Response to AT&T Mobility Retail Restructuring

AT&T Mobility announced a restructuring of certain positions in the retail stores in early July. Managers had meetings with retail employees to explain the new structure. The Finance Representative positions are being eliminated and they are planning to reduce the number of Sales Support Representatives across the country. This impacts approximately 25,000 workers in AT&T Mobility.

CWA was informed of AT&T's decision at the same time they informed employees. This puts us in the position of being reactive instead of proactive. Quickly, staff from each District who are responsible for AT&T Mobility to decide next steps. A request was made to AT&T Mobility management to enter into bargaining about the effects of the restructuring.

Over the last few weeks there have been several discussions with management in order to address the concerns that we have identified as it relates to this very wide, sweeping change in the retail environment.

Before the discussions began, we requested additional information from AT&T Mobility management including which employees are effected, job opportunities for employees who may otherwise be laid off and want to remain with mobility, and rights of employees during the process. We want to ensure that employees understand their rights and that they have the best opportunities to move forward whether they decide to remain with or leave the company.

These discussions are now complete. You can read a copy of the agreement regarding the SSR's and how the transition process will work for them here. The company has denied our requests to keep the Finance Representative positions staffed but we do have agreement that all employees at risk of being laid off will have their rights to bid into other jobs in the company.

We hope you will find this helpful and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your local union.

Read more at: http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/att_mobility_retail_restructioning