AT&T workers strike over labor practices, contract negotiations

LOUISIANA (KLFY) -- AT&T workers are protesting the company's alleged unfair labor practices during contract negotiations this summer.

"We want a fair quality of life, and we want all employers treated the same," said Nicholas Degueyter. "We want everybody to be equal. And we don't have any. We want AT&T to know that we don't have any second-class employers."

AT&T Workers said their contract expired in June and they been looking to reach new agreements. They said the company is not treating their wants and needs in good faith.

"We went out on an unfair labor practice strike against the company because they're not sending anybody to the table that can actually make decisions. The company is supposed to be sending their representatives, but they're not. They're sending people that have to go back to a team to see if they can accept a deal or not," Degueyter said.

Around 17,000 AT&T workers across nine different states started the strike on Friday. Joining them are the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the union representing the employees during the strikes across the country.

Tammy Harmon, president of the local CWA 3406 location, said the workers are asking for a fair contract.

"These workers, they work sun up, sun down, weekends, holidays, hurricanes in the rain. All they are asking for is a fair contract. We're not asking for no more than that. We do feel confident that AT&T will come to the table to bargain in good faith," Harmon said.

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