CWA members meet with Maryland Governor to raise concerns over broadband labor standards

CWA members and retirees met with Maryland Governor Wes Moore last week to raise concerns about the state's proposed labor standards for broadband projects funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The group also stressed the need to oversee federally funded broadband projects already underway. 

In order to ensure buildout and deployment is done safely, correctly, and transparently, CWA is urging states to ensure funding goes towards internet service providers that have strong training and safety programs, provide high-quality wages and benefits, and have proactive practices to ensure compliance with state and federal safety, labor, and civil rights laws.

Pictured left to right: Marcus Chambers (Maryland State Broadband Lead and member of CWA Local 2018), Lisa Fazzini (CWA Staff Representative), Maryland Governor Wes Moore, LaTasha Carpenter (Vice President CWA Local 2108), Dyana Forester (Senior Director of Labor Relations for the Moore-Miller Administration), Shannon Opfer (President CWA Local 2107), and Jenny Sylvester (CWA District 2-13 Retiree President).

Links:

CWA members meet with Maryland Governor to raise concerns over broadband labor standards (CWA, Feb. 8, 2024)

CWA urges state broadband offices to prioritize fiber and fair labor practices (Speed Matters, Jan. 26, 2024)