PSI supports the rights of Deutsche Telekom workers

PSI is aware that Deutsche Telekom has a long-standing relationship of collective bargaining and social dialogue with its German trade union counterpart, ver.di, which has fostered a productive and prosperous company, an economically stable workforce, and a stronger national democracy. However, outside of Germany, management at DT-owned subsidiaries often abandons the practices of its home country and adopts the worst practices of the host countries: disrespect for workers, fear and intimidation for workers who speak up, and reprisals when they seek to join a union.

The examples are numerous. In the United States, workers face anti-union behavior by Deutsche Telekom’s subsidiary, T-Mobile USA, that includes intimidation and management surveillance of union activities. In the United Kingdom, workers have seen corporate-led efforts to deter them from joining the union for fear of reprisals or dismissals in response to their union activities. In Mexico, T-Systems enters into employer-controlled protection contracts with fraudulent unions that the workers did not chose and whose leaders they did not elect.

Public sector unions around the world expect better from a company that has a demonstrated track-record in Germany of respect for labor rights. Public Services International and its affiliates will use all means in its power as consumers, investors and public citizens to support the rights of Deutsche Telekom workers.

For more information:

• Letter from PSI (PDF)
• Letter from all PSI affiliates (PDF)