Update on Meeting with AT&T

December 20, 2023

Dear CWA Members and Retirees,

I am writing to follow up on the meeting that I, along with Secretary-Treasurer Ameenah Salaam, our Chief of Staff, and members of the Executive Board who represent AT&T members, had with AT&T CEO John Stankey and other AT&T decision makers on December 4-5.

I opened the meeting by sharing our list of demands regarding jobs, job security, benefits, and working conditions. I also raised CWA’s concerns regarding our retirees’ healthcare and pensions. The District and Telecommunications and Technologies Vice Presidents each presented their concerns to CEO Stankey and others from AT&T.

At the conclusion of their presentations, I emphasized the importance of maintaining a true partnership that recognizes that AT&T’s success is a result of the hard work and dedication of CWA members. I made it perfectly clear that our relationship must be built on trust and mutual respect. I, along with the other CWA leaders present at the meeting, feel that we have approached the company with integrity and we expect the company to do the same at every level – with us, with local leadership, with shop stewards, and with every CWA member.

Whereas I am unable to make any promises that our requests will be met, it was apparent that the company did take our requests seriously. They committed to review and discuss the issues that we raised and to respond in a timely manner. I have instructed Chief of Staff Sylvia J. Ramos, to ensure that they keep to that commitment.

My first request to AT&T was that they forgo the formal surplus scheduled for the month of December. I am happy to report that for the first time in over 10 years there will not be a formal surplus declared for any CWA-represented AT&T location. In the past these December formal surplus announcements have disrupted our members’ holiday celebrations and have caused worry about job security in the New Year. There will be a few informal surplus offers to allow those members interested in retiring an opportunity to do so in light of a potential increase in the GATT rate and with additional financial resources as provided in our contract.

Please be advised that we will keep you informed as we receive additional responses to the requests we have made.

Thank you all for the work you do to keep our union strong. Your engagement and mobilization help give us the leverage we need to make progress and improve conditions at AT&T and other employers.

I wish the best for you and your families, and hope that you have a safe holiday season.

In Unity,

Claude Cummings Jr.
President