AT&T Southeast Bargaining Report #52

Our bargaining team met with AT&T's representatives throughout the weekend, attempting to bring contract negotiations to an end and reach an agreement.  Last week, AT&T requested that the parties enter into federal mediation.  CWA agreed to mediation and we hoped that it would be of some assistance in our efforts to gain a fair and just contract for the members of District 3.  Unfortunately, AT&T's representatives came to mediation with the same lack of authority to make decisions or reach agreements that they had previously displayed at the bargain table.  In other words, the same old games AT&T has played throughout the bargaining process, simply carried over into mediation.  

As of today, the company has moved only a few inches in nearly a week of mediation.  The wage increases the company is offering is not acceptable and our members deserve more.  The biggest issue continues to be healthcare and the company's new prescription plan that would force many of our members to pay enormous prices for their medication.  We remain far apart on the key issues.  Our bargaining team is ready to head back to the bargaining table tomorrow morning to fight for the contract our members deserve.