It seems the company AT&T has hired to recruit scab’s next year is called “ZeroChaos”.  We kid you not. If this wasn’t part of AT&T’s offensive against us, it would be funny. 

This is part of AT&T’s contingency plan that is also trying to scare and divide CWA Members. AT&T and ZeroChaos sent out letters to retirees (occupational and management) in an attempt to herd a group of standbys to be exploited in case of a strike.

Not to worry, our retired members know which side they stand on and what is at stake. AT&T instructs in their letter, “Please do not provide a copy of this letter to any other retired or active AT&T employee.”  I guess no one read that part. 

This company’s mission – “We supply workforce solutions…” – is to make it easier for companies to hire contractors without dealing with pesky IRS regulations and to help contractors deal with companies without all the messy paperwork.  A big sideline is helping companies hire contracted scabs.  The CEO is an ex-Ameritech manager.  What a coincidence!

It would amaze us if any retiree would put their healthcare benefits in jeopardy by crossing picket lines that also protect retiree benefits while we negotiate wages, benefits and conditions of work for current employees. Our retired members will not accept the company’s offer of “20 pieces of silver” to weaken and undermine their Unions bargaining power during contract negotiations. They will be standing with us, as they have always done in the past, protecting what we have achieved and fighting for new gains for all CWA Members.

The Company is preparing and we need to prepare also. 

Remember, our Contract expires in 8 months on April 4, 2009.  Now is the time to start getting our finances in order and participating in mobilization activities that support a fair and just contract. By simply just wearing red on Thursdays demonstrates our solidarity in the workplace.  The Verizon workers were able to achieve many of their goals because they demonstrated everywhere that they were ready to fight.  We must do the same at AT&T.

In the past we have not received anything from AT&T that we have not struggled and sacrificed to obtain. This includes all CWA retired and current employees in the bargaining unit. Our gains have been accomplished by demonstrating that we have the determination to sustain our resolve and solidarity until we achieve a fair and just contract for all CWA Members at AT&T.

In Unity There is Strength.