(Reuters) -The Communications Workers of America (CWA) have informed AT&T (NYSE:T) and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service that it would no longer be a part of the mediation, it said in a statement on Monday.
"The company was using the mediation process as another delaying tactic," said CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt.
More than 17,000 Workers represented by the CWA union, which include technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&T's residential and business wireline telecommunications network, remain on strike which began last month.
"Regardless of whether a neutral third-party is present, progress will not be made without a willingness to compromise," an AT&T spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters late on Monday.
The telecom operator also said it will remain prepared for all contingencies to ensure smooth services to its customers.