CWA opposes Altice's Cablevision deal, says it will downsize and outsource

The Communications Workers of America (CWA), which represents 300 Cablevision employees, has filed an official objection with the FCC to Altice's planned $17.7 billion acquisition of Cablevision, citing concerns that the company's sizable debt from the deal will require it to downsize and outsource much of the work. In addition, the CWA called attention to Altice's track record of refusing to pay its contractors. In a statement, Dennis Trainor, VP of the Communications Workers of America District 1, said that Altice has a history of taking on too much debt, outsourcing as much work as possible and then downsizing the workforce. "Unless Altice makes commitments to protect customer service and Cablevision employees, the FCC should reject this deal," Trainor said.

The CWA said it also plans to file similar objections with the New York State Public Service Commission, the New York City Franchise Concession Review Committee and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, all of whom will play a role in reviewing the deal. 

Altice responded to the CWA by saying that it has a track record of innovation and investment and released the following statement.   "Altice has a track record of investment, innovation and customer service in all the communities we serve. We look forward to a fair and open regulatory process in connection with our proposed Cablevision transaction, and as in all of our other territories we expect to deliver significant benefits to consumers and their communities in the Tri-state area."  Release

This article was updated on Dec. 7 to include a statement from Altice.