Update 1, 10:00 a.m. CST: Texas-based members of the Communication Workers of America will hold a rally today, beginning at 11:30 a.m. CST at AT&T’s Dallas offices on Browder Street.
Representatives from carrier AT&T and the Communication Workers of America did not reach a contract agreement before the expiration of a work agreement covering 17,500 employees, but a threatened strike has not yet materialized.
The agreements for employees expired at noon Eastern time on April 14.
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The Communication Workers of America posted this update on its website: “Some progress is being made in negotiations for new contracts covering workers represented by the [CWA] at AT&T Midwest and Legacy T.”
“The contracts, covering about 17,500 workers, expired at noon EDT today, April 14. The contracts will not be extended but CWA bargaining teams are prepared to negotiate around the clock to reach a fair agreement.”
AT&T spokeswoman Mary Richter said the contract extension expired, but the two sides have continued negotiations.
From her e-mail: “The ongoing negotiations reflect the cooperative spirit of the longstanding relationship between the company and the union. Employees will work under the terms of the expired contract while negotiations continue.”
The contract talks do not include AT&T Mobility and wireless employees.
Fox affiliate KTVI in St. Louis, Mo., reported that wage cuts are not on the table and that contingency plans are in place in case of a strike.
The Communication Workers of America Union represents 700,000 workers, including 13,000 AT&T Midwest employees and 4,500 AT&T Legacy T employees.
From the CWA website: “Employment security and opportunity are the key issues, as well as fair wage increases and a fair minimum wage, and retirement and health security.”
The CWA reports that union membership “voted overwhelmingly to authorize union leaders to call a strike if a fair contract can’t be reached.”
