The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has issued a statement regarding the proposed merger between Charter and Cox. The union expressed concerns about Charter’s history of anti-union actions, suggesting that the merger could negatively impact workers’ rights and wages.
“While Charter’s CEO claims this deal will be ‘good for America’ and ‘return jobs from overseas,’ Charter has a record of anti-union actions that keep wages low and workers disempowered,” stated the CWA. They highlighted an instance where Charter sought to decertify the union after workers in New York City went on strike, resulting in those workers losing their union representation after five years.
The CWA pointed out that U.S. antitrust regulators have recognized current labor markets as anticompetitive due to employers having disproportionate power over workers. “Without collective bargaining rights for workers, a deal like this one will further entrench the power of cable giant Charter to squeeze workers harder,” they warned.
The union emphasized the importance of organizing unions within the telecom industry to improve wages and working conditions. They urged regulators and elected officials to scrutinize the merger carefully and impose conditions that protect public interest and workers’ rights if it proceeds.
The Communications Workers of America represents individuals across various sectors including telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, among others.
