FCC Urged to Consider Jobs and Service in AT&T-BellSouth Merger

CWA urged the Federal Communications Commission to keep an eye on job levels and service standards as it looks at the pending merger of AT&T and BellSouth.

While noting, in comments filed this week with the FCC, that the merger "holds the promise of accelerating the deployment of high-speed Internet networks to more Americans," CWA told commissioners that BellSouth and AT&T have not provided commitments to the union regarding employment security.

CWA's filing pointed out that when SBC bought the "old" AT&T and then became the "new" AT&T, six months later the company announced a force reduction including the closure of consumer call centers in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Massachusetts while it continued to contract with overseas call centers.

CWA "is hopeful that we will be able to reach agreement with AT&T and BellSouth to protect the employment security of our members while promoting growth and quality service," the filing stated. However: "Absent progress, we will look to the commission to meet its obligation to protect the public interest, including protection of service-impacting employment, by ensuring that the merged entity does not sacrifice quality customer service by reducing employment and closing facilities to meet synergy targets."