CWA District 3 Rallies in Atlanta for AT&T Southeast Bargaining

With the AT&T Southeast contract scheduled to expire on August 3, hundreds of CWA members, retirees, and their supporters rallied in Atlanta this past weekend.

Addressing the crowd, CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. said, "This is what it's about: getting our fair share. It's not about breaking the company. It's not about taking what we don't deserve. It's about getting our fair share! And I believe if we stick together, if we mobilize like we have here, I believe in the end you will come out with a fair contract that the members will be able to ratify. I believe when we fight, we win!" He continued, saying, "It's not just about money. It's about wire techs and other techs having a work-life balance, being able to see their family, being able to take time off when they want to."

CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. (left) and CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt fired up the crowd as members gathered to rally and march in Atlanta, Ga., in support of their AT&T Southeast bargaining team.

CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt acknowledged members of the bargaining committee and subcommittees for their hard work and dedication. He also highlighted the work of CWA District 3 Campaign Lead Joey Barker and nearly two dozen state coordinators and trainers who, together, have trained over 2,000 members for tactical escalation.

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) also gave remarks at the rally.

Wages and scheduling for wire techs are key issues at the bargaining table. Last week, CWA released a report, "Wiring Failure: How Low Pay and Overwork Undermine AT&T Technicians and Customers," which exposes how AT&T is driving away its experienced and skilled technicians with low pay and abusive job practices, making it harder for customers to get the high-quality service they deserve.

One Wire Technician in Georgia reported, "Not having enough pay or time to build a family or provide for a family...they wonder why turnover rates are so high; it's because you have to have a roommate or second job to be able to afford to live."

CWA members took to the streets in support of their bargaining teams as they seek a fair contract for AT&T Southeast workers.