CWA tells AT&T: work with us to find real health care solutions

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.examiner.com/x-2071-DC-Special-Interests-Examiner~y2009m4d6-CWA-tells-ATT-work-with-us-to-find-real-health-care-solutions?cid=exrss-DC-Special-Interests-Examiner

The Communications Workers of America says it rejects AT&T's characterization of current contract negotiations and it is focused on helping middle class families, including nearly 100,000 workers and their families involved in this bargaining, hold the line against massive health care cost increases and AT&T's actions that threaten quality jobs.

AT&T management is trying to draw a parallel between a successful and expanding telecommunications company and the U.S. auto industry, which for many reasons is not profitable. AT&T posted profits of $12.9 billion for 2008 and is on track for solid growth this year, top executives say.

They urge AT&T to be a leader in supporting quality middle class jobs and benefits strengthening communities and the economy. They assert that AT&T's demands at a critical time in our country would only weaken the economy.

"AT&T must step up its leadership and continue to work with CWA and others who recognize that real health care reform is critical for our economy. Our nation is on the edge of critical changes in health care. To accomplish this, we need continued leadership from companies like AT&T, not efforts to obscure the issue," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

"If AT&T wants to follow through with its auto industry comparison, let's see a comparison of imported auto costs – where in every other country of origin there is universal health care, paid for with broad based public funding, not through production costs. That will give everyone a much clearer picture of the impact of our nation's failure – until now – to move toward a health care system for all.

"We need national health care reform not only for the auto industry, but for our nation. We call on AT&T to continue its leadership and work with us on this effort," Cohen said.

CWA members are working, for now, under the terms of the contracts that expired April 4, although that can change at any time. Workers are keeping their option to strike open. For workers, the terms of the contracts will remain in effect, meaning that wages, working conditions and benefits like health care will continue unchanged, with the exception of arbitration for grievances.


FULL story at link.