CWA/AT&T Wireline COVID Bargaining Report #1

As was previously reported to the Locals representing AT&T bargained-for workers, the Company had notified CWA of its intention to put a mandatory vaccination policy in place requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated by January 1, 2022.  The Union responded immediately and demanded negotiations on this mandatory subject of bargaining.  The negotiations on this matter will be conducted on a national level with participation from each CWA District and Sector involved.  The following CWA Representatives are serving on the national Bargaining Committee:

District 3: Nick Hawkins, Assistant to the Vice-President

District 4: Curt Hess, Assistant to the Vice-President

District 6: Mark Franken, Administrative Director

District 9: Domonique Thomas, Assistant to the Vice-President

CWA T&T Office: Ken Saether, Assistant to the Vice-President

On September 8, 2021, our national CWA Bargaining Committee met with the Company's bargaining team to begin the bargaining process. The Company presented a proposal that would require employees to be vaccinated. The Union responded to the Company's proposal by submitting a detailed request for information (RFI). The RFI seeks detailed information about the Company's vaccine mandate proposal, the reasons for the proposal, and how the Company proposes to administer a mandate. The Committee is now awaiting the Company's response to the RFI.

Additional reports will be posted as negotiations evolve.