Why Is AT&T on Strike: Reasons and Impact

Main reasons for the AT&T workers strike

• Unfair labor practices: The CWA filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing AT&T of not bargaining in good faith during contract negotiations, a primary cause of the AT&T labor dispute

• Lack of decision-making authority: AT&T allegedly sent negotiators without the authority to make decisions or explain their own bargaining proposals, contributing to why AT&T is on strike

• Expired contract: The previous union contract, negotiated in 2019, expired on August 3, 2024, leading to the current AT&T workers strike

• Stalled negotiations: Ongoing negotiations since June 2024 have stalled, becoming one of the key reasons for the AT&T labor dispute

• Demands for better working conditions: Striking workers are seeking better pay, benefits, and safer working conditions, further explaining why AT&T is on strike

Impact of the AT&T workers strike

• Service disruptions: Reports of service outages and delays across the Southeast due to the ongoing strike, a consequence of the AT&T labor dispute

• Safety concerns: Striking workers in Eads, Tennessee were injured by a contractor's vehicle, raising safety concerns at AT&T work zones and highlighting the seriousness of the strike

• Solidarity from other unions: The Teamsters union is refusing to cross CWA picket lines to deliver packages to AT&T locations, showing support for the reasons behind the AT&T workers strike

AT&T's response to the labor dispute

• Denial of allegations: AT&T claims the CWA's accusations are "not grounded in fact" and that they have been engaged in substantive bargaining, countering the reasons given for why AT&T is on strike

• Minimizing disruptions: The company states it has taken action to minimize service disruptions during the strike, addressing one of the consequences of the AT&T workers strike

Historical context of AT&T labor disputes

• Second strike in five years: This is the second time in five years that CWA has gone on strike against AT&T over similar issues, providing context for the current AT&T labor dispute causes

FAQ

Why are AT&T workers on strike?

AT&T workers are on strike due to unfair labor practices, stalled contract negotiations, and demands for better working conditions. The main reasons include AT&T's alleged failure to bargain in good faith, sending negotiators without decision-making authority, and the expiration of the previous union contract on August 3, 2024.

What are the main reasons for the AT&T workers strike?

The main reasons for the AT&T workers strike are unfair labor practices, lack of decision-making authority in negotiations, an expired contract, stalled negotiations since June 2024, and demands for better pay, benefits, and safer working conditions.

How many AT&T workers are involved in the strike?

Approximately 17,000 AT&T workers across 9 Southeast states are participating in the strike that began in August 2024.

What are the key causes of the AT&T labor dispute?

The key causes of the AT&T labor dispute include accusations of not bargaining in good faith, sending negotiators without authority to make decisions, failure to reach a new contract agreement, and workers' demands for improved working conditions and compensation.

Has AT&T faced similar strikes in the past?

Yes, this is the second time in five years that the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has gone on strike against AT&T over similar issues, indicating a pattern in AT&T labor dispute causes.