While the situation between Communications Workers of America (CWA) and Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FYBR) remains unresolved, the CWA voted to hold off on an actual strike. As WV Public Radio reports, the union was preparing to have West Virginia and Ashburn, VA members off the job. However, the Saturday deadline passed with the 1,400 workers agreeing to their current contract until August 19. The CWA said it is hopeful that the extra time will allow them to come to a mutually satisfactory agreement with management.
“I am hoping that we do not have to go on strike at all,” stated President of CWA Local 2009 Chad Leggett. “We are still at the bargaining table, and Frontier executives have a choice to do the right thing for their employees and all West Virginians. They can agree to a fair contract so that we can all stay focused on providing quality service to our customers and building fiber connections to as many homes and businesses as possible.”
Leggett has said that while Frontier is continuing its digital roll-out, the CWA wants Frontier to agree to job security measures for local union employees. There is a lot of federal funding in play, and the union does not want to see it spent on hiring subcontractors. With $1.2 billion in federal funding on the table, the CWA has said that it is fighting for job security for its members, notes WV Public Radio.
“We want a contract that delivers quality jobs so that we can deliver quality service to our customers,” he explained. “That means using experienced, local technicians to bring broadband to our communities instead of subcontractors who often do not have adequate training. It means offering affordable healthcare so that we can take care of our families. We believe that public dollars should be used to fund high-quality networks.” he continued, “And to create family-supporting jobs in our communities – that means using a well-trained, union workforce. We’re invested in this company and our communities, and we’re eager to get to work.“
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