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Thursday April 16, 2009 14:41 by Kdog - I.W.W.
Job Action Would Be Biggest U.S. Strike in Recent Years - And First Under Obama - IWW/CWA Dual Carders in the Heartt of the Struggle At midnight April 5, 2009 contracts for most of the component groups represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) at the telecom giant AT&T have expired. After weeks of mobilizing, around 90,000 workers are poised to strike one of the largest and most profitable multinational corporations. A job action by CWA would be the largest and among the most significant labor action in the United States since the UPS strike in 1997. It would also be the first major strike under the Obama regime. The brewing confrontation could set the tone for class struggle in the U.S. for the near future. A month ago any talk of a strike brought either yawns or fear from most people. Now there is a wide group of workers who are not only willing to strike, but WANT to strike At midnight April 5, 2009 contracts for most of the component groups represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) at the telecom giant AT&T have expired. After weeks of mobilizing, around 90,000 workers are poised to strike one of the largest and most profitable multinational corporations. A job action by CWA would be the largest and among the most significant labor action in the United States since the UPS strike in 1997. It would also be the first major strike under the Obama regime. The brewing confrontation could set the tone for class struggle in the U.S. for the near future.
Attack on Healthcare
AT&T has been pressing hard for major concessions from its call center, billing & ordering, and technical workers, especially in the area of health care. The company is demanding harsh cost shifting in the form of premiums and huge deductables for current employees and even steeper cuts for “second tier” workers hired going forward. AT&T is also demanding concessions in areas of seniority, over-time, and discipline. Raises would be replaced for the first two years by one-time lump payments. |
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Jump To Comment: 1 2 3So do it already...the contract expired like two weeks ago. Nobody believes the Union is going to strike at all now, they look weak and pathetic and AT&T looks like they have the upper hand. I keep readying about mobilization and action and how they are ready for a strike, but it's been dragging out now. I don't believe they will go on strike, AT&T looks correct in thinking that the Union will back down, it's only a matter of time until that Union is gone.
Jim,
You're comments don't add much. In our work center mobilizations continue. Certainly there is discussion about a strike and whether and when to "do it".
Don't underestimate the value of an effective inside strategy though.
It may well be that the CWA tries to serve-up a slightly watered down version of AT&T's vicious attack. If that is the case we will confront that through continued action and a "No" vote campaign.
In any scenario a confrontation is brewing - and is already underway in part.
Solidarity,
K.
I think one should not underestimate CWA. Management would be underestimating CWA if they think they can implement changes the way they have done for management employees. Management does not have a union to protect them. It would be presumptuous to believe that CWA would not strike if they have not done it already. In my strategic evaluation I think a delay of 10 - 12 weeks would go in CWA's favor and would make their stand to strike (if they choose to do so) more powerful at that time. They are making time work for themselves and it would be foolish on management part to presume that they would not strike. I think this is a masterful strategy from CWA side not to strike at this time. In my opinion they have completely stumped the management by not striking. Management thought they would strike and were hoping for one but now faced with this new tactics I doubt management has any comprehensive strategy to deal with this. I expected a better approach from management instead of plain force and delaying tactics. A brute force approach would prove costly for management as it is not realistic to believe that replacement worker would be able to handle the task and even more needless to mention is the motivation and enthusiasm given the recent wave of actions, policies and its implementation. I wouldn't be surprised if the management finds out the hard way that this is a completely new ball game dealing with CWA given the kind of cost shifting they are looking for. Won't be a smart move to risk loosing strategic partnership with Apple and securing a win at cost cutting even if they get it which is doubtful at best.
HOPE there is no strike and all can be spared the trouble. Strike is neither good for management nor for the union employees. Especially not during this economy and the looming pandemic situation. All the best to every one. May god help us all.