Federal mediation between the Communications Workers of America and AT&T is over, but the strike, now nearing a third week, is still on.

Over 17,000 CWA members are on strike across Mississippi and eight other Southeastern states, accusing the company of unfair labor practices for attempting to delay bargaining on a new union contract that would encompass such issues as pay, medical benefits and retirement.

In a statement release Tuesday, CWA accused AT&T of using mediation to stall negotiations.

Local president Jermaine Travis said the end of mediation did not mean the end of negotiations.

“I think it’s important to understand exactly what’s happening at the table right now as it relates to the federal mediator’s role. A federal mediator does not have the authority to force either side one way or the other,” he stated.

While he could not comment directly on the negotiations, he said, “The mediator has not been able to help both sides move this process further along; therefore, the union felt like the mediator wasn’t working for us.”

AT&T put out its own statement, calling the CWA’s decision “unexpected” and expressing its commitment to reaching an agreement.

“As we have said from day 1, we are focused on reaching a fair and competitive agreement that benefits our hard-working employees as quickly as possible, and this won’t change,” the statement read. “In the meantime, we will remain prepared for all contingencies to ensure our customers receive the excellent service they deserve.”
Travis said the union was also committed to reaching a fair agreement. “We are still working towards resolving our issues so that we can get our people back to work,” he said.

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