. For workers, the terms of the contract remain in effect, meaning that wages, working conditions and benefits like health care will continue unchanged, with the exception of arbitration for grievances.

CWA has made it clear to Mobility that it is prepared to bargain at any time to resolve the issues in these negotiations. Unfortunately, AT&T Mobility has shown no willingness to do so.

"CWA is disappointed that Mobility management would rather bargain in the media and use scare tactics to frighten employees instead of sitting down and working out an equitable agreement," said CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill.

"AT&T Mobility employees are a big part of the company's success. They are looking for an equitable agreement that recognizes their part in making AT&T Mobility an industry leader," she said. AT&T, even in these challenging economic times, is a profitable company and should be a leader in maintaining quality jobs.

CWA members at AT&T Mobility voted by an 85 percent yes vote to authorize a strike if a fair and equitable contract isn't reached. In these negotiations, CWA represents 20,000 Mobility workers in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, the mid-West, Mountain States and the West Coast.