Florence Workers Strike Against AT&T Over Alleged Unfair Labor Practices
On Saturday, members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) working with AT&T Southeast took to the streets of Florence in a planned demonstration. About a dozen protesters displayed signs and voiced their grievances against AT&T, accusing the company of unfair labor practices.
Allegations Against AT&T
The president of CWA Local 3708 Florence District, RC Lee, stated that the strike was prompted by AT&T’s failure to bargain in good faith. He accused the company of not sending representatives to the bargaining table empowered to make decisions. This, he said, amounted to surface bargaining, undermining the sincere attempts of the workers to negotiate.
Further allegations included AT&T’s refusal to discuss mandatory bargaining subjects and reneging on agreements made during negotiations. The CWA has officially filed a charge of unfair labor practices against the company.
Wide Impact of the Strike
The Florence workers’ demonstration is part of a broader movement within AT&T, impacting over 17,000 workers, including technicians, customer service representatives and those who install, maintain and support AT&T’s residential and business wireline telecommunications network. The movement spans across multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
There are plans for continued protests and strikes in the coming days as the workers seek redress for their grievances.
AT&T’s Response
In response to the allegations, an AT&T spokesperson stated that the claims of unfair labor practices by the CWA were not grounded in fact. They stated that AT&T has been substantively involved in bargaining since the beginning of negotiations, and remained dedicated to reaching an agreement beneficial to all their employees.
While expressing disappointment at the CWA’s call to strike, the spokesperson stated that the action unnecessarily puts at risk the income and welfare of their workers. They reaffirmed AT&T’s commitment to the negotiation process, and expressed hope that union leaders would focus their energies on constructive discussions at the bargaining table.
In spite of the ongoing strike, AT&T assured that there were business continuity measures in place to prevent operational disruptions, and that they would continue to provide customers with excellent service.
Continuing Developments
As the situation develops, the calls for fair and constructive bargaining continue from the CWA while AT&T remains committed to reaching a resolution. With more strikes planned, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve, and what impacts it will have on both the workers and the wider AT&T community.
