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A new report published by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) has raised significant concerns about safety at work and public infrastructure risks associated with the Gigapower fiber network, a joint venture between AT&T and BlackRock.
The report alleges that the project’s reliance on poorly vetted contractors has led to safety violations and significant damage to public assets, putting workers and communities at risk.
The AT&T Safety Report, titled The Gigapower Gamble, focuses on deployment issues in Mesa, Arizona, where contractors have reportedly caused over 40 underground utility hits - including gas, electric, and water lines - resulting in damages exceeding $135,000 in just 18 months.
The CWA claims that many subcontractors employed by Gigapower lack proper licensing, registration, or experience in telecom infrastructure, raising serious questions about worker safety and public accountability.
“Fiber deployment involves technical and hazardous work, often near critical infrastructure like gas and electrical lines,” said CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister. “Failing to ensure contractors are properly trained and licensed puts everyone at risk - workers, residents, and the public infrastructure itself.”
Allegations of low worker safety standards
The report criticizes Gigapower for bypassing AT&T’s trained workforce in favor of subcontractors with minimal oversight. Such an approach, according to CWA, has undermined decades of progress in workplace safety and labor standards in the telecom sector.
CWA President Claude Cummings, added: “AT&T’s partnership with BlackRock and its use of untested, non-union contractors is creating a race to the bottom. These decisions not only jeopardize worker safety but also degrade the quality of infrastructure critical to public safety.”
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The use of multiple layers of subcontracting is also under scrutiny. In Mesa, prime contractor Ansco & Associates reportedly hired at least 19 subcontractors to handle fiber network deployment, many of which the CWA claims lack adequate training and safety compliance.
Calls for stricter oversight
The findings have sparked calls for action in neighboring Phoenix, where the city council is considering new regulations to allow fiber-optic installation in public rights-of-way. Local labor groups, including the Maricopa Area Labor Federation, have urged city officials to implement stricter contractor transparency and safety requirements.
The report certainly won’t enhance AT&T’s reputation as an employer, particularly in industries where safety at work is a critical factor. Companies like AT&T, known for their long-standing unionized workforce, risk eroding public trust and employee morale if allegations of safety lapses persist.
For employers, ensuring compliance with safety regulations is not just about avoiding financial penalties; it’s also about maintaining credibility with stakeholders and the communities they serve. As calls for greater accountability grow louder, businesses face increased pressure to prioritize worker safety and transparent practices.
The AT&T Safety Report underscores the importance of rigorous contractor vetting and adherence to safety standards, reminding all industries that cutting corners can have far-reaching consequences.
