Albany AT&T workers strike
ALBANY, Ga. – Across Albany, communications workers are picketing against AT&T for over a week. And, it’s a strike the local union president says has been brewing for years.
We met with communications workers of America local 3201 president, Dwight Meggs Monday afternoon as the strike has been going on for nearly two weeks.
“CWA members are on strike at AT&T Southeast because AT&T refuses to bargain in good faith. AT&T continues to send representatives to the bargaining table that do not have the authority to make decisions,” said Dwight Meggs, President, CWA Local 3201.
Dwight says the strike has been on their minds for years.
And… that more than ten days so far is nothing to them.
“Yes, we all want to get back to work, but we’ve also been preparing for this for five years. So, we’re prepared to stay out, you know, as long as it takes,” said Meggs.
And… they hope that AT&T will come back to the table, because they want to get back to work.
“I just want everybody to know that the community, that we are stronger together,” said Meggs.
CBS44 also reached out to AT&T for a statement. We received one Monday afternoon from an AT&T spokesperson saying:
“We are committed to reaching a fair deal for our employee members of CWA District 3 [Southeast], with wages that outpace projected inflation and many other benefits that reflect today’s competitive job market. We’ve successfully negotiated 3 agreements already this year, including a tentative agreement 3 weeks ago with CWA District 9 [West] That recognizes the hard work and many contributions from those employees…”
“…to eliminate any doubt about our sincerity and our conduct, as well as underscore our commitment to constructive dialogue, we’ve invited a federal mediator to join the negotiations.”
“We’ll continue to ensure our customers receive the excellent service they deserve by taking action to minimize any disruptions from CWA leadership decisions.”
Brian Roche reporting.
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