EDITORIAL: A merger that puts American workers first

In a business world often driven by cost-cutting and outsourcing, the proposed merger between Charter and Cox Communications represents a refreshing shift — and a commitment to American workers and quality domestic jobs.

The $34.5 billion telecommunications deal is a bold statement about the future of American labor in an age of offshoring. By choosing to prioritize U.S.-based employees, offering industry-leading pay and benefits, and investing in career development, the combination of Charter and Cox Communications would set the standard for workforce treatment and quality That’s not even to mention the deal bolsters the companies’ ability to compete against global giants like Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta for video viewership and advertising sales, as well as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for mobile and internet services.

The merger of Charter and Cox represents a clear and intentional decision to bring jobs back home. As part of this agreement, all overseas customer service positions from Cox Communications would be ended and Charter’s commitment to 100 percent U.S.-based sales and customer service functions would be extended to Cox Communications. Additionally, all employees would earn at least $20 per hour — an industry-leading wage for entry-level positions.

More importantly, these roles would offer new employees access to some of the most comprehensive benefits packages available, including full medical, dental, and vision coverage, a robust 401(k) match, and paid time off for full and part-time workers. Even as many U.S. companies continue to prioritize cheap labor, enlisting overseas workers to handle customer service and technical support, Charter has made a deliberate move to onshore these jobs.

The company’s approach to training and advancement is focused on offering employees more opportunities, including within career progression. For example, Charter’s Broadband Field Technician apprenticeship allows participants to learn new skills, gain a transferable certification, and ultimately move up the career ladder and achieve the American Dream.

Career opportunities are just one facet of the benefits for American workers under the Charter-Cox merger: educational opportunities for workers open up under the agreement. Employees of the combined company would gain access to Charter’s tuition-free undergraduate degree programs as well as self-progression opportunities, which provide a clear pathway to promotions with standardized pay increases. This is the kind of investment in human capital that will have lasting positive effects on the U.S. economy, providing American workers with the tools and training they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

“We've always believed that investing in customer service and satisfaction creates a virtuous cycle in our business,” Charter’s CEO Chris Winfrey said on a recent investor call. “Better customer service translates to fewer customer transactions. Fewer transactions produce higher customer satisfaction and lower churn. Lower churn reduces cost and increases penetration.”

“And lower costs give us the ability to offer better pricing, which works for customer acquisition, service, and satisfaction, and positions us for growth,” Winfrey said.

Cox, founded in 1898 and rooted in family values and community leadership, has always emphasized the importance of long-term investment in both its people and its communities. Meanwhile, Charter’s approach has proven that high-quality, full-time, U.S.-based jobs can still be the backbone of a successful business. This merger would build on the traditions of both companies, delivering new opportunities for American workers.

The combination of these companies presents a vision for a different kind of corporate future in America. One that acknowledges that domestic workers are the true foundation of a successful business and models how companies can thrive while also putting American workers first. It’s a model that other industries, and even other countries, should take note of to guarantee long-term success in a market shifting back to America’s shores.

By choosing to prioritize American labor, onshore jobs, and invest in the people who make their wheels turn and help keep the lights on, the combination of Charter and Cox would be a significant win for the future of high-wage skilled labor in the U.S.

Moreso, it sets a new bar for what corporate responsibility looks like in the 21st century. Other companies should follow suit.