Health-care costs and job security have remained major issues between SBC and its employees as they try to resolve a recent labor dispute. The Communications Workers of America, representing about 100,000 SBC Communications workers, staged a four-day walkout early Friday. As the workers prepare to return from the strike, many are optimistic that an agreement can be reached. Union representatives have reported that the company has been more willing to discuss key issues and hope to avoid a full-blown strike.
See "Union sees `movement' during 4-day SBC strike", Chicago Tribune, May 24, 2004