By: Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
In a demonstration of solidarity across nine Southeastern states, workers at AT&T have taken to the picket lines in an ongoing strike, citing unfair labor practices. The strike, organized by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has seen widespread participation, including right here in North Carolina. CWA’s most recent press release states, “AT&T workers on strike include over 17,000 technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&T’s network in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Workers are demanding AT&T return to the bargaining table in good faith so they can secure a fair contract with higher wages, affordable healthcare, and improvements to work-life balance for the workers subject to mandatory forced overtime.”
I had the chance to speak with local AT&T technician and striker Kelvin Little about the ongoing situation. “We’ve been out here for about 19 days now,” Kelvin said when asked about the timeline of their strike. “This is a worker strike for unfair labor practices.” He clarified that the issue stems from failed negotiations between AT&T and its workers. “What we’re doing is trying to have AT&T come to the negotiation table and negotiate fairly, we have five or six different sites, locations that are all picketing. We’re all different levels of wire tech, facility tech, and service technicians,” he noted. This strike might not impact the AT&T stores directly, but its ripple effects are already being felt. “It might be impacting them in reference to making sales. So, if they can’t get sales for installs because we’re out here, that’s going to affect them indirectly.”
The frustration among the striking workers stems from what they see as unfair negotiations. While AT&T is still at the table, Kelvin mentioned, “There were a few instances that made it where they weren’t negotiating fairly. So, this is our action in reference to that.”
When asked how the public can support their efforts, Kelvin had a clear call to action. “People can come out, bring waters, or even just honk when they see us picketing,” he suggested. “They can also call AT&T and try to make appointments to see what the timetable is. Then, blast them on social media for the inconvenience. It’s not just about saying there are issues with their service but showing how it’s impacting people—especially those working from home.”
The broader strike covers nine states in the Southeast, “It’s affecting a lot of neighborhoods,” Kelvin added. “If you do a Twitter strike search, you’ll see how big this is.” As negotiations continue, Kelvin remains hopeful for a resolution but acknowledges that there is still a disconnect. “They are negotiating at this moment, but it’s not getting through,” he shared.
The ongoing strike highlights the challenges faced by workers fighting for fair treatment and the difficulties in negotiating with large corporations. For the workers on the frontlines, the hope is that this action will push AT&T to the table for meaningful and fair discussions.
As the strike continues, North Carolinians are encouraged to show their support for these workers and the cause they are fighting for. From small gestures like honking in solidarity to making noise on social media, every bit of support can make a difference.
