Second union at AT&T clears plan to strike

Article Abstract:

The Communications Workers of America (CWA), AT&T's largest union, is set to strike if bargaining talks for a new contract with the phone company break down. The CWA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), AT&T's other union, are negotiating a new three-year contract to replace the current one which expires on May 30, 1992. Conflict between AT&T and CWA, which had struck for a month in 1986, started after the company began implementing massive layoffs after the present contract took effect in May 1989. AT&T, which has 121,000 union members out of its 317,000 world-wide work force, is planning to automate several thousand jobs, replacing operators with computers that take direction from a caller. CWA is fighting automation and is threatening that 17,000 operators, 9,200 network systems technicians and 8,700 communication line technicians will walk out of their jobs. This will force AT&T managers, retirees and temporary employees to take over vital functions and 18 production plants employing over 31,000 workers to be shut down. A CWA spokesperson says major points such as job security, wages, and pension have not been resolved.

Author: Keller, John J.
Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Telephone companies, T, Labor relations, Negotiations, Automation, Labor unions, Layoffs, Layoff, Communications Workers of America, Telephone Company, Negotiation, Unions, Common Carriers, Strike

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AT&T, rivals face off in wireless wars; players boast deep pockets, technology

Article Abstract:

AT and T and McCaw Cellular Communications Inc face determined, well-financed competitors as well as technological hurdles that could thwart their bid to dominate the world of wireless communications. The seven Baby Bells are already seasoned competitors in the cellular field, where each local market is divvied up among two service providers. If McCaw leaves the Cellular One wireless consortium started by Southwestern Bell for AT and T's brand, Cellular One might sign a lucrative agreement with AT and T rivals Sprint Corp or MCI Communications Inc. Six of the seven Baby Bells and GTE have formed MobiLink, a rival cellular consortium that covers much more of the US and Canadian population than does McCaw. AT and T/McCaw also face fierce competition in the wireless data-transmission market, including RAM Mobile Data Inc and the Ardis network.

Author: Keller, John J.
Radiotelephone communications, Television broadcasting stations, Analysis, Planning, Cellular telephone services industry, Cellular telephone services, AT&T Wireless Services Inc., Outlook, Market Analysis, Competition, Cellular Radio

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Subjects list: American Telephone and Telegraph Co.
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