In just a couple of minutes, we heard that AT&T is not Verizon, that AT&T faces competition from the non-union cable industry and that AT&T has worked to make its union workforce a partner in operations.

Was that news to anyone?  

Let us be clear:  CWA isn't interested in bargaining over the Internet.  We'll be bringing our members' critical issues to the bargaining table next year and we'll focus on the need for quality, permanent jobs, opportunity in the jobs of the future, and all our other goals --health care and retirement security, all the issues that matter to working families.

CWA members are determined to gain a fair contract when negotiations get underway next year, a contract that reflects AT&T's profitability as the number one telecom company in local phone and long distance, broadband and wireless services and the value that we bring to AT&T.

We recognize the fact that AT&T doesn't deny employees their bargaining rights; we know that many companies do.  But that also means that AT&T reaps the benefit of union members who are committed to providing the quality service that has made AT&T one of the most successful companies in the world.

We know that competition exists in our industry, whether from cable companies or other telecom companies.  AT&T isn't alone in that.

Communications Workers of America members are looking ahead to 2009.  Mobilization is gearing up in all our districts.  Members are wearing red on Thursdays with renewed determination and participating in our mobilization programs.  We are 170,000 CWA-strong and together we will win the contract we deserve.

In Solidarity,

Bill Bates
CWA Telecom Director