AT&T workers walk off the job in Southfield, Royal Oak

(WJBK) - AT&T workers walked off the job Friday in Southfield and Royal Oak over a labor dispute.

Members of the Communications Workers of America Local 4009 upset Friday over what their union rep describes as an unfair labor practice strike against AT&T.

"The union is charging the company with violation of its members for protected concerted activities," said Jim Simons, rep for Local 4009.

The workers are protesting together in solidarity and say this dispute is not new. 

"This is an ongoing charge," Simons said.

Simons would not elaborate about what activity was violated.

"The members are protected with certain activities and that's all I can say at this point," he said.

But sources tell FOX 2 that an example of a protected concerted activity would be informational pickets before and after work on an employee's own time.

Fox 2 reached out to AT&T and a company spokesperson had this say:

"A walkout is not in anybody's best interest, and it's unfortunate that the union chose to do that. We're engaged in discussion with the union to understand their concerns."
 
But Simons says despite the union's efforts to resolve the issues, there's been no resolution. 

"I am hoping they ring my phone right now to get this over with," he said. "It is in the best interest of everyone."