Pros
Not sure how it is nowadays, but when I was there, it was a company where non-mngmt employees could make a decent paycheck, depending on the position and geographical location. AT&T was a company where a high-school grad, ..no college degree, could move up the ranks and make a decent salary. I know of very few companies where a clerical job will pay 43+K a year. The training is great, if one wants to learn the telecommunications industry. When I was employed there, AT&T had an organization which paid for non-work-related training such as real-estate, cosmetology, massage therapist, plumbing, etc. Retirement pkgs are much, much better than most companies: six months to two years severance pay, benefits with no monthly premiums for non-mngmnt (at least so-far), 401K with 2/3 match, and choice of a lump sum payment or retirement check for life. That said; it still depends on exactly what location within the company one is employed. AT&T had union representation which bargained for employee benefits. Personally, this company did OK for me. I'm sure others might have complaints, however. Guess I got out while the 'gettin' was good.'
Cons
Attrition as a result of downsizing and forced reductions caused the workload to triple per employee in some cases. Employees were extremely overworked.
