A group of AT&T employees participate in an informational picket in downtown Lake Charles on Friday, protesting jobs cuts by the company. Alfred Guillory, president of CWA Local #3407, said the current contract runs out at midnight Saturday. Workers said they want want better benefits and job security. (Eric Cormier / American Press)
Local AT&T workers picket
Last Modified: Saturday, August 04, 2012 7:01 PM
By Eric Cormier / American Press
A group of AT&T employees participated in a rally in downtown Lake Charles on Friday in an attempt to inform the public about union negotiations.
Alfred Guillory, president of Communications Workers of America Local 3407, said the work agreement with AT&T ends at midnight.
“We want good health care, good benefits, job security and fair benefits to retirees,” he said.
Local union members said the company — which reported a $3.9 billion profit in the second quarter — wants to force employees to pay higher insurance premiums while reducing the workforce.
In a 10-year period, the company’s office at 410 Division St. has seen its workforce decrease from 250 employees to 44, according to union members.
Mike Farenhold, a CWA state representative, said the picketing was in support of “our negotiating committee.” Picketing occurred in nine other states.
“AT&T has made a profit every year since 2007. They have had no losses,” Farenhold said. “But they reduced the workforce 51 percent, and who is left has to work overtime.”
The company announced Friday that it had reached tentative agreements with employees in the Midwest.
Posted By: Steve On: 8/4/2012
Title: Union
Good luck.........the issue is whether your union is willing to negotiate and fight for you............chances are not in your favor......I work for a local, major corporation here in Lake Charles, we are one of the few plants in this region that is union........our union is either bought off or just doesn't care........either way good luck, you're gonna' need it.
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