Southwest AT&T Workers Ratify Contract

The year-long struggle between AT&T and its major labor union are nearing an end. Employees from the company’s Southwest region have voted “yes” on a new four-year deal. It covers 27,000 workers.

AT&T is still talking with groups representing 40,000 workers in the East and Southeast regions, but all other areas have now signed off on new deals. About 70 percent of the 120,000 workers covered under core wireline conracts have signed new contracts.

Wage increases and health care costs have been at the heart of the standoffs. This new deal in the Southwest allows for a compounded 12 percent wage increase over four years, and includes a COLA in the fourth year. Pension bands will also get slight increases.