Friday, the Communications Workers of America, or CWA union, announced its District 3 members working for AT&T Southeast had gone on strike, and that includes workers here in Tennessee.
The CWA said 17,000 workers are currently on strike.
The local Nashville chapter, CWA Local 3808, will begin picketing at 2:30 p.m. outside of the AT&T building, or the "Batman Building," downtown wearing read. Workers in Murfreesboro will be doing the same outside of the office starting tomorrow morning at 7 in front of the AT&T office on Butler Drive.
The CWA said AT&T Southeast employees are on strike to protest unfair labor practices committed by management during negotiations for a new union contract.
The strike includes employees who work in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and in Tennessee. It involves people who work as technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&Ts residential and business wireline telecommunications.
The CWA has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board Against AT&T.
The union claims the company was not bargaining in good faith, was engaging in surface bargaining, and not sending representatives to the bargaining table with the authority to make decisions. It also accuses AT&T of reneging on agreements.
CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt said in a statement: “Our members want to be on the job, providing the quality service that our customers deserve. It’s time for AT&T to start negotiating in good faith so that we can move forward towards a fair contract.”
A spokesperson for AT&T shared this statement with NewsChannel 5:
“CWA’s claims of unfair labor practices are not grounded in fact. We have been engaged in substantive bargaining since day 1 and are eager to reach an agreement that benefits our hard-working employees. As evidence, we have reached 3 agreements this year covering more than 13,000 employees, including our most recent tentative agreement with District 9 (west). We remain committed to working with District 3 (southeast) in the same manner.
“We’re disappointed that union leaders would call for a strike at this point in the negotiations, rather than directing their energies toward constructive discussions at the bargaining table. This action needlessly jeopardizes the wages and well-being of our employees.
“We have various business continuity measures in place to avoid disruptions to operations and will continue to provide our customers with the great service they expect.”
NewsChannel5 will continue to update this story as picketing begins.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at brianna.hamblin@newschannel5.com
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She's in her 80's and legally blind. Franklin woman continues to crochet for those in need
“Here’s a great story that proves everyone has something to give, regardless of age OR personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms Sylvia Mooney. At age 80, she’s not sitting still. Instead, she using her skills to craft compassion for others… one stitch at a time. Her crochet creations go to non-profits to help our homeless neighbors. You’ll be surprised to learn she does it all, while facing a serious health issue. Bravo Sylvia!”
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