Communications Workers of America

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) is a major U.S. labor union that represents employees in the telecommunications, media, airlines, journalism, and several other industries.

History

CWA was founded in 1938 as the National Federation of Telephone Workers (NFTW) through meetings held in Chicago and New Orleans. It was renamed the Communications Workers of America in 1947. Initially focused on organizing telephone workers, CWA eventually expanded its scope to include various communications and media fields, becoming one of the most powerful unions in U.S. labor history[1][2][3].

Structure and Membership

As of the early 2000s, CWA comprised over 700,000 members across more than 1,200 local unions. Members work in diverse sectors including telecommunications, manufacturing, public services, health care, and media[1][4][5]. CWA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labor Congress.

Notable Merger and Acquisitions

Over the years, several unions have merged with CWA to expand its influence:

• National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET): Merged in 1994.
• Newspaper Guild: Merged in 1997.
• International Union of Electronic Workers (IUE): Merged in 2000.
• Association of Flight Attendants (AFA): Merged in 2003[2][4].

Politics and Activism

CWA is known for its progressive stance and significant political involvement. The union endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primaries and is a major contributor to progressive causes, advocating for worker-friendly legislation[2][4].

Leadership and Influence

Current leadership includes President Claude Cummings Jr. and Secretary-Treasurer Ameenah Salaam. Past presidents have played crucial roles in shaping the union's agenda, with notable figures like Joseph Beirne, Glen Watts, Morton Bahr, and Larry Cohen[4][5].

Strikes and Collective Bargaining

CWA has a history of strike actions, particularly in the telecommunications sector, with notable strikes against major employers like AT&T and Verizon[2]. The union has successfully negotiated numerous collective bargaining agreements to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members[1].

Alliances and Initiatives

CWA collaborates with various progressive organizations through initiatives like the Democracy Initiative and Speed Matters campaign. It advocates for affordable broadband access and supports worker-friendly legislative efforts[4].