Union says its withdrawing from mediation with AT&T
ATLANTA - The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced that it is withdrawing from mediation with AT&T, accusing the company of stalling negotiations over a new union contract.
The union’s decision comes as thousands of workers continue their strike for the third consecutive week. The strike has impacted several cities, including Atlanta, where workers have rallied across the city in protest.
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Despite the breakdown in mediation, AT&T has stated that it remains committed to reaching a fair deal for its employees. They sent the following statement on Tuesday morning:
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 3 has decided it no longer wants to involve a skilled federal mediator to assist in negotiations.
This decision was unexpected, since withdrawing from mediation seems inconsistent with the union’s allegation of unfair labor practices. This also goes against their stated intention to bargain toward a mutually agreeable resolution.
We thank the mediator for their efforts throughout this process. Regardless of whether a neutral third-party is present, progress will not be made without a willingness to compromise.
As we have said from day 1, we are focused on reaching a fair and competitive agreement that benefits our hard-working employees as quickly as possible, and this won’t change. In the meantime, we will remain prepared for all contingencies to ensure our customers receive the excellent service they deserve.
The ongoing strike has disrupted services and drawn widespread attention as both sides continue to grapple with contract terms.