AT&T and CWA Ratify New Wage Agreements for 23,000 Workers

New Wage Agreements Between AT&T and CWA

Telecom giant AT&T has successfully ratified new agreements with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), impacting approximately 23,000 employees across eleven states. This milestone was achieved on Friday and marks a significant development in labor relations within the company.

Wage Increases for Employees

Under the new agreements, employees in the West will benefit from wage increases of at least 15% over the four-year contract, while workers in the Southeast will receive hikes exceeding 19% during the five-year agreement. This positive change comes after a recent strike by over 17,000 employees, including technicians and customer service representatives, protesting unfair labor practices.

Additional Compensation Under the Infrastructure Bill

In a statement, the union highlighted that wire technicians and utility operations professionals in the Southeast would receive an additional 3% wage increase, thanks to the Infrastructure bill. This boost aims to recognize the critical roles these workers play in maintaining AT&T's wireline telecommunications network for both residential and business customers.

Union Mediation and Next Steps

In September, the CWA informed the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of its withdrawal from mediation, citing concerns that AT&T was using the process as a delay tactic. The new agreements signify a crucial step towards improved labor conditions and fair compensation for AT&T employees.