RALEIGH – AT&T employees are expressing a mix of relief and optimism after their union called off a strike against the telecom giant for “unfair labor practices” earlier this morning.
More than 20,000 workers across the Southeast are expected to report back to work by 1 p.m. today. However, the Communications Workers of America, which negotiated on behalf of the workers, has not yet released the exact terms of the new contract.
According to an Associated Press report, a “handshake deal” has been reached.
“I’m sure that will be released as soon as it’s drafted up,” Jeremy Cleaver, 49, a wire technician based out of the company’s Chapel Hill return center.
“They should have something by this evening.”
Workers will then have the chance to vote on the final proposal before it’s approved.
“It looks promising,” Cleaver said shortly after the announcement. “It would appear that the company gave on some of the key issues. We have to wait and see.”
For the last four days, throngs of workers have lined up on street corners around the Triangle, hitting the picket lines to protest what they see as unfair working conditions — long hours, six days a week, with little compensation.
AT&T initially said it was “baffled” by the walkout, arguing some employees make up to $134,000 in total compensation.
Cleaver, however, denies this. “I make not even half of that,” he said. “They’re misleading the general public into taking their side. I get why they’re doing it, but I don’t agree with it.”
Fellow wire technician AJ Jackson is hopeful about thew new contract and ready to move on.
“It just shows when people come together how much we can do,” he said.
‘Breaking point:’ 20,000 AT&T workers vow to stay home until conditions improve
