AT&T Strike Enters Fifth Day, Affecting 800 Workers in South Carolina
Greenville – Thousands of AT&T workers across South Carolina and eight other states continue to strike for the fifth day as the union representing them enters federal mediation with the company. Approximately 17,000 AT&T employees in the Southeast, including about 800 in South Carolina, walked out on August 16 after the Communication Workers for America (CWA) accused the company of not negotiating their contract in good faith.
Union Stands Firm
For Juan Miller, the president of the union in the Greenville area, the decision to strike was not taken lightly. “It’s corporate America. We put our hearts and souls into this. We do it because we want to do it. It’s not a job to us, it’s a career,” Miller expressed during a picket line interview on August 21. “The company constantly tells us we’re best in class in the Southeast. But right now, they’re not treating us like that.”
Miller, with 24 years of experience at AT&T, highlighted the dedication of the workers and their desire to reach a fair agreement with the company.
Contract Negotiations
The CWA had been working to negotiate a new contract since June before the current one expired on August 3. Talks focused on wages, healthcare coverage, and other workplace issues. The strike impacts various AT&T employees in roles such as technicians, customer service representatives, and network support personnel.
About 200 Greenville workers are on strike, with picket lines forming outside AT&T offices in the area. Both sides have been engaged in negotiations, with the CWA alleging that the company did not send representatives with the authority to make decisions. On the other hand, AT&T claimed the union was inflexible and engaged in surface-level bargaining.
Hope for Resolution
Amidst the strike, the company stated that “business continuity measures” are in place to ensure operations continue smoothly. However, Miller expressed concerns about contractors replacing skilled AT&T workers, raising questions about their qualifications and customer trust.
Following meetings with a federal mediator, both parties are hopeful that mediation will lead to a resolution. The bargaining unit remains committed to reaching a fair agreement and ensuring the best outcomes for the employees.
