Actions oppose AT&T layoffs

Simultaneous “occupations” took place at AT&T’s office tower in midtown Atlanta on Feb. 13 to protest layoffs, union busting and corporate greed. Around noon, one set of protesters entered the expansive ground-floor lobby and sat down in a circle, declaring their intention to stay until AT&T rescinded plans to lay off hundreds of skilled workers who install and repair landline phone service. Outside the building, on the sidewalk fronting busy West Peachtree Street, 15 tents were quickly set up and some 70 sign-carrying demonstrators stationed themselves on the steps leading to the building.

These bold actions are the result of joint efforts among Communication Workers Local 3204, whose members face losing their jobs, and activists with Jobs with Justice, Occupy Atlanta, American Friends Service Committee and others.

AT&T is one of the largest and most profitable companies in the U.S. Its CEO, Randall Stephenson, was paid more than $27 million last year. Still the telecommunications giant wants to lay off hundreds of workers.

A mass rally is planned for Feb. 14. Go to workers.org for updates.