Asheville News

WLOS: Local AT&T workers ready to go on strike

Jason Sandford August 11, 2009

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

See the video report here. A snippet:

AT&T employees threaten to strike and they’re taking their fight to the streets of Asheville. A group of union workers protested along Long Shoals Road Monday night. Their AT&T union contract expired Saturday at midnight without an agreement.

Workers say AT&T is trying to cut their benefits even though the company is making a billion dollars in profits every month. AT&T spokesman Walt Sharp says workers are being asked to pay more for health care, but they were only paying eight percent before. Employees say they always had to give up something not to pay that premium.

As for retiree benefits, employees say after working for the company for 30 years they got health care for life, but now say AT&T doesn’t want to cover them. Sharp says retiree benefits are not part of bargaining.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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5 Comments

We want a union too~ December 25, 2011

In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
– Notebook, 1904
Mark Twain
Fight!!!

Reply
eemilla August 12, 2009

I’m glad to be pro-union, and I wish them the best in their negotiations. However, I am disappointed that the unions haven’t been champions for healthcare reform over the past twenty years when pensions started to become a thing of the past.

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Seth August 11, 2009

8 hour work week? Where do I apply?

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judgeyall August 11, 2009

Fight on. Ignore the bitter and defeated. Unions earned us the 8 hour work week, overtime… you have supporters out there.

The ‘real world’ is what you make of it. I rather lead my life, then be left behind as a victim of a corporation.

Reply
MTV August 11, 2009

Welcome to the Real World people. Health benefits for life, dream on. Keep complaining and you will be out of a job.

Reply