AT&T has successfully ratified new worker contracts with the Communications Workers of America in both the Southeast and West unions, impacting 23,000 employees across nine U.S. states. This comes after the company faced allegations of unfair labor practices two months prior.
The newly established contracts promise significant improvements for workers. They feature wage increases surpassing projected inflation rates, comprehensive retirement benefits, enhanced healthcare contributions, job security, and better scheduling stability. These changes intend to improve employee welfare and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality service.
According to AT&T’s Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources and Labor Relations, Jamie Barton, the company aims to be the premier provider of connectivity services. Barton stressed the importance of these agreements in aiding the company to compete for highly skilled professionals and to adapt its operations for the evolving demands of customers. He further emphasized that these new contracts ensure sustained growth and recognition of the employees’ contributions to their success.
The CWA also released a statement expressing satisfaction over the agreements. Its President, Claude Cummings Jr., highlighted that the contracts address significant concerns like overtime and scheduling, which have impacted workers’ personal lives and service quality. Ensuring family-supporting wages and benefits was a crucial part of these discussions.
The unions’ focus was not only on improving financial aspects but also on allowing workers a more predictable work-life balance, which indirectly boosts service quality provided to end customers.
