Blocking AT&T/T-Mobile Merger Could Hurt Democrats, Says CWA President Cohen

CWA President Larry Cohen warned the Obama administration and the Democratic Party that the Justice Department's suit blocking the AT&T/T-Mobile merger could have negative consequences for workers and politically. AT&T is promising job growth when the merger goes through — something a stand-alone T-Mobile can't accomplish.

Cohen made the statement following his taping of "The Communicators" program set to air on Saturday on C-Span. In his taped interview, Cohen conceded that the DOJ lawsuit "does have political aspects to it." As one national magazine wrote of Cohen's remarks:

"... he said that as the administration and Democrats try to push to create more jobs, the Justice lawsuit will provide Republican candidates with fodder to argue that the administration's regulatory policies are harming job creation."

CWA and Speed Matters have been adamant that the merger is good for workers and for the country:

"Because of commitments AT&T has made to build out its wireless broadband network, particularly in rural areas, a pledge to move 5,000 T-Mobile call center jobs back to the United States, and promises to not cut any U.S.-based call-center jobs in place when the merger is approved."

Despite CWA's opposition to the Justice Department lawsuit, Cohen said he expects the union to endorse Obama in the general election. The administration has shown through actions, like the president's new jobs bill, that it intends to put resources into telecommunications — especially broadband — to build out and to extend service to rural areas.

Union Says AT&T Suit Could Damage Democrats (National Journal)