SBC implements strike contingency plans

Communications Workers of America, the union representing 102,000 employees of SBC Communications Inc. said yesterday that it would stage a four-day strike starting Friday because of a deadlock in contract negotiations with the nation's second biggest local phone service provider.

In response SBC has invoked contingency plans and issued the following crisis communications statement:

“We regret that the CWA leadership intends to launch a four-day strike. We will immediately activate our strike contingency plans to minimize any inconvenience for our customers. Our primary goal is to ensure the best service possible under the circumstances.

The decision to strike is difficult to understand, especially since our proposal increases wages and pensions to among the highest in the industry; provides health care coverage with no monthly premiums; and, before the union insisted on moving the job security issue to the regional table, our proposal guaranteed a job for any employee whose job is surplused.

We have provided many proposals that addressed numerous union demands. At some point, the CWA must take "yes" for an answer. For the sake of our customers and our employees, we hope that day is near.”

•Date: 20th May 2004 •Region: N.America •Type: Article •Topic: Crisis communications
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