57 former AT&T Wireless Network Techs in Pennsylvania Organize at Cingular Wireless

Cingular's statewide unit of 57 former AT&T Wireless network technicians in Pennsylvania are now represented by CWA Local 13000 following a card check procedure. On October 5, the American Arbitration Association (AAA) certified that a majority of the technicians – over 70 percent – turned in cards supporting CWA representation.

Local 13000 Organizer Harry Arnold assisted the workers, reported District 13 Organizing Coordinator Pam Tronsor. Arnold said the workers' drive for union representation was one of the fastest moving campaigns he had ever worked on, less the two months from beginning to end. This would not have been possible without the Neutrality and Card Check Agreement between CWA and Cingular Wireless.

Major factors in the workers' choice to organize were the guaranteed progressive pay raises and reduced cost of health care benefits available under the union employees' CWA's contract with their employer. Another motivating factor in the workers' decision to support CWA representation is the inevitable integration of "Blue" and "Orange" cell site systems.

More than 6,200 former AT&T Wireless workers' have gained representation with CWA at Cingular Wireless since the companies merged in late 2004.