P.M. BRIEFING : AT&T; Union Authorizes Strike Call
<i> From Times wire services </i>
WASHINGTON —
Members of AT&T;’s largest union voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if a new contract with the telecommunications giant is not reached by Saturday, union officials said today.
The Communications Workers of America did not release a breakdown of the vote authorizing its executive council to call a strike, with the date to be determined by union President Morton Bahr. CWA represents about 130,000 American Telephone & Telegraph Co. employees.
The negotiations began in late March but have stalled over a company proposal to shift more health care costs to employees. The two sides also have significant differences on pay and job security, according to union officials.
