The $39 billion proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile would add thousands nationwide to the roster of the world's largest telecom union.
Monday, the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council rallied in support of the merger, saying it would not only improve the working conditions of existing T-Mobile employees, but create thousands of new jobs.
Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer of the Labor Council, said about 96,000 jobs would be created in the United States.
"AT&T is committed to investing $8 billion to expand its mobile and broadband networks," she said. "This would would create thousands of jobs in construction and engineering, many in San Diego."
Gonzalez also said a deal would mean thousands of T-Mobile employees would now have a voice in their workplaces, better pay, and the right to collective bargaining rights.
AT&T, the largest telecom company in the U.S., is the only one with a unionized workforce. Its employees are part of the Communications Workers of America, the largest of its kind in the world.
In California, CWA represents about 58,000 employees, more than 20,000 of whom work for AT&T.
The proposed acquisition of T-mobile by AT&T is being reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department. Many worry a deal could cut competition and hurt consumers.
It's not yet a done deal, however. News reports last week said negotiators had hit a snag.
