Teamsters Support Spectrum Strikers
Teamsters Joint Council 16 President George Miranda sent a letter to Charter/Spectrum CEO Thomas M. Rutledge today, demanding that the company negotiate a fair contract with its workerforce. Spectrum workers have been on strike for four months, over company demands that they give up their pensions going forward and allow the company to subcontract their work.
“The company should withdraw these demands and negotiate a fair agreement that protects both the company and its workforce going forward,” wrote Miranda.
Here is the letter in full:
August 8, 2017
Thomas M. Rutledge
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Charter Communications, Inc.
400 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Dear Mr. Rutledge,
The 120,000 Teamsters in Downstate New York stand with striking IBEW Local 3 members and urge you to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair contract with these workers.
The root cause of this strike, which began March 28th, is Charter’s demand for unreasonable concessions, despite rising stock prices and profits. From elimination of the pension to the loss of subcontracting protections, these concessions would be unacceptable to any union. Charter workers were right to fight back. The company should withdraw these demands and negotiate a fair agreement that protects both the company and its workforce going forward.
Our members are your customers and they want a cable provider that respects its local, union workforce. If Charter is unwilling to do so, we will advise our members to use alternative TV and internet providers who do.
This four-month strike, caused by Charter’s intransigence, is hurting New York’s working families. You have the ability, and the moral obligation, to end the demands for concessions and bring these employees back to work.
Sincerely,
George Miranda
President
Teamsters Joint Council 16