Retiree Mobilization Opportunities

To:  C&T Retirees

Many retirees have asked what they can do to help during this very difficult bargaining with AT&T.  Management is attacking benefits for both active employees and retirees.  In addition, the more the Union is weakened by this Contract (and there are many Company proposals designed to weaken the Union), the less likely we will be able to defend all of our benefits in the future.

Here are some ways to help:

(1) If you are still in touch with your Local, join them in mobilization activities.  Many Locals are having lunchtime rallies or information picketing at AT&T buildings and at stores that sell AT&T equipment.  A strong retiree presence will show the Company and the public what AT&T is trying to do.

(2) Retirees are being asked to contact their congressional leaders and other public officials asking them to reach out to CEO Randall Stephenson.  They should tell him to stop attacking the benefits of AT&T's employees and retirees.  The main point is that AT&T is a VERY healthy company, which highly compensates its executives, and it will hurt the economy by attacking our health benefits.

Click here for a sample of the letter we are asking legislators to send to AT&T. 

(3) You can write letters yourself to President Obama, asking him to intervene by pushing AT&T to give its employees and retirees a fair deal.  The best letters are the most personal ones – how long you worked at AT&T and how you contributed to its success; how much you and your family rely on the benefits you receive; what will happen if these benefits are taken away or it you have to pay a lot more for them.

Finally, keep checking the CWA C&T web site for more mobilization and bargaining information.  Also, if you are an Alcatel-Lucent or Avaya retiree, many of you started with AT&T and all of you have had to wage the same fight to protect your benefits.  Your help would be appreciated also.

Thank you for all you do.