DENHAM SPRINGS – AT&T workers are about one month in to their strike protesting unfair labor practices during union contract negotiations. Groups of local AT&T employees and their families continue to protest throughout Baton Rouge and Denham Springs almost daily.
On Friday, Sept. 13, AT&T workers stood near the railroad tracks in the Denham Springs Antique Village, holding signs and waving at passing cars. Many vehicles honked in response to the signs saying “Honk if you support workers.” Many in this group rotate throughout different locations in the Greater Baton Rouge area to raise awareness of their protest.
Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 3, which includes workers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, filed an unfair labor practice charge in August with the National Labor Relations Board against AT&T. According to the CWA, AT&T has not bargained honestly and has sent representatives who they claim did not have the authority to make bargaining decisions.
In early September, AT&T gave its “final offer” to the CWA, but the union is hopeful changes will happen and negotiations can continue.
The CWA put out a release Sept. 6 marking the third week of strikes in the southeast U.S. Striking workers began to protest at AT&T locations, passing out fliers to customers and asking they sign a petition for AT&T CEO John Stankey to respect AT&T employees and bargain for a fair contract.
The CWA and employees of District 3 are hoping AT&T returns to the bargaining table soon and that they can secure a contract with higher wages, affordable health care, and work-life balance improvements for those who have mandatory, forced overtime.
According to CWA, 17,000 workers employed by AT&T Southeast are on strike. In AT&T’s statement, however, 15,000 workers are reported to be involved in the strike. Employees included technicians, customer service representatives and others.
AT&T’s initial statement in August said it is disappointed in CWA’s decision to strike and that the union’s claims are not factual. AT&T reported that so far in 2024, it reached three separate agreements covering over 13,000 workers.
“We have various business continuity measures in place to avoid disruptions to operations and will continue to provide our customers with the great service they expect,” AT&T said in its statement.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on the latest news across the Capital area.
