Apr 06, 2009 00:59
Ahoy! So At&t contract update for those of you who were wondering.
So far no strike as of yet. Here is a recent article:
AT&T and union talks continue past deadline
AT&T and unions for its landline workers were working past a strike deadline Sunday to try to reach agreement on a new contract.
Core wireline contracts across the country expired at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, but union-represented employees covered by those contracts continued to work under the old agreements, according to a statement issued by AT&T.
Issues such as employment security and health care have yet to be resolved, but union members will report to work, "although that can change at any time," the Communications Workers of America said on its Web site Sunday.
The union said several of its districts have filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing AT&T of refusing to provide information necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
"The CWA bargaining teams are very frustrated by AT&T's slow pace in negotiations," union spokeswoman Candice Johnson said late Saturday.
One key issue is the Dallas-based company's attempt to have workers and retirees pay more of the costs of their health care. The company has said it spends $5.5 billion per year to subsidize health care for 1.2 million people, including workers, retirees, and dependents.
An update posted Saturday by the unit that covers Midwestern workers said the company was offering "modest wage increases that would likely have our standard of living move backward over the life of the contract." AT&T also wants to reduce the value of lump-sum pension payments and eliminate the pension for new workers, the union said.
AT&T "told us that the benefits/pension proposal was a 'final offer.' They are either not serious about the word 'final' or not serious about getting a contract," the union wrote.
AT&T earned a $12.9 billion profit for the year, up from $12 billion in 2007.
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So basically I'll report to work without a contract until either they settle it or call a strike. Usually they'll hold demonstrations to show that the Union is all mobilized and stuff to try to scare the company. If they still get no traction they'll announce a formal Strike Date...see if that lights a fire. If still nothing then we go out. So it's up in the air.
I don't want to go out but it's the not knowing that's a hassle since we have to get signed in and out until it's settled and they can give us back our access badges and keys again.
work woes