(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa on the decision by 40,000 AT&T workers to begin a three-day strike today. The workers have been at the bargaining table for months seeking a fair contract, but the company has not delivered.

“The 1.4 million members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters stand in solidarity with 40,000 AT&T workers and their union, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), for taking a strong stand for justice and economic fairness.

“Workers at AT&T have seen their benefits get more expensive year after year, while AT&T offshores thousands of jobs. This company made $13 billion in profits last year, but is now denying its workers, who are making this company so profitable, the contract they deserve.

“This is the largest walkout in the U.S. since Verizon workers went on strike last year. It’s a fight for good jobs and against the growing income inequality that is enabling large corporations to prosper at the expense of workers.

“The Teamsters Union stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters at AT&T, and we will honor their picket lines as we support their efforts to achieve a fair contract.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.