Unions OK Strike Against AT

The Communications Workers of America said its members are willing to strike AT&T; if contract negotiations break down.

By a 4-1 margin, members authorized CWA President Morton Bahr to launch a strike if he believes that it is necessary when the contract expires at midnight Saturday.

Negotiations for a new three-year contract began March 30 between American Telephone & Telegraph and the company’s two unions.

CWA represents 100,000 workers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which has also authorized a strike, represents 27,000.

AT&T; officials said they are optimistic that an agreement can be reached before the contract expires.

“Progress is being made. Difficult issues remain. But innovative solutions are being proposed to resolve issues that concern both AT&T; and the unions,” the company said.