Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of District 4 for the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Keep Call Centers in America Act, broadband infrastructure challenges and the need for more government oversight and work protections in the telecommunications industry.
Mathews highlighted the bipartisan Keep Call Centers in America Act, which aims to prevent companies from offshoring call center jobs. The legislation would create a "bad actors" list of companies that move call centers overseas, making them ineligible for federal grants and loans. This act, he noted, addresses concerns about job loss, data security and the use of taxpayer money to subsidize offshoring. Mathews emphasized the importance of keeping these life-changing jobs in the United States, particularly for women and minorities who often fill these roles.
Turning to broadband infrastructure, Mathews expressed concern over recent changes in funding allocation. The Trump administration's intervention has led to a shift from fiber-priority states to a 50-50 funding split between fiber and satellite companies. He said this change potentially leaves rural customers with less reliable and more expensive satellite options instead of fiber optic. Mathews called for increased state oversight of broadband contracts to ensure companies deliver on promises made to secure federal funding, including quality of service, resiliency and consumer protections.
Mathews also stressed the need for stronger worker protections in the telecommunications industry. He advocated for reintroducing regulations and oversight to ensure companies prioritize consumer interests and worker rights over profit margins. Mathews emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for their promises regarding service quality, pricing and employment practices, especially given the significant public funding they receive for infrastructure development.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on these critical labor issues and telecommunications industry challenges.