In early 2020, AT&T and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) negotiated a new union contract that addressed a range of labor issues, including job security, pay raises, and healthcare benefits.
The contract covers approximately 20,000 AT&T workers in 36 states and the District of Columbia, including technicians, customer service representatives, and retail sales employees. The new agreement was reached after several months of negotiations between the company and the union, with the previous contract set to expire on February 8, 2020.
One of the most significant changes in the new contract was a commitment from AT&T to create 1,000 new union jobs in the United States. The company also agreed to restrict its use of contract workers, giving priority to full-time employees when it comes to hiring and scheduling shifts.
The contract also included pay raises for union members, with many employees receiving a 2.5% salary increase in the first year of the agreement. Workers will also receive additional pay increases in subsequent years, with some employees eligible for wage hikes of up to 14%.
Additionally, the new contract offered improvements to healthcare benefits, including expanded access to mental health and addiction treatment services. Union members will also have greater flexibility when it comes to using sick leave, as the new agreement allows them to use time off to care for sick family members.
Overall, the AT&T union contract for 2020 represents a significant win for workers in the telecommunications industry. By negotiating a range of improvements to job security, pay, and benefits, the company and the CWA have shown their commitment to supporting the well-being of their employees.