AT&T workers reject contract, face déjà vu betrayal by union, why anyone would belong, and pay union dues, when corruption is a common practice at the core of the union movement.
On March 21, AT&T West workers resoundingly rejected a proposed contract that would have capped wages at $22 an hour and offered paltry health care plans, while demanding increased pension contributions. AT&T West workers have been working without a contract since April of last year. After the rejection of the contract, workers voted to authorize strike action.
The Communication Workers of America (CWA) union resumed negotiations with the company the following day. Growing militancy of the rank-and-file workers is being stifled by their alleged representatives, making the possibility of a strike and its subsequent quelling by the CWA ever more likely.
Responding to the rejection of the contract and the prospect of a strike, CWA District 9 representative and president T. Santora said, “We regret it had to come to this.” Vice President Jim Weitkampf also offered his dismay, stating, “Clearly, our members are strong in their convictions.” Elaborating on the next steps for the negotiations process Weitkampf offered, “What happens next will be determined in large part by the company’s response.”