Communications workers have been seeing their work head overseas for decades. According to some in the industry, lawmakers are finally catching on and looking for ways to punish companies who move operations overseas.

One such industry professional is Communications Workers of America District 4 Director Frank Mathews. Mathews discussed protecting call center jobs, voting rights, the filibuster and more when he appeared on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

Expanding voting rights

Mathews said it is vital that Democrats continue to focus on expanding voting rights. Republicans are working plans through state legislatures to limit early voting, reduce ballot drop boxes and make it harder for those living in densely populated areas to vote.

Mathews advocates the passage of HR 1, which is legislation that would shore up voting rights, outlaw dirty practices, such as mailing postcards to voters with the wrong election day and more.

This effort by Republicans after losing a presidential election is essentially a power grab to continue ruling from the minority according to Mathews.

Reforming the filibuster

A hot-button issue is what to do with the filibuster. Many Democrats are in favor of removing the rule entirely, while others are more in favor of reforms to make it more difficult to use. The argument is that one Senator from a low population state such as Wyoming can hold up a bill favored by the overwhelming majority of Americans.

Although a proponent of completely doing away with the filibuster, Mathews would be fine with provisions that make it harder to use the tactic. For example, Mathews said voting rights bills should be excluded from the filibuster.

Mathews supported getting rid of the filibuster by saying that Senate Republicans have no intention of working with Democrats. Many votes have gone along party lines.

Keeping call center jobs in the U.S.

As a CWA leader, Mathews is worried about the rate at which call center jobs are being shipped overseas. Thankfully, Mathews said legislation against the companies doing this offshoring is gaining bipartisan support.

He said a bill has been introduced in Ohio that would revoke state contracts from companies who send more than half of their call center jobs overseas. They would also lose tax incentives and other bonuses.

Additionally, Mathews said it is becoming a security issue. While Americans are told to protect their personal information, companies are sending jobs and everyone’s information overseas where it is likely to end up in the wrong hands.

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