Verizon Bargaining 2011: Report # 9

Common Issues negotiations resumed today and met into the evening hours. The Union rejected Verizon’s proposal on health care and presented a proposal of our own. Verizon’s health care proposal had the overall goal of saving money through shifting health care costs to our members. The Union proposal demonstrates that we are interested in true cost savings, not simply cost shifting. As the Company sees it, its proposal provides a short-term gain by shifting costs to our members. We believe the best approach is the one that will save money for the long term by promoting preventive care and better outcomes. The talks recessed for the day.

Locals need to continue with their strike authorization votes and planning for the Rally at Verizon Headquarters in New York City this coming Saturday. We need to convince Verizon that we are serious about not going backwards in these negotiations. We need every member to make a commitment to be there on July 30th and show Verizon management that we are standing together in this fight!

NOW MORE THAN EVER WE NEED TO MOBILIZE!

MOBILIZE! - MOBILIZE! - MOBILIZE!