Communications Workers of America

States and localities find themselves in a historic moment in relation to broadband investment.

Unions representing millions of workers in telecommunications, tech, and media as well as most sectors of the US wrote the US Senate to strongly support Gigi Sohn [Senior Fellow and Public Advocate at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society] for the role of Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and urge swift action on her nomination. The FCC needs a fully seated commission in order to make critical decisions during a period of increased federal investment in broadband networks and digital equity initiatives.

The Communications Workers of America District 9, in partnership with Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, has been awarded a $5.8 million grant to expand its apprenticeship training programs for fiber technicians at its existing training center in San Jose and three additional sites across California.  Large-scale public investment in broadband will require a statewide workforce of well-trained fiber technicians, which CWA aims to expand by offering high-quality training and financial support for apprentices. These programs will increase awareness and adoption of the apprenticesh

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and Microsoft launched “Get Connected,” an initiative to boost enrollment in the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, at a community Labor Day festival in Atlanta (GA). Additional events are planned throughout September and early October in Detroit (MI), Memphis (TN), New York City (NY), and rural North Carolina. In each city, CWA and Microsoft will work with local public housing authorities and other community partners to publicize the events and pre-qualify residents for the Affordable Connectivity Program.