Communications Workers defend merger of AT&T and T-Mobile

The $39 billion sale would let AT&T take over the wireless provider from its current owner, Germany’s Deutsche Telekom, which wants to unload it.

If the deal goes through, T-Mobile would become part of AT&T, which has a neutrality clause in its contract with the Communications Workers. That would open the way for CWA to organize T-Mobile employees without facing the constant opposition – and labor law-breaking – it now receives from current T-Mobile management.

“In today\’s sinking economy, where millions of Americans are looking for work, DOJ has filed suit to block a merger that will create as many as 96,000 quality jobs,” CWA said in a statement.

“In a nation where workers\’ rights are routinely violated, as occurs everyday at T-Mobile, DOJ apparently believes workers should be on their own instead of having a fair choice about union representation. DOJ\’s action would put good jobs and workers\’ rights at the bottom of the government\’s priorities.” Just the day before, AT&T had said that if it took over T-Mobile, it would also return 5,000 offshored jobs to the U.S.

“In the U.S., where too many Americans, especially in rural areas, don\’t have access to the tools of Internet technology, the DOJ is looking to block a plan to build out high speed wireless access to 97% of the country,” CWA added. “Instead of acting to block this merger, our government should be looking to support companies that create, keep and return good jobs to the United States.”

Justice Department officials ignored those points when they announced their lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in D.C. Aug. 31. They want the U.S. wireless market to stay “vibrant and competitive,” and said that if the two firms merge, it wouldn’t.

“We conducted dozens of interviews of customers and competitors, and we reviewed more than 1 million AT&T and T-Mobile documents. The conclusion we reached was clear. Any way you look at this transaction, it is anticompetitive,” acting Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Sharis Pozen said.

“Our action seeks to ensure that our nation enjoys the competitive wireless industry it deserves. T-Mobile has been an important source of competition among the national carriers through innovation and quality enhancements,” Pozen added. Its presence also helps create price competition, Pozen pointed out.

This article was written by Press Associates, Inc., news service. Used by permission.

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