Communications Workers of America union members have been on a labor strike since Saturday, protesting what they call unfair labor practices by their employer, AT&T. Mississippians are among those striking.

Will my service be disrupted? What do I do if I need to call customer service?

An AT&T official told the Hattiesburg American the company anticipated the strike so is prepared to handle customers' needs.

What is the CWA strike about? How many employees are involved in the strike?

The labor union said it is protesting AT&T's bargaining process since it involved sending people to the table who do not have the ability to negotiate terms with the CWA.

About 22,000 AT&T employees in the CWA labor union in nine states are protesting unfair labor practices. The details of the practices have not been disclosed publicly, but a few employees on strike have said they are hoping for better wages and health benefits.

How long will the strike last? How do strikers survive without a paycheck?

Union officials have said the strike will last until the company and the union can agree to terms. Protesters arrive at AT&T sites beginning at 7 a.m. each day and stay until the strike manager give the signal to go home.

A strike can last days, weeks or even several months.

Union employees who are on strike to not collect a paycheck from their employer while they are striking. In most states, protesters also are not allowed to collect unemployment benefits while on strike. Some unions have a relief fund to help striking workers while they are not getting paid. The CWA has such a relief fund to maintain the protest and help its members during a strike.

Do the workers have to worry about losing their jobs because of the strike?

No. The union voted to strike for a legitimate reason, so it is a protected action. AT&T cannot punish workers for striking.

What is a labor union?

A labor union is an organization of employees in a similar profession or trade that works to protect jobs and further the benefit of workers. The union handles bargaining for better wages, benefits and working conditions on behalf of its members.

What is a labor strike?

A strike happens when workers, usually in a union, decide collectively to stop working to protest unsettled grievances against the company they work for.

Contact Lici Beveridge at 601-584-3104 or lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev.