AT&T and Union Reach Accord on Job Protection for Workers
- 6 years ago
AT&T and Union Reach Accord on Job Protection for Workers
But in many service fields — notably the traditional retail sector — workers have found it difficult
to gain traction on issues like low pay, high turnover and unpredictable scheduling.
Stemming the tide of rising economic insecurity for service workers, a major union has won significant job protection
and increased pay for about 20,000 AT&T wireless employees, as well as a commitment to bring work back from overseas.
“AT&T wireless workers’ victory is a watershed moment, for themselves
and their families, and for working people across the telecom sector who are fighting to keep good jobs in our communities,” the union’s president, Chris Shelton, said in a statement.
Under the labor accord, which primarily covers workers in call centers
and retail outlets, AT&T will significantly increase the proportion of calls it routes to centers in the United States, reversing a recent trend.
“We tried to emphasize to the company that we could help you or hurt you,” said Dennis G. Trainor,
a vice president of the Communications Workers of America, which represents the employees.
It will also commit to giving workers a new job, in most cases, if the company closes the call center or retail store where they work.
Crucially, the union said the agreement addressed concerns
that changes in the structure of retail workers’ commissions were limiting or reducing their pay.
But in many service fields — notably the traditional retail sector — workers have found it difficult
to gain traction on issues like low pay, high turnover and unpredictable scheduling.
Stemming the tide of rising economic insecurity for service workers, a major union has won significant job protection
and increased pay for about 20,000 AT&T wireless employees, as well as a commitment to bring work back from overseas.
“AT&T wireless workers’ victory is a watershed moment, for themselves
and their families, and for working people across the telecom sector who are fighting to keep good jobs in our communities,” the union’s president, Chris Shelton, said in a statement.
Under the labor accord, which primarily covers workers in call centers
and retail outlets, AT&T will significantly increase the proportion of calls it routes to centers in the United States, reversing a recent trend.
“We tried to emphasize to the company that we could help you or hurt you,” said Dennis G. Trainor,
a vice president of the Communications Workers of America, which represents the employees.
It will also commit to giving workers a new job, in most cases, if the company closes the call center or retail store where they work.
Crucially, the union said the agreement addressed concerns
that changes in the structure of retail workers’ commissions were limiting or reducing their pay.