AT&T, CWA Agree To Contract Extension As Negotiations Continue

AT&T and the Communications Workers of America, the union representing AT&T mobility workers, have reached an agreement to extend the contract due to expire Saturday as negotiations continue, AT&T said in a press release.

More than 20,000 workers voted earlier this week to authorize a strike if necessary. Subsequently workers held demonstrations outside retail stores and call centers in cities across the country to demand a fair contract.

"The ongoing negotiations reflect the spirit of the longstanding relationship between the company and the union. Employees will work under the terms of the extended contract while negotiations continue," AT&T said in the press release. "The contract covers good-paying U.S. jobs averaging nearly $70,000 a year in pay and benefits, with some averaging over $115,000. We’re not proposing to cut anyone’s pay, or take away their benefits. We’re continuing to negotiate with the union, and we’re confident a fair agreement can be reached."

According to AT&T, the contract covers 20,000 employees in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

Workers say they are frustrated with the offshoring and outsourcing of customer service jobs and say they should not be facing cuts to pay and benefits. AT&T has disputed this, saying they are not proposing to cut anyone's pay or take away their benefits.

"Under a contract extension that can be terminated with 72 hours’ notice, workers will continue to bargain with the expectation that AT&T executives will come to the table with good faith proposals that protect family-supporting American jobs and invest in the country where customers have made the company a $250 billion telecom giant," CWA said in a statement.

Image Credit: CWA