AT&T, CWA settle dispute

A strike has been avoided in a dispute between AT&T and the Communications Workers of America, according to the latter group. Earlier in the month the union voted to threaten a strike at AT&T Mobility, over problems with pay, working conditions and other issues. Contract update negotiations were said to have been stalled, and had the CWA in fact gone on strike as proposed, AT&T would have been crippled due to the sudden absence of 20,000 workers.

The two sides have forged a tentative agreement however, one which should see raises of 1 percent in 2009 and 2.5 percent for every year thereafter through 2012. All workers are expected to receive a $500 lump sum, and a number of jobs may be immediately upgraded with salary increases. Other topics addressed in the dispute include travel, scheduling and priority rehiring for people laid off from the company.

By Electronista Staff