MEMPHIS, Tenn. — AT&T and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have entered a federal mediation as workers in AT&T Southeast continue their strike against the company.
The Communications Workers of America — the union representing the striking employees — also claims a striking worker in Eads, Tennessee was injured on the picket line by a vehicle driven by a contractor brought in to cover the work of those on strike.
CWA said workers walked off the job Aug. 16, 2024, in response to AT&T's failure to bargain in good faith. Workers have been attempting to reach a new contract since June. The labor organization said AT&T did not send representatives to the bargaining table who had authority to make decisions and that the company has reneged on agreements made in bargaining.
“We’re more than happy to go back to work and more than happy to serve the customers like we do every other day of the year, but until AT&T starts acting right, we’re going to be here on the picket line because they're bargaining in bad faith,” said Eddie Maresca, President of CWA Local 3603 in Charlotte, N.C.
AT&T has denied the union's accusations.
“We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement with CWA District 3, and we have offered to bring in a federal mediator to ensure there is no question about either side’s commitment to this process,” said a statement sent to ABC24. “Until a deal is reached, we have business continuity measures in place so that we can continue to provide our customers with the great service they deserve.”
AT&T said it reached three separate agreements this year covering more than 13,000 employees.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
