NAACP Defends Stance On Telecom Merger

BOSTON - In a June editorial, Boston based newspaper, the Globe criticized the NAACP for backing the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile.

NAACP policy and advocacy senior vice president Hilary Shelton is defending the group's position by saying, " We based our decision on the greater workplace diversity and improved rights for workers that the merger augurs.

For years, the NAACP has extensively monitored the telecommunications industry and its commitment to workplace diversity. AT&T has consistently ranked near the top of the pack. They have walked the walk on issues that are important to us and our community."

Adds Shelton, "What’s more, AT&T is the only major wireless company with a diverse unionized workforce, providing livable wages and benefits as well as the employee development and protections that the NAACP has long fought for in other major industries. The merger would extend labor contracts to T-Mobile employees whose efforts to unionize have been stymied under current leadership.

In protecting the interests of our communities, we have often taken stances that were in opposition to our corporate donors. We filed lawsuits against banks who were financial supporters charging them with discrimination and predatory lending.

Shelton concluded by saying, "The NAACP supports the AT&T merger not because of sponsorship but because it would improve the lives of both working people and racial and ethnic minority employees."