News

Utility Operations and BBI Bargaining Report #21

20 Aug, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thousands of CWA members are on strike across nine (9) different states in the Southeast. Many of those members have asked for more information about what has been proposed at the bargaining table. Below, we have listed some of the details of CWA’s bargaining proposals concerning the larger issues of pay & benefits that affect all. Keep in mind that these are our current proposals for what we hope to achieve in a new contract. The bargaining process is fluid, meaning that proposals change over time and commonly look different from one day to the next. As of today, here are the differences between what we have proposed and what the company is proposing.

Wages

CWA: General Wage Increase: Significant increase over the life of the contract, plus an annual cost-of-living adjustment.

AT&T: General Wage Increase: 2%, 2%, 3%, 3%, & 2%

Healthcare Benefits

CWA: Monthly premiums that are lower than today for all three bargaining units. Utilizing only the Southeast healthcare costs to calculate company/employee cost share, instead of AT&T’s national average.

AT&T: Large increases in monthly premiums, up to $595 per month for a family. Large increases in the annual deductible, up to $6,600 for a family In Network, and $19,800 Out of Network. Large Increases in the annual maximum out of pocket, up to $16,000 for a family In Network, and $48,000 Out of Network.

Health Savings Account

CWA: HSA with matching company contributions.

AT&T: No matching contributions to an HSA

Pensions

CWA: Significant BCBP2 Pension Increases: Increase for all age credit factors.

AT&T: BCBP2 Pension Increases - No increase

401K - Savings Plans

CWA: AT&T Retirement Savings Plan - Employees can contribute 6% of basic wages with a company match equal to 90% of the employee contribution.

AT&T: AT&T Retirement Savings Plan - No increase or improvement.

Paid Sick Days

CWA: Paid days depending on seniority with no waiting period.

ATT: No proposal not willing to give sick days.