Facts on AT&T Negotiations

When does AT&T’s Contract with IBEW Expire?

June 27, 2009

Who does the contract cover?

About 10,000 members in New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California and the Northwest.

A historic agreement includes in the national negotiations workers who were original AT&T employees and remained working for the company after it was forced to divest of its regional Bell Telephone units due to federal anti-trust enforcement in 1984.  The units had separate expiration dates.

Historic Agreement Strengthens IBEW Bargaining at AT&T - March 16, 2009

Representatives of thousands of members of the CWA at AT&T have been in negotiations on their contracts since March this year.  The CWA is working under the previous contract, which expired April 4th.  The company has demanded major reductions in health care benefits for active and retired employees.
                                               
When does bargaining begin?

May 18, 2009

Where will bargaining take place?

Hoffman Estate, Ill.  (outside of Chicago)

Who will be at the national table for IBEW?

IBEW Telecommunications Department Director Martha Pultar; Peter Pusateri, Chairman, System Council T-3; Ron Kastner, Chairman System Council T-7; Lynn  Arwood, Recording Secretary, Chicago, Local 21; Kevin Curran, Vice President and Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 21.

There will also be a local issues table.

Is healthcare insurance expected to be the main issue in negotiations?

Yes. The IBEW is taking a proactive approach.  On May 19, the IBEW will deliver a presentation to management on the NECA/IBEW Family Medical Care Plan.

What is AT&T’s financial shape?

The company’s net income rose by 7.7% to $12.9 billion in 2008.  AT&T has seen extremely strong growth in its Internet and wireless product offerings.