AT&T union workers protest to keep jobs

Hamden (WTNH) - Union workers at AT&T protested outside a call center in Hamden, Sunday. They claim the company is trying to edge them out.

"We're closed every sixth Sunday. And, so since we're closed and we're one of the largest call centers in the country, they're using this facility to train managers how to do our job in case of a strike," said Bob Paect, of CWA 1298. "So, the point is, they're spending a lot of money to get everybody here, when they could just bargain with us in good faith."

Angry and frustrated at the move, union AT&T call center operators and technicians protested outside the call center in Hamden.

With an April 4rth contract deadline, CWA 1298 members tell News Channel 8 they've reached a stalemate in negotiations and say the company has been trying to cut medical benefits, time off and paid holidays. But, they say, this goes too far.

"They're trying to take my job away from my family, from me," said Mike Duffy, an AT&T installation repair tech. "And, it's gonna put me in a bad position."

News Channel 8 when to AT&T to ask what exactly is going on and didn't get very far.

Workers revealed that they weren't too surprised.

"AT&T is an extremely healthy company financially, making over $12 billion last year with contracts as they are," said Paect. "And what they're doing now is having a race to the bottom to take everything away from the workers when they don't have to.""

The union expects to be back at the bargaining table with AT&T sometime this coming week.