AT&T Job Cuts, Windstream-Charter Fight Among the Week’s Top Stories

… Brian Crotty, Fusion’s new CEO, at Broadview Networks, which Windstream acquired in 2017.. Crotty was COO and DeRiggi was executive vice president.

Fusion Connect’s Mario DeRiggi

Fusion emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, eliminating about $400 million of its long-term debt in the reorganization. Fusion’s lenders now own the company.

At Vonage, DeRiggi was senior vice president of channel sales and business development. He joined Vonage in October 2018.

“I am thrilled to join the Fusion Connect team,” DeRiggi said. “Fusion Connect’s vision for the future of communication and collaboration, its customer-focused culture, and world-class team have the makings for an incredible company. I am excited about the opportunity to use my experience around building enterprise programs to further transform Fusion Connect.”

Read more about what Crotty says about DeRiggi here.

2. Windstream: Time for Charter to ‘Face the Consequences’ of Mailer Impact

Windstream wants Charter Communications to pay for its deceptive mailer about its chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The communications giant says it lost nearly $20 million and 1,400 customers because of the mailer. That’s according to its post-trial memorandum it filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It asks the court to issue a verdict requiring Charter to pay nearly $20 million for its losses, as well as all attorneys’ fees and litigation costs.

Windstream filed chapter 11 bankruptcy last February.

“The time has now come for Charter to face the consequences of its unlawful actions and its frivolous and dilatory conduct of this litigation,” Windstream said in the filing.

David Avery, Windstream’s vice president of corporate affairs, said to expect a court decision next month. Charter declined to comment.

Our report includes more details about the litigation.

1. CWA Says AT&T Job Cuts to Impact Thousands Nationally

The CWA this week criticized AT&T cutting jobs amid the pandemic. The cuts reportedly will displace over 3,400 technician and clerical jobs across the country over the next few weeks.

The CWA also said AT&T plans to permanently close more than 250 AT&T Mobility and Cricket Wireless stores, affecting 1,300 retail jobs.

Chris Shelton, CWA president, said AT&T cutting jobs is “adding to the pain of the recession already underway.”

AT&T confirmed the layoffs, saying “these actions align with our focus on growth areas along with lower customer demand for some legacy products and the economic impact and changed customer behaviors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Read our report for more details on AT&T cutting jobs.