Workers in Utah, California and Massachusetts Go Union
As the economy contracts and the future of AT&T Broadband is still in doubt, the workers are continuing to join together and vote for a union. During the last week in October 140 technicians at the nation's largest cable company voted for CWA representation in Sacramento, Needham (MA), and Salt Lake City.
Sacramento
A strong inside committee was key to the Oct. 31 victory (63-29) for 103 outside techs, dispatchers and warehouse employees. Issues driving their campaign were arbitrary promotions, a workload spiraling out of control and low pay. The Committee continued to answer workers questions and grow stronger as the election approached. This is the 4th large Broadband unit to choose CWA in Californis. CWA Local 9421 Vice President John Adams Jr., and Local organizer Chris Gordon supported the organizing committee.
Salt Lake City
Activists' focus on positive change and public support for CWA paved the way for a 12-5 win for 17 technicians. This was the first CWA election for a unit of just Headend, ABT and Surveillance techs. The techs say their compensation is lower than it is for top-skilled techs at competing companies. The election count was held up following a management challenge that Ogden and Provo techs should be included in the unit. The arbitrator ruled for the workers and said that all the Headend Techs in the alt Lake City area were an appropriate unit. Local 7704 organizers Kelly Gattis and J. C. Corn assisted the workers during the campaign.
Needham
Seeking to stem cutbacks in double-time, 401(k), on-call payments and health care, 17 Plant Operations and Headend techs at Needham, Ma voted 11-6 for CWA on Oct. 30. This was the first election for AT&T Broadband workers in Massachusetts. Many other groups in the Boston area have expressed interest in going union.
Local 1051 organizer Jane Nilson supported the workers efforts.
