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When AT&T Wireless spun off as a separate company from the well-known telecommunications giant, the IBEW had high hopes that the new entity would honor the spirit of the national agreement between AT&T and the IBEW. A key element of that contract is a guarantee of employer neutrality in union campaigns to organize non-represented units.

AT&T Wireless, however, thumbed their noses at the IBEW, refusing to stay neutral in organizing campaigns. This decision is a significant setback for the IBEW and other unions because only a handful of the workers in the wireless division of AT&T were unionized. "We had hoped that the new company would recognize that fostering a spirit of labor-management cooperation would be a boost for them in the highly competitive wireless industry," said International President Ed Hill. "It seems they are heading for the low road. With that kind of attitude, they are definitely not welcome at our expo."

AT&T Wireless is not part of AT&T. They pay to use the AT&T brand name in order to gain an edge in marketing, but the wireless company is a separate entity with separate corporate management. AT&T's long distance and other services remain highly unionized and covered by the existing collective bargaining agreements.

"We will continue to talk to AT&T Wireless to try to convince them of the error of their ways," said President Hill. "In the meantime, we will be reviewing our business dealing with the company, which were executed when they were still part of AT&T. We won't do business with a company that turns its back on our members and seeks to deny workers the right to organize."

IBEW locals or members who have AT&T Wireless should be aware that some in our ranks who have individual accounts have received special offers from the company promising to waive one month's service charge (but not other fees) if the subscriber renews his or her service for another year. Don't be fooled. The fine print contains warning of a cancellation fee of up to $150 if the subscriber terminates the contract before the year is up. Clearly, AT&T Wireless is anticipating a slew of cancellations if they still refuse to work with the IBEW. They obviously don't know the IBEW if they think our members will sell out their principles for one month with no service charge.

The IBEW will continue to monitor this situation and report any new developments.