AT&T and its union start negotiations for a new contract. What this means for Kentucky

Louisville stands to see another summer ripe with labor activity, and even the potential for a strike to hit the metro.

The Communications Workers of America and AT&T have started labor contract negotiations for workers in the Southeast region; representing states Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Nationwide, CWA represents more than 150,000 AT&T workers across varying bargaining units. In Kentucky, for the current contract being negotiated, roughly 600 workers are impacted, according to Carolyn Cain, the Campaign Lead for CWA District 3.

"There is always a possibility of a strike. If the company is not willing to negotiate and meet the demands that the workers are asking for, there's a possibility of a strike," Cain, said, while the ultimate goal of negotiations on both ends is to reach a new agreement and have it ratified.

Here's what we know about the CWA and AT&T contract negotiations and what it could mean locally:

What does CWA want?

Contract negotiations started June 25 in Atlanta.

Negotiations encompass AT&T employees in the Southeast, in customer service roles, sales consultants, service technicians, wire technicians and outside plant technicians. CWA and AT&T are simultaneously negotiating a second contract that covers utility workers and machine operators.

In Louisville, Cain, who was previously 2nd vice president of CWA Local 3310 , told The Courier Journal the union's goals include improving healthcare benefits for active employees and retirees, "significant" wage increases with a cost-of-living adjustment along with work-life balance measures, among other items. The union would also like to see increased job security for members as well as for AT&T to add more positions.

Last year, CWA members were told to start saving money and be prepared for a strike, Cain said.

When does the current contract expire?

The contract expires at 11:59 p.m., August 3.

The five-year agreement covers workers from August 2019 through August 2024.

What is AT&T saying?

"We value our union-represented employees and support their total well-being with wages and benefits that are among the best in the nation. As one of the largest employers of union-represented employees in the U.S., we are committed to reaching fair agreements that recognize the work they do every day to serve our customers. Our strong, cooperative relationships with our unions have allowed us to reach 13 agreements since the beginning of 2022," Jim Kimberly, an AT&T spokesperson told The Courier Journal.

Has CWA had a strike in Kentucky before?

In 2019 during contract negotiations, CWA went on strike over "unfair labor practices" by management during the negotiations.

How could a strike impact me in Kentucky?

If workers strike in Kentucky, it could impact AT&T customers. People and businesses who need service technicians, wire technicians, customer service tasks or sales help may experience delays.

"As always, we’ll provide the great service our customers expect while staying prepared for all contingencies," Kimberly said.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_ .

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: AT&T and its union start negotiations for a new contract. What this means for Kentucky