Sep 16, 2005

Showing overwhelming support for union representation, 48 former AT&T Wireless employees at Cingular Wireless -- 14 network technicians in Wisconsin and 34 retail sales associates in New Hampshire -- organized with CWA on Sept. 12 and 15.

In Wisconsin, the overwhelming majority of Cingular's network techs supported representation with CWA Local 4603, on Sept. 12. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) certified that 70 percent of the workers supported getting a union, according to District 4 Organizing Coordinator Susan Baxter-Fleming. Local organizer Joy Roberts worked closely with wireless technicians John Buda, Omar Barasneh, and Mike Flarity, both of whom instrumental in talking to their coworkers. Local President George Walls, organizing committee members Al Stein and Lori Wawrzonek also assisted the technicians.

Cingular's New Hampshire retail sales employees gained representation with CWA Local 1400 on Sept. 15, after their cards were certified by the AAA, according to District 1 Organizing Coordinator Erin Bowie. Local 1400 organizer Sheila McGillicuddy provided support for the workers' inside organizing committee. Committee member Brad Morris played a major role by traveling to other stores in the state to talk to his coworkers about the benefits of union representation.