MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have negotiated tentative agreements with AT&T for new contracts in the Southeast and West regions. These agreements were bargained separately.
In the Southeast, the new agreement ends a 30-day strike, the longest telecommunications strike in the region's history. The strike involved union members across nine states who were advocating for better terms from AT&T.
Following the agreement, CWA members are scheduled to return to work on Monday, September 16.
The agreement for AT&T West was reached after members rejected a previous deal on September 6.
Jeff McElfresh, AT&T Chief Operating Officer, commented on the agreements: “We are pleased to announce that we’ve reached 2 tentative agreements with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The first is in District 9 in the West, which comes within days of getting back to the negotiating table to constructively reach a new deal. The second is in District 3 in the Southeast, bringing the work stoppage to an end September 16. As we’ve said since day 1, our goal has been to reach fair agreements that recognize the hard work our employees do to serve our customers with competitive market-based pay and benefits that are among the best in the nation – and that’s exactly what was accomplished. These agreements also support our competitive position in the broadband industry where we can grow and win against our mostly non-union competitors.”
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. emphasized the importance of unity in achieving the agreements. “I believe in the power of unity, and the unity our members and retirees have shown during these contract negotiations has been outstanding and gave our bargaining teams the backing they needed to deliver strong contracts,” Cummings said. He acknowledged the determination of striking members in the Southeast and the broader support from CWA members and retirees nationwide.
AT&T Southeast contract:
The Southeast agreement, which covers 17,000 workers, includes technicians, customer service representatives, and other roles involved in maintaining AT&T’s wireline telecommunications network across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The five-year contract includes a 19.33% wage increase across the board, with additional 3% increases for Wire Technicians and Utility Operations.
Health care provisions maintain steady premiums for the first year and lowers them in the following two years, with monthly increases in the final two years.
CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt praised the solidarity of members and allies. “We are incredibly proud of our members and thank CWA members, retirees, and allies across the country for the solidarity that has sustained us through these difficult negotiations. Their willingness to make sacrifices in order to win major improvements in their contract not just for themselves, but for future members is truly inspiring,” Honeycutt said.
He also acknowledged the impact of the strike on customers and expressed relief at returning to service.
AT&T West contract:
The four-year agreement for AT&T West, which affects 8,500 workers in California and Nevada, includes a wage increase of 15.01% since the contract’s expiration. The revised contract also features enhancements in overtime and scheduling policies.
CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce highlighted the progress made in the new agreement. “This new agreement builds on what we achieved in the first round of bargaining. In addition to maintaining gains on employment security, overtime, and scheduling, we improved the compensation package,” Arce stated. He attributed the success to the dedication of the bargaining team and the active mobilization of members throughout the process.
Both agreements are now subject to ratification votes by union members in their regions. The bargaining committees in each district have recommended approval of the tentative contracts.
