CWA Members Vote Strike Authorization at AT&T: Workers' vote sends clear message to company.

Washington, D.C. – Members of the Communications Workers of America at AT&T voted overwhelmingly to give CWA leaders authorization to call a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached.

Negotiations currently are underway for a new contract covering nearly 12,000 CWA-represented workers at AT&T whose collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 10. For a strike to take place, the next step would be for CWA's executive board to authorize President Larry Cohen to set a strike date.

In announcing the results, CWA Vice President Ralph Maly, Communications and Technologies, said the overwhelming vote sends a clear message to AT&T that workers are serious about safeguarding health care and preserving quality jobs.

"Our goal is to reach a fair agreement, but that won't happen until AT&T negotiators address these very critical issues. Our members certainly want the "new AT&T" to succeed, but that means management must recognize the need to maintain quality jobs. Success at the new company shouldn't only benefit top executives," Maly said.

"Although it's the new AT&T, bargaining continues as if it's the old AT&T strategy. The parties are still far apart on a number of important issues," he said.

CWA bargainers and retired workers are very concerned over proposals to slash or eliminate retiree health care benefits. Many retirees are joining a letter writing campaign to AT&T executives, letting them know that quality jobs and maintaining quality health care benefits for both active and retired workers are a critical part of reaching a fair contract.

The merger of AT&T with SBC Communications was finalized Nov. 18. The new company will use the AT&T name and brand.