Technicians with AT&T in five states went back to work on Wednesday, union and company officials said, just shy of a week after walking out.  

The technicians, who install U-verse and Direct TV, walked off their jobs on May 31 because they said the company had tried to negotiate directly with members instead of through the union's bargaining unit.  

"We went back to negotiations (Wednesday)," said Travis Young, president of the Communications Workers of America Local 4217. He said the walkout had accomplished its goal of protesting the unfair labor practices.