News

Verizon Bargaining 2011: Report # 10

27 Jul, 2011

Common Issues negotiations continued today with the Union passing more proposals to the company today. Some discussion took place concerning the package of retrogressive proposals Verizon put on the table a month ago with the management bargaining team re-iterating that is what they need in order to bring their cost structure in line. The Union responded that we are willing to talk about their proposal as soon as we have a commitment from them concerning our top issue, jobs. We need serious discussion and agreement from management about keeping and bringing work into the bargaining unit. Our members need the security of knowing that every Verizon job is a Union job. That we will not sit by as they continue contracting out and shifting our work across the country and overseas.

Locals need to continue with their strike authorization votes as the deadline for completion is fast approaching. In addition, everyone should make sure to join in the Verizon East bargaining and mobilization call at 7:00pm on Wednesday. You can sign up for the call now at www.cwaaction.org or text VZCALL to 69866. We want to make sure that everyone is on this call.

Also, every member and retiree should be making plans to attend the July 30th rally at Verizon headquarters in New York City. The rally will begin at 11 a.m. at 140 West Street. Thousands of CWA and IBEW members are coming from across the footprint, some of them riding buses all night to be there. We need every member and retiree to make that same commitment to fight against Verizon's greed and for a fair contract that protects our jobs and standard of living. Join us for a good time and a great day as we bring the message directly to Lowell that WE WILL NOT GO BACK!