AT&T wireless workers approved what participants say is a precedent-setting contract that rolls back offshoring and outsourcing last Friday and, according to the Communications Workers of America (CWA) press release, “sets a new standard for wireless retail and call center jobs in America.” The contract covers over 21,000 workers in 36 states. CWA members approved the four-year contract by an overwhelming majority; it remains in effect until February 12, 2021.
Highlights from the new agreement include:
- A guaranteed 80 percent increase in the portion of customer service calls handled exclusively by wireless workers who are CWA members;
- First-ever job security language that guarantees a job for workers whose store or call center is closed or whose job title is eliminated;
- $2,500 shifted from commission to base pay for 14,000 retail workers, making pay more stable;
- Greater ability to use sick days without risk of discipline;
- Limits on the types of monitoring and surveillance of retail and call center workers so that evaluation is fair and equitable;
- Flat health insurance cost-sharing to ensure workers and their families do not pay more out of their own pockets;
- Safety equipment for warehouse workers; and
- Increase in on-call pay for technicians.
January 16, 2018