AT&T Protests Escalate to Picketing and a Sustained Occupation

Following the arrest of 12 activists on February 13th, Atlanta Jobs with Justice, the Communications Workers of America and Occupy Atlanta returned in force to the hub of AT&T in the South. Over 300 unionists and community members surged onto the private “courtyard” in-front of the AT&T 675 West Peachtree building which immediately caused the 4 entrances of the building to be blocked and barricaded by AT&T management. The building remain locked for most of the day shutting down business as usual.

Occupiers  remained camped in front of the building on the public side walk throughout the night of February 13th. The tents and corresponding picket shined a bright spotlight on the corporate greed of AT&T threatening to layoff 740 hardworking community members.

During the mobilization on the 14th, occupiers proclaimed that they would continue to build the occupation until AT&T rescinds all of the 740 lay offs. A CWA member member then proudly took the mic and stated “I’ve got a tent and I’m going to camp here until these layoffs are rescinded.”

Jobs with Justice activists from around the country called and emailed CEO Randall Stephenson in solidarity.  To date, there has been no official response from the company to these and other actions.