Union, AT&T say 20,000 striking workers coming back to work
AT&T and the Communications Workers of America said that the 20,000 AT&T workers in the Southeast who went on strike over the weekend were coming back to work Wednesday.
The union said Wednesday that it had a "handshake deal" on a new agreement with AT&T and that negotiations were continuing after AT&T sent representatives with authority to bargain over a new contract to talk to union officials. The union had protested that AT&T was sending officials without the proper authority.
The workers who walked off are technicians and customer service representatives for AT&T's "wireline" home and business internet and phone division in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company's cellphone division was not affected.
AT&T is the country's No. 2 wireless carrier after Verizon and one of the biggest broadband providers.
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Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) surround a vehicle driving into an AT&T office as they walk a picket line, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Miami. CWA union members in the southeast went on strike Friday over unfair labor practices by management during negotiations for a new contract. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) -
Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) walk a picket line outside of an AT&T office Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Miami. CWA union members in the southeast went on strike Friday over unfair labor practices by management during negotiations for a new contract. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) -
Miami Rep. Donna Shalala, center, stands with members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) as they walk a picket line outside of an AT&T office, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Miami. CWA union members in the southeast went on strike Friday over unfair labor practices by management during negotiations for a new contract. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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