Verizon Regional Bargaining Report # 31

The Regional Bargaining Committee met with the company this afternoon to discuss the company's proposal regarding Force Transfers Requiring a Home Relocation. The Union also requested the Company revisit the proposed changes to the Medical Restriction Policy. The IBEW presented the company with additional proposals on dental benefits and the Advisory Committee on Career and Life Strategies (ACCLS).

Regarding the company's proposal on home relocations, Verizon has targeted 30 locations in the Mid-Atlantic footprint they want to consolidate. These work center consolidations would result in our members being forced transferred up to 365 miles away from their current reporting location even though, in many circumstances, other work groups will still be operating at that location. The Union has repeatedly advised the Company we will not agree to allow them to transfer employees 365 miles from their current work location. The Union made additional requests for clarifying information on the proposal.

The Union also addressed the company regarding proposals passed amending the Medical Restriction Policy. The Union has passed two proposals trying to address members concerns with the Medical Restriction Policy. Both proposals have been rejected by the company. The Union again stressed to the company that this issue needed to be revisited and demanded open dialog to find a way to amend the policy to address our concerns.

It is now September 1, 2015 and we have been meeting with the company for over two months with no significant progress to report. Most of the Company’s retrogressive demands still remain on the table.

The Company has proposed major changes to our heath care plans for both active members and retirees. The Company continues to insist on changes to our defined benefit pension plan, including a choice between pension benefits and 401K savings plan benefits. The Company’s proposal seeks to freeze pension accrual at 30 years of service and to revise the pension cash-out formulas to a lesser payout. This revision would roughly result in a 25% decrease in the cash-out benefit. The Company continues to demand the elimination of Job Security and the elimination of the 35 mile transfer provision. The company also wants to eliminate double time after 49 hours, decrease differential pay treatment and include additional centers in the call sharing agreement throughout the footprint.

Look for an invitation to a Town Hall Call soon. We will provide an up to date status of bargaining on the call. This will be a CWA Member only call and members will need to register in advance for the call.