Elected Officials Join CWA in Call for Fair Contracts at AT&T

Members of CWA Local 7250 set up lunchtime informational picketlines outside AT&T's Minneapolis office.

Members of Congress are standing with CWAers for fair contracts at AT&T and are sending letters to AT&T chief executive officer Randall Stephenson urging him to negotiate contracts that preserve quality jobs and quality benefits.

CWA locals and districts are continuing to ask asking their senators and representatives to contact Stephenson, and across the country, elected officials have been doing exactly that.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote that "many of your employees have expressed concern over serious cuts to their health care benefits. While we work on a national health care plan, now is not the time for a profitable company like AT&T to slash crucial health care benefits." Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) also contacted Stephenson on behalf of CWA members seeking a fair contract.

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) expressed his concern over "AT&T's demands for severe cuts in health care benefits" and stressed that "a strong company like AT&T, in times like these, should be leading the way and showing how America can grow jobs, build communities and achieve guaranteed health care for everyone."

Missouri Democratic Reps. Russ Carnahan, William Lacy Clay and Emanuel Cleaver called on AT&T to reach an agreement that "would not only preserve jobs but also result in a fair and equitable medical plan that is both affordable and comprehensive."

In Maine, Rep. Michael Michaud stressed that "now is not the time to insist on a reduction in health care coverage from workers who through their labor contributed to the company's ascent to its position as a solid international competitor."

In District 9, in addition to letters from members of Congress, including Reps. Pete Stark, Linda Chavez and Joe Baca (D-Calif.), locals have reached out to other elected officials and have gotten support letters from members of the California legislature, city council members across the state and mayors. District 2 locals also are contacting state and local AFL-CIOs and asking them to pass resolutions of support.

For a copy of a sample resolution, contact news@cwa-union.org.