Close to 20,000 AT&T workers have left their duty posts in the Southeast. The reason for this behavior, which may seem untoward at first glance, is contract negotiations. The workers accused their employer of not being entirely forthright with their participation in the contract negotiations.
The tension between AT&T and its workers has been building since June 25, when the acclaimed contract talks began. The talks kicked off between AT&T Southeast and the Communications Workers of America (CWA). At the negotiations, Vice President Richard Honeycutt of CWA District 3 tabled workers’ grievances in his jurisdiction. It turns out that AT&T workers in the Southeast were simply calling for a major review of their remuneration, allowances, and overall welfare on the job.
Unfortunately, the union leaders in attendance quickly noticed that the AT&T negotiators lacked the authority to arrive at any cogent decision. The CWA quickly petitioned the National Labor Relations Board in response to the cold water in the face. Their complaint borders on contempt of the rules governing industrial bargaining.
To make matters worse, AT&T reneged on previous agreements without even considering the new ones being negotiated. Having had the final straw, the CWA and the workers they represent withdrew their services from AT&T Southeast.
Labor Remains Resolute About Fighting for AT&T Workers’ Benefits
Since the strike began, the labor union and AT&T have exchanged rebuttals. The union has released statements suggesting that the workers are ready, eager even, to return to their jobs. However, AT&T is unwilling to initiate negotiations or arrive at a fair compromise.
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However, AT&T is quick to shoot back at the claim that it is the defaulting party. Pointing to the peaceful liaison with unions in other states, the communication company claims it is not to blame for the breakdown of negotiation proceedings.
The CWA is still very skeptical about AT&T’s waving white flag and its intent toward workers in the Southeast. The union suspects that the company’s unbecoming attitude is a ploy to downsize and replace workers with AI where possible. Union leaders believe AT&T is more concerned about profits than staff welfare. Meanwhile, AT&T’s quality services and market valuation are products of the dedicated efforts of these workers.
What Does AT&T Work For?
AT&T Communications is a household name among some 100 million US consumers. It provides communications technology and subscription services across mobile and broadband channels. AT&T broadband services afford its customer’s expansion capabilities across wireless and optic fiber networks.
AT&T made a name for itself as a telecommunications company with phone services as the core of its early operations. The internet boom has caused a recalibration of its goals and mission. AT&T still provides phone services, which are an appendage of its internet services.
Why Are AT&T Workers on Strike?
AT&T workers benefits are the major bone of contention in the ongoing work boycott. The AT&T workers involved are those in the Southeast of the US. Some of the states affected are Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
The walkout began on August 16 and may still be on by the 2024 Labor Day.
How many employees does AT&T have?
According to annual reports from last year, the headcount of telecommunication workers dropped significantly. T-Mobile US, Verizon, and AT&T let go of a tangible portion of their global workforce to cut operational costs. As of the 2023 year-end, AT&T employees number about 150,470 worldwide.
The 2023 figure is a decline from the 162,920 reported at the end of 2022. To know how far AT&T has come in its streak of worker cuts, the company’s global workforce was 230,760 strong in 2020.
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What Is the Current Workforce of AT&T?
According to recent data polled by stock analysis platforms, AT&T employees in 2024 will stand at 149,900. This is a 6.72% decline from the figure reported in 2023. We examined AT&T employee reviews from about four popular work review websites. AT&T received an average rating of 3.5 on a 5-point scale.
After reviewing comments from some former AT&T staff on the reviews, I noticed that the company’s work culture is inconsistent across the US. This is probably complicit in the ongoing Southeastern strike because we cannot help but wonder why employees in some states sing the company’s praise and those in South Carolina call for improved welfare.
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