June 4, 2019

Earlier this year information was leaked through irresponsible postings on social media showing potential work force reductions in several AT&T departments. This was followed by IBEW 21 representatives being notified by AT&T of their intentions to trigger our negotiated memo regarding Premises Technician reductions. Discussions started immediately to minimize the disastrous effects to our IBEW members and their families. As a result of many discussions that occurred between our IBEW leadership and AT&T all involuntary force reductions were pulled down. Hundreds of jobs in many different departments would have been lost if these conversations didn’t occur. 

Since then more conversations have taken place regarding the future of work at AT&T.  We have good news, AT&T has agreed to reduce the amount of work being performed by contractors doing AT&T DirecTV work.  The work will move to IBEW 21 Premises Technicians working in Illinois and Northwest Indiana.  This move will provide IBEW 21 members more job security.

Beginning soon AT&T expects to cross train Premises Technicians on DirecTV work beyond the normal Genie Bundles.  The training is anticipated to begin in the Suburban West area and take place in either Westmont or Chicago Heights.  The cross training expands the ability to work share and reroute work performed by contractors to Premises Technicians.

Your IBEW 21 representatives will provide you with more information as this transition takes place.  This movement by AT&T is possible because of the trust they have placed in the IBEW in Illinois and Northwest Indiana and our members/employees for their dedication, professionalism and the quality of the work they perform.