March 15, 2019

The past few weeks have been stressful for IBEW members who work at AT&T. Sadly we all face the typical job reduction rumors, but this quarter things were made far worse by information that was leaked through irresponsible postings on social media. Some feel that it is free speech or transparency, we call it terribly poor judgement. The leaked document showed potential work force reductions in several departments. This was followed by IBEW 21 representatives being notified by AT&T of their intentions to trigger our negotiated memo regarding Premises Technician reductions. Discussions started immediately to minimize the disastrous effects to our IBEW members and their families.

As a result of many discussions that occurred between our IBEW leadership and AT&T all involuntary force reductions were pulled down. Hundreds of jobs in many different departments would have been lost if these conversations didn’t occur. 

The results of everyone’s efforts have paid off.  While no one can guarantee what may happen in the future, today we all can breathe a sigh of relief. It is our intention to continue to attempt to work together with AT&T to address the challenges of our ever changing industry and to secure our member’s futures.

IBEW workforce reductions across all departments in the second quarter of 2019 will occur with only volunteers accepting separation packages. IBEW members will be given voluntary separation package information by AT&T management.  If you have any questions you can contact your IBEW representative.

We thank everyone who had the courage to work together and reach common ground to save the jobs of the hard-working AT&T employees who are members of the IBEW.