AT&T Metro Atlanta Workers on Strike Over Union Negotiations

Thousands of AT&T internet technicians across Georgia are on strike, along with other workers across the United States

The Communications Workers of America, the union representing striking AT&T workers, accuses the telecom giant of failing to negotiate contracts fairly and accuses the company of unfair labor practices, including abusive labor practices and wage disparities among its technicians.

In Gwinnett County, striking AT&T workers are maintaining their picket lines, but AT&T says the strike is not affecting customer service.

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However, striking workers, and even some customers, said Tyisha Fernandes from Channel 2 that the strike was impacting AT&T’s Internet service and that the situation was going to get worse.

“Customers don’t have service right now, the best people to provide service are out here on the picket lines,” Ed Barlow, president of CWA 3204, told Fernandes.

Nearly 20,000 AT&T workers in the southeastern United States have been on strike for nearly two weeks, saying the difficult decision was made while negotiations were at a standstill.

“We are here on strike for unfair labor practices against AT&T for failing to bargain in good faith,” said Darren Williams, president of CWA 3205. Channel 2 Action News“To send to the negotiating table people who are not authorized to make decisions.”

Meanwhile, AT&T said Channel 2 Action News that they hire third-party contractors to fill the gap and ensure that customers continue to receive service during the strike.

The company shared a statement saying it was “committed to reaching a fair agreement for our CWA District 3 Southeast employees – with wages above expected inflation – and many other benefits that reflect today’s competitive job market.”

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AT&T also said Channel 2 Action News that they have already negotiated three agreements in 2024, including one for CWA District 9 (West) just three weeks ago.

“To eliminate any doubt about our sincerity and conduct, and to underscore our commitment to constructive dialogue, we have invited a federal mediator to join the negotiations,” an AT&T spokesperson said.

Despite claiming to be committed to a fair deal, striking workers say “AT&T is lying.”

“They are not negotiating in good faith with our members. We have hard workers and CWA members deserve to have the right people at the table to negotiate a fair contract for our members,” Williams said. “Until they sit down at that table and negotiate in good faith, we are going to be left on the sidelines.”

Off camera, an AT&T customer who works remotely from her home in Gwinnett County told Fernandes that her internet service had already been affected by the strike.

“Our members are ready to fight for the contract we won and deserve,” said Richard Honeycutt, CWA District 3 Vice President. “Our members want to be on the job and provide the quality service our customers and communities count on, but for that to continue, we need to see AT&T move forward with a contract that ensures better working conditions for our dedicated members and a better life for their families.”

A union representative said additional rallies would be held in Atlanta Friday morning at several locations.

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