CWA wants answers about lawmakers and internet access for students

The Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act, the BEAD program and the one-year anniversary of the strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Richard L. Trumka PRO Act was reintroduced in 2023, and the CWA wants politicians to go on record on whether they support the legislation in hopes of figuring out the next steps to pass the bill, Mathews said. The PRO Act looks to even the balance of power between companies and workers. In order to improve the ability to organize and earn better contracts, the bill needs to pass. Mathews also shared ways people can sign a petition in support of passing the PRO Act and how to leave a voicemail supporting the bill with your representative.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) provides funding to extend affordable broadband connections to all Americans. During the pandemic, the issues with reliable internet access were more noticeable than ever before. Under BEAD, each state can design and implement a plan to extend access to affordable, high-speed internet to every resident. The CWA has been working with states to create a future-proof network using knowledgeable, well-trained workers from high-road employers.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers strike has reached one year, and ownership doesn’t seem to be willing to budge, Mathews said. There have been several instances of anti-union actions by ownership, and subsequent complaints have been placed with the National Labor Relations Board. The workers first chose to strike after some staff had not received pay raises in nearly 16 years, and one month prior, the workers had their insurance cut off. The workers involved have shown incredible courage and solidarity over the last year, and Mathews believes they will continue to fight for their protection.

To hear more from Mathews, please listen to the show above.