CWA Withdraws from Mediation with AT&T

(Reuters) – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) have informed AT&T (NYSE:T) and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that it would no longer participate in mediation, according to a statement released on Monday.

CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt stated, “The company was using the mediation process as another delaying tactic.”

More than 17,000 workers represented by the CWA union include technicians, customer service representatives, and other personnel responsible for installing, maintaining, and supporting AT&T’s residential and business wireline telecommunications network. They remain on strike, which began last month.

An AT&T spokesperson commented on the situation, saying, “Regardless of whether a neutral third-party is present, progress will not be made without a willingness to compromise.” This statement was made to Reuters late on Monday.

The telecom operator further stated that it will be prepared for all contingencies to ensure uninterrupted service for its customers.