CWA Members Begin Bargaining at AT&T Southwest

CWA wireline workers at AT&T Southwest began contract negotiations this week. The current contract for CWA District 6 members in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas expires at midnight on April 12.

CWA bargaining team members traveled to Austin, Texas, on February 24 to begin preparations, finalizing bargaining proposals as well as studying materials that were supplied by the company from their initial request for information. The bargaining team is seeking to address top-line issues, including securing future jobs by reducing contractor work, keeping healthcare costs affordable for members and retirees, and locking in better pay and stronger contractual language for workers in the lowest-paid job titles.

In a message to members, CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase wrote, “Bargaining negotiations aren't just won at the table! Companies only deal seriously with their workers when they know that they are committed to doing whatever it takes to force a fair deal. But only you can decide that. Our bargaining team is committed to fighting, but the membership is the source of our strength at the table.

“We must be ready to mobilize, organize, and push back against corporate greed. When we stand together, we win. When we fight, we make change happen.”

The bargaining team is planning to host a virtual town hall meeting with AT&T Southwest members and retirees during bargaining to provide updates on progress and inform members what they can do to help achieve a fair contract. Information about the town hall will be made available in future bargaining updates.

AT&T Southwest members can stay informed on actions, mobilizations, and the town hall, text FIGHT to 49484. You can also fill out this quick form to get involved and receive the latest bargaining updates.

 
CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase (left) and the AT&T Southwest Bargaining Team raised their fists and are ready to fight for a fair contract. Bargaining team members include (from left to right) CWA Staff Representative Dwayne Webb, CWA Local 6143 Vice President Jeremy Garcia, CWA Local 6300 President Floyd Bell, CWA Local 6505 President Michael Richmond, Bargaining Chair and CWA District 6 Assistant to the Vice President Billy Moffett, CWA Local 6137 President Stacey Gilmore, CWA Local 6360 Executive Vice President Derrick Inscho, and CWA Local 6222 District Steward Hoyt Bascus.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.