NLRB Backs Union In AT&T Fight

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/04/nlrb_backs_unio.php

by Melissa Bailey | April 27, 2009 1:49 PM

As phone company workers gird for a possible strike, a National Labor Relations Board official has slammed AT&T for refusing to bargain in good faith.

The ruling by Jonathan Kreisberg, acting regional director of the NLRB in Hartford, represents a step forward for a union that’s locked in a battle with AT&T to retain jobs in Connecticut.

“To get the NLRB to rule in your favor is a big thing,” said Bill Henderson (pictured), president of the union, Communications Workers of America Local 1298. “It’s huge.”


Melissa Bailey Photo


Henderson said negotiations between his union and AT&T have made little progress since they began on Feb. 24. The talks affect 4,300 AT&T employees statewide who have been working without a contract since their last one expired on April 4, he said.

Union leaders are planning a solidarity rally on the New Haven Green at 11 a.m. on May 16.

The lack of progress so far has some workers bracing for another strike, as happened briefly in 2004. The company has secured replacement workers to spring into action if workers walk out, confirmed AT&T spokesman Walt Sharp. In a tough economy, Henderson said, he’s working hard to avoid that outcome.

“A strike is always a possibility,” said Henderson, “but a strike to me is when everything else fails.”

Henderson spoke during a break in negotiations this week at the company’s local headquarters at 310 Orange St. The building is home to one of five bargaining tables across the country: Five contracts covering approximately 80,500 employees in the
landline business of AT&T expired on April 4, said Sharp. All those employees are working under the terms of their expired contract.


FULL story at link.

[dcsmart]

1. Solidarity!

:fistbump:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cehLiGxguQI