SEIU and Mine Workers Add Support For AT&T And T-Mobile Merger
The planned merger of AT&T and T-Mobile has received a wave of support from labor organizations across the country. The SEIU and United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) headline a list of national labor organizations backing the merger, which would provide more than 20,000 T-Mobile employees the opportunity to select union representation free from management interference.
Currently, about 42,000 AT&T mobility employees are represented by CWA.
According to the SEIU statement:
"This merger is a win-win for American families. Now, thousands of workers in the telecommunications industry will have the opportunity to collectively bargain and insist that good, quality jobs stay in our communities. And with a stronger voice on the job, workers can ensure that they deliver the best service to consumers."
UMWA also supports the merger, which will bring a wave of broadband build out, connecting millions of new homes and providing critical jobs:
"The merger will mean the expansion of next-generation wireless service to more than 97 percent of Americans, meaning that 55 million more people will have service than currently do. This will mean the end of the 'digital divide' for many underserved people who have not had access to necessary and secure wireless services."
Additional support for the merger has come from the AFL-CIO, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and CWA.
Coalition of Labor Union Women Statement
AT&T T-Mobile Merger Will Expand Broadband Access, Benefit Consumers and Workers (Speed Matters)
CWA members oppose AT&T’s attempts to stop serving rural and low-income communities in California
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