Cingular Wireless Honored for Respecting Workers' Rights

At its annual celebration of progress in achieving workers' rights, American Rights at Work honored Cingular Wireless and several others for their contributions and commitment to the fight. The event pays tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt, who was a tireless champion of workers' rights as human rights and a strong advocate of the labor movement.

Cingular Wireless was honored for its resolve to treat workers with respect. Teresa Joyce and Deborah Casey, two CWA members who work at the Cingular Wireless customer service center in Lebanon, Va., participated in the event, and Joyce told the gathering that they experienced a real difference in management attitude when Cingular took over from AT&T Wireless.

Workers were afraid to speak out and even more afraid that they would be fired for wanting a union voice, Joyce said. When Cingular came in, it soon became clear that the company had a different outlook and respected workers' decision about joining the union, she added. 

In accepting the award, Rick Bradley, Cingular's executive vice president for human resources, said Cingular was convinced that its partnership with CWA and employees was a critical edge. "We share mutual goals and values, enabling us to continue operating successfully in a very competitive environment," he said. Bradley acknowledged CWA President Larry Cohen for his work in building the CWA-Cingular partnership.

David Bonior, chair of American Rights at Work, said those honored were "setting new standards to protect workers' rights. When companies like Cingular and Walden Asset Management take the high road on workers' rights, we all benefit." 

Mary Beth Maxwell, executive director of the group, said the goal of achieving workers' rights was necessary "for all of us, for our children, and for all children," so they can work in an America that values dignity and respect.

Also honored for their support of workers' rights were Walden Asset Management, musician Tom Morello, actor Danny Glover and writer Studs Terkel, who received the lifetime achievement award.