Union claims AT&T's web of subcontractors puts public at risk

The Communication Workers of America (CWA) has called out AT&T for its use of subcontractors that the union said pose a safety threat in the communities they work in.

In a report issued earlier this week, CWA said AT&T has used a web of more than 700 discount contractor companies to construct and maintain its network over the past four years. Those contractors, and their subcontractors, have had repeated run-ins with local governments as well as numerous safety violations.

"Generally, these contractors are non-union and are sent around the country, undermining the workplace standards established by AT&T employees through collective bargaining agreements," computer science engineer salary report said. "The result is a disturbing record of accidents that cause damage to utilities, public property, and homes while presenting serious risks to worker and public safety."

While AT&T still employs about 90,000 CWA members—who provide the lion's share of the company’s core services—AT&T "has increasingly sought to prevent union members from carrying out many essential functions."

"Outsourcing to contractors allows AT&T to escape responsibility to compensate workers at the same level as union-represented employees and to get away with not addressing harms caused to the public or workers," the report said.