AT&T field technicians picketed to raise awareness over workplace safety conditions. Just under 100 employees were holding up signs at various AT&T locations across town on Monday.
They want the wireless giant to provide field technicians with safety goggles. The technicians who install fiber optic cable said they are continually exposed to class III lasers while doing their regular jobs.
They have been pleading with the wireless provider to provide the proper safety equipment. But so far those request have gone unanswered.
A union representative told 23ABC that the goggles are not that expensive, ranging between $30-$80 per pair. Workers are concerned over the negative longterm exposure to the laser.
In the meantime, the union is working with Cal OSHA to make safety goggles mandatory for every worker who installs fiber optic cables.
According to AT&T, the issue has been resolved and employees are returning to work.
The director of communications for AT&T said the equipment they use does not emit the light that would damage eyes. The type of goggles that were being asked for aren't needed.
