DOVER — A giant, cigar-smoking rat reared its ugly head to passing motorists driving through downtown on Tuesday evening.

To drivers it may have just looked like a giant inflatable rat sitting in front of Henry Law Park, but to the 50 or so AT&T call center employees and union supporters who rallied together, the rat signified more. It was a symbol of corporate greed; corporate greed they claim AT&T is showing toward them.

"AT&T is a rat, don't feed the rat," red-shirted supporters chanted as an overwhelming amount of motorists honked their horns in support.

The Communications Workers of America Local 1298, which represents AT&T call center employees, is seeking a contract for the employees that would give them a reasonable wage and health benefits.

William F. Henderson III, the president of the union, said AT&T is "stonewalling" it's employees and said the last time a collective bargaining session was scheduled with AT&T, they laid off a large amount of full-time staff; they laid off 178 workers in April.

"We want them to come back to the negotiating table," Henderson said. "We're not asking for much, just a reasonable wage and medical benefits to support a family."

The definition of a reasonable wage may vary for everyone but most said it's about five dollars more than they are making now. For a single-mother like Tracy Singer, five dollars more would make a big difference, as she tries to support her daughter on $12.42 an hour.

Singer currently works a second job and is trying to apply for a third job to make ends meet.

Ralph Montefusco, Peter Dobroski and Dexter Arnold, from left, hold signs up as motorists honk during a rally at Henry Law Park in Dover Tuesday to raise support for workers of CWA Local 1298 in their bargaining negotiations with AT&T. (John Huff/Staff photographer) * Order a print of this photo

"They (AT&T) could pay all of us five dollars more an hour for what they pay for half a minute of advertising," Singer said.

She also noted that employees have to kick in $2,200 of their own money before they're eligible for their health benefits, which can be difficult given most of their wages, Singer said.

Despite being laid off in April, former AT&T employee Bob Egan also came out on Tuesday to show his support.

"Anyone who works there deserves a contract and for a company that size, they should be able to give them one," Egan said. "These are my friends and I support them. My heart is so into this, especially for the single mothers who can't support their families."

AT&T Spokesman Walt Sharp said the company is in ongoing negotiations with the union.

"We're at the bargaining table and working on getting it resolved," Sharp said.

Of the company's 310,000 employees, 60 percent are union represented, Sharp added.

Howard Coling talks into a megaphone in front of a giant inflatable rat at Henry Law Park in Dover Tuesday during a rally to raise support for workers of CWA Local 1298 in their bargaining negotiations with AT&T. (John Huff/Staff photographer) * Order a print of this photo

"We are the only major wireless telephone company to have union representation in the country," Sharp said. "The bottom line is we have an excellent relationship with our unions and we are proud of the good jobs and wages we offer."

Henderson and others disagree and say they will continue to fight for a contract.

"You shouldn't have to choose between taking your baby to the doctor's and putting food on the table or paying rent," Henderson said.

Upcoming collective bargaining sessions are scheduled to include negotiations for current AT&T employees as well as for benefits, such as recall rights, for the 178 workers laid off.

In January, about 450 workers at the call center joined the Communications Workers of America union after months of information gathering and negotiating.