News

  • CWAers Come Together for Poor People's Campaign Moral Action Congress
    CWA activists from across the country came together in Washington, D.C., this week for the Poor People's Campaign Moral Action Congress, a three-day gathering of activists, union members, moral leaders, and advocates from more than 40 states to strategize, learn, and build power together. The CWA activists, with the help of CWA's Human Rights Department, will bring the strategy, knowledge, and ideas discussed at the gathering to their respective locals. CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens (left) attended the event with the CWA delegation and led a Labor Luncheon, speaking to union members about how to fight for a better future. This project was made possible by the CWA Poor People's Campaign–Moral Congress Alliance Growth Fund. — Jun 20
  • AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson Testifies on Boeing 737 MAX
    AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Sub-Committee on Aviation this week on the status of the Boeing 737 MAX, how it is affecting Flight Attendants and the flying public, and how to safely return the 737 MAX to flight and regain public confidence. — Jun 20
  • 2019 Union Plus Scholarships Awarded
    Union Plus has awarded $170,000 in scholarships to 108 students representing 34 unions, including seven winners from CWA. This year's group of scholarship recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical school students from 31 states plus the District of Columbia. Congratulations to the CWA winners! Nicole Ambrosio of Venice, Fla. Ambrosio, whose father, Michael Ambrosio, is a member of CWA Local 1108, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Taylor Arluck of Rego Park, N.Y. Arluck, who is a member of TNG-CWA Local 31003, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Jordan Bethea of Sicklerville, N.J. Bethea, whose mother, Maya Bethea, is a member of CWA Local 1000, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Benjamin Falcon of San Antonio, Texas. Falcon, whose father, Benjamin Falcon, Jr., is a member of CWA Local 6186, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Dyanna Gutierrez of Suisun City, Calif. Gutierrez, whose father, Christopher McDaniel, is a member of CWA Local 9400, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Sharon Pantano of Medford, N.J. Pantano, whose father, Paul Pantano, is a member of CWA Local 1032, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship. David Sadowski of Avon, Ohio. Sadowski, whose father, Dennis Sadowski, is a member of TNG-CWA Local 32035, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. — Jun 20
  • CWAer Wins Oklahoma Democratic Party Lifetime Achievement Award
    Last week, David Ratcliff (right), Secretary-Treasurer of CWA Local 6012 and Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, won the Carl Albert Award, a lifetime achievement award and the Oklahoma Democratic Party's highest honor. CWA District 6 Vice President Claude Cummings, Jr. (left) stated, "District 6 is so proud of David Ratcliff. He has worked tirelessly his whole career in the labor movement, not only for CWA members but also for all Oklahomans who believe they deserve a more just and equitable Oklahoma." — Jun 20
  • AT&T is Cutting Jobs and Abandoning Rural Communities Across the Midwest
    New reports based on an investigation that CWA conducted of AT&T facilities in the Midwest serviced by CWA members show that despite making promises to create jobs and invest in rural communities, AT&T is cutting jobs and neglecting rural network improvements. "AT&T has turned its back on rural and suburban communities in the Midwest by eliminating jobs, advocating for deregulation, and cutting investments in these areas," said Linda L. Hinton, Vice President of CWA District 4. "We will not stand idly by while AT&T receives billions in tax benefits but turns a blind eye to our nation's crumbling infrastructure. It's time for AT&T to provide answers about where all that extra income is going." In many rural communities, AT&T voice service is a lifeline for customers, yet in large parts of the states examined by CWA, AT&T has not upgraded its copper network to fiber to better serve customers. Across the Midwest, AT&T copper cable—for many the only source of landline phone and internet—is significantly damaged, creating service problems for customers and public safety hazards. Despite the clear need for an updated telecommunications network, AT&T continues to cut jobs and close call centers, devastating families and upending lives. In Ohio, customers have filed numerous complaints with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regarding various service issues. Records obtained by CWA show that since 2016, PUCO received more than 6,000 informal complaints from AT&T customers relating to such issues. CWA is also filing a complaint with PUCO—based on evidence in the new Ohio report—calling for an investigation into the adequacy and reliability of service provided by AT&T. Because of the lack of public oversight, CWA is encouraging AT&T customers in the Midwest to share information about internet and phone service issues on a new website, ATTBrokenPromises.org/ServiceQuality, so that elected leaders can better understand the problems that their constituents are facing and hold the AT&T accountable for its deteriorating network. Read each of the new reports here: Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana. AT&T copper cable—for many the only source of landline phone and Internet—is significantly damaged, creating service problems for customers and public safety hazards. — Jun 13