Local cable company Breezeline has terminated its entire Customer Care Department in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, sparking a dispute with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union. The layoffs, which began in May and concluded in late September, have impacted dozens of employees. The union claims the decision violates their contract, particularly since the jobs are reportedly being replaced by AI and overseas subcontractors.
John Troha, President of the local IBEW union, expressed frustration with Breezeline, stating that the company’s actions are in breach of their contract. “The customer care has been wiped out. They terminated all of them,” Troha said, emphasizing that the layoffs occurred despite recent contract negotiations that did not signal any forthcoming job cuts.
In May, the company laid off half of the department, a move that surprised union members. However, the second wave of terminations in September was somewhat anticipated due to concerns about additional cuts. The union alleges that Breezeline has replaced the roles with over 150 subcontractors from the Philippines and AI-driven services, which, according to the union, violates their agreement.
The IBEW has already gone through arbitration with Breezeline, but their appeals were denied. The union remains committed to challenging the decision and plans to meet with Breezeline’s lawyers to discuss the issue further.
Troha shared the personal toll the layoffs have had on long-time employees, highlighting the case of a 69-year-old woman who had been with the company for over 30 years before being let go. The union intends to continue fighting for its members, seeking a resolution to what it sees as a contract violation.
