CWA applauds support of Beaverton mayor for AT&T merger

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced support for the proposed merger of AT&T Broadband and Comcast Corp.

CWA said the merger will expand access to high-speed Internet services and lead to creation of quality jobs in the industry. Shareholders will vote on the plan at the AT&T annual meeting in Charleston, S.C., on July 10.

After extended discussions with Comcast and AT&T officials, CWA determined that workers would gain greater opportunity under the merged company, including a more positive labor relations approach.

CWA had expressed concerns about the plan, but on balance determined that negative factors regarding the merger will be outweighed by other benefits.

Before the Beaverton City Council June 17, representatives of CWA Local 7901 and the AFL-CIO joined Mayor Rob Drake to call on the newly-created company to maintain service standards through retention of its local workforce.

There are about 250 workers employed at the AT&T Broadband call center in Beaverton. About 90 employees at the office are represented by Local 7901.

"We encourage AT&T and Comcast to continue to recognize those employees' rights to organize and bargain collectively with their employer," said Drake.

Also speaking were Brad Witt, secretary-treasurer of the Oregon AFL-CIO, and Judy O'Connor, executive secretary-treasurer of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council.

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