AT&T is dumping one-third of its operators in Connecticut one week before Christmas, the latest chapter in what the workers' union calls "good vs. evil."
The carrier is laying off 100 wireline operators in that state, saying America's shift to wireless is the primary reason behind the decision. Citing a 54 percent drop in operator-handled calls over the past three years, company spokesman Marty Richter told WTNH-TV, "Like any responsible business we must work consistently to match our workforce to the needs of the business, and these operators are unfortunately in a part of our business that is declining rapidly."
AT&T is reportedly hiring in other areas of the business, including technicians for its U-verse TV and retail employees.
The Communications Workers of America, of course, isn't accepting the carrier's explanation, saying, "Just when I think management cannot stoop any lower, they prove me wrong," referring to the layoffs happening right before Christmas. Connecticut local CWA president Bill Henderson told the TV station that four in five of the workers being let go are women, many of whom are single and the primary breadwinners for their children.
America's shift to smartphones and away from traditional wireline is likely to divide the major carriers and their unions for years to come. That was Verizon's major reason for wanting to reduce benefits and more closely monitor wage increases for employees on the wireline side of the business earlier this year that resulted in a two-week-long walkout by union workers in August. Some of those issues remain unresolved.
