AT&T’s Final Offer to CWA Union

(Reuters) – Telecom operator AT&T (NYSE:T) has presented its final offer to the Communications Workers of America’s bargaining committee, according to a statement from the union on Thursday. The union stated that the proposal did not meet their expectations.

The CWA union mentioned that the proposal was made on Wednesday, and they provided a counteroffer later in the day.

“What the company is not telling our members and the public is that their healthcare proposal raises the upfront cost for our members, especially those with family coverage. We have made it clear to the company from the start that raising our members’ cost share percentage is unacceptable,” the union stated.

Over 17,000 employees, including technicians and customer service representatives who install, maintain, and support AT&T’s residential and business wireline telecommunications network, went on strike last month to protest what they deemed unfair labor practices.

AT&T Chief Operating Officer Jeff McElfresh said in a statement to Reuters, “We have made a strong final offer to the CWA District 3 in the Southeast. We believe that this offer, if accepted, would provide our employees with competitive market-based pay that exceeds projected inflation.”

The company is also proposing to increase its financial contributions to employee healthcare and wellness by up to 25% per year, as added by McElfresh.

On Monday, the union notified AT&T and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that they would no longer participate in the mediation process, labeling it as another “delaying tactic.”