Thousands of AT&T Employees Stage Massive Picketing in Labor Dispute

In a major labor dispute, thousands of AT&T employees across the Southeast and in the region have taken to the picket lines, citing unfair labor practices. Union representatives claim that this extensive protest is the result of weeks of unsuccessful negotiations between the company and its workers. Led by prominent union leaders like Juan Miller, president of Local 3017 in Greenville, the picketing campaign is spanning nine states, including the Carolinas and Georgia.

Starting Friday afternoon, employees in Greenville, Taylors, Powdersville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Hendersonville, and Asheville joined the picket lines, putting their regular line work on hold. The protest is primarily made up of AT&T's customer service workers and technicians, many of whom were considered essential workers during the pandemic. These employees played a crucial role in ensuring reliable broadband for remote learning and work during the challenging times.

Juan Miller voiced his criticism of the company's negotiation approach, accusing them of not sending decision-makers to the bargaining table. "They're not sending people who have the authority to make decisions," he stated. However, AT&T disputed these claims, asserting that the Communication Workers of America (CWA) union's allegations of unfair labor practices are unfounded. The company emphasized that they have been actively engaged in substantive bargaining since the beginning and are eager to reach an agreement that benefits their hard-working employees. They cited reaching three agreements this year, covering over 13,000 employees, as evidence of their commitment.

Expressing disappointment, AT&T expressed their concern that the union leaders called for a strike during the negotiations, rather than focusing on constructive discussions at the bargaining table. They believe this action could jeopardize the wages and well-being of their employees unnecessarily. The company reassured customers that they have implemented various business continuity measures to minimize disruptions to operations and will continue to deliver the high-quality service expected from them.

The strike officially commenced on Friday at 3 p.m. in the southeastern region. Without reaching a resolution, AT&T customers may experience disruptions in phone services, Wi-Fi, and internet connections. Juan Miller emphasized the critical services provided by the protesting employees, who often work night shifts to address issues promptly.

As the negotiations continue, the impact of this labor action on both AT&T and its customers remains uncertain. Stay tuned for further developments regarding this ongoing dispute.