CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Dozens of AT&T workers, represented by the Communication Workers of America Local 3704, gathered downtown Monday to draw attention to ongoing contract negotiations.

The Communication Workers of America District 3, which represents about 17,000 AT&T employees in nine southeastern states, went on strike on August 16.

The union had been negotiating with company management over the Bellsouth Telecommunications contract since June 25, which expired on August 3.

A federal mediator was sent in on Wednesday to work with both sides and continue negotiations.

“It’s all in AT&T’s hands,” said Bill Johnson, president of CWA local 3704. “They need to come to the table and negotiate in good faith.”

Union accuses workers of unfair labor practices

On August 16, the union filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board for unfair labor practices.

According to a press release from the union, the union accuses management of not sending representatives to the negotiating table who have the authority to make decisions.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is a tool that can be used to facilitate negotiations. Federal mediators act as neutral, third-party negotiators who attempt to advance the interests of both parties.

“To remove any doubt about our sincerity and conduct, and to underscore our commitment to constructive dialogue, we have invited a federal mediator to join the negotiations,” an AT&T spokesperson said in a statement.

A negotiations report filed by the Communication Workers of America District 3 found that despite meetings with labor relations representatives, AT&T has shown no interest in “real negotiations with the intent to reach an agreement.”

According to Johnson, the federal mediator has not had much influence on the negotiations so far.

“AT&T continues to send people to the table who can’t negotiate in good faith,” Johnson said. “AT&T just wants to play games and doesn’t want to come to the table and negotiate.”

Union sees solidarity from other unions

According to Johnson, Communication Workers of America Chapter 3704 has received a lot of support and solidarity from other local unions since the union’s strike.

“If you’re an employee, we all have to stick to this. We have to stick together,” Johnson said.

Members of Michael Moore’s campaign team attended the demonstration on Calhoun Street.

Moore is currently running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District and is supporting the union as negotiations continue.

“We’re in a state that doesn’t really respect working people, and certainly not their organizing through unions and the labor movement,” Moore said. “I stand with the CWA workers in their efforts and wish them well.”

Disruptions have been reported since the strike began

Since the strike began, multiple outages have been reported at AT&T in the region, according to a press release from the Communication Workers of America.

An AT&T outage map shows minor outages reported in parts of the Lowcountry, including Johns Island, downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Goose Creek.

AT&T is now sending out management teams to fix the service problems because the technicians who normally fix the problems are on strike.

According to Johnson, the company’s management is doing everything it can to fix the outages, but it’s not the same as hiring technicians who do that kind of work every day.

“We’re here to get things done. We want to get everyone’s internet back,” Johnson said. “But until AT&T comes to the negotiating table and negotiates in good faith, we’re not going to be able to do that.

In a statement, AT&T said it will continue to ensure its customers receive excellent service by “taking steps to minimize disruption from CWA leadership decisions.”

The company also says it is committed to getting a fair deal for its workers represented by the Communication Workers of America District 3.

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