Cingular 'Blue' Memphis Call Center Second to Vote CWA

CWA on Aug. 11 was certified through a card check recognition to represent 390 workers at a Cingular "Blue" call center in Memphis, Tenn. It is the second former AT&T Wireless call center where workers have gained union representation since the company's merger with Cingular gave them negotiated card check and neutrality organizing rights.

There are about 20,000 union-eligible employees altogether in the Cingular "Blue" units.

District 3 Vice President Noah Savant praised the effort of CWA Local 3806 President Mike Bennard and Vice President Robert Santucci, who helped the workers organize and will represent them.

CWA members at Cingular's national distribution center in Memphis also played an important role in the campaign, said District 3 Organizing Coordinator Hugh Wolfe. Two-dozen workers at the call center worked on the internal organizing committee.

Workers' major concerns, Wolfe said, were threatened changes in their benefits and working conditions.

Earlier this spring, call center workers at a Cingular call center in Jackson, Miss., gained CWA representation.

Organizing efforts are underway at several other former AT&T Wireless call centers and retail stores around the country.