Over 17,000 AT&T workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union initiated a strike on Friday, impacting operations across nine states, including Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The strike was triggered by accusations of 'unfair labor practices' during contract negotiations, following the expiration of the previous contract on August 3.

The CWA claims that AT&T did not negotiate in good faith, alleging that the company sent unqualified negotiators to the bargaining table.

In response, AT&T denied these allegations, asserting that they have been engaged in substantive bargaining and have successfully reached agreements with other CWA districts this year.

Additionally, the AFL-CIO has filed a federal unfair labor practice complaint against AT&T, accusing the company of engaging in 'surface bargaining' without genuine intent to negotiate.

This marks the first strike by CWA District 3 since August 2019, when a five-day strike resulted in a new five-year contract.

The striking workforce includes technicians, customer service representatives, and wire installation workers, all of whom play critical roles in maintaining AT&T's telecommunications network.

Beth Allen, CWA communications director, emphasized that striking workers will not be available for service calls during the strike, potentially affecting service delivery.

The strike coincides with reports of prolonged internet outages affecting AT&T customers in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area and northern Charlotte neighborhoods.

In Durham, residents have reported internet outages since at least Wednesday, particularly around downtown and Duke University, with AT&T assuring some customers that service should be restored by Tuesday morning.

Picket lines have been established in Morrisville, with local rallies organized to support the striking workers, attended by political figures such as U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel.

A union executive criticized AT&T's contract negotiators for lacking the authority to bargain in good faith, stressing that union members are eager to return to work and provide quality service.