Verizon Regional Bargaining Report # 71

Your Mid-Atlantic Bargaining Team worked through the week in Philadelphia on a proposal for a fair settlement, focusing on proposals for work that will mean Job Security for our members. There were no "formal" meetings with the company as Verizon's arrogance is focused on bargaining in the media and deploying unqualified scabs to our customer homes.

Verizon apparently has no shame as their public image continues to deteriorate. Of the many incidents reported publicly during the week, some stand out and deserve special mention. In Massachusetts, an intoxicated scab from Florida, with four DUI's and a suspended license struck a picketer and a police officer sending the striker to the hospital. These are the type of people that Verizon is sending to our customers homes.

Fortune Magazine released an expose on Verizon's call center activity and treatment of their workers overseas. CWA sent a delegation of members to the Philippines to reveal first hand that Verizon engages contractors to do our call center work for less than $2.00 an hour under deplorable conditions. Contrary to Lowell McAdam's statement to strikers on the picket line, Verizon sends millions of calls to contractors around the world threatening our livelihood. The company's demand to ship out our good American/Union, living wage jobs is a cor issue in this strike.

Verizon despite their bold face is feeling the heat of your dedication efforts on the picket line, at rallies, mobile pickets, Verizon Wireless stores and in educating the public who along with community leaders and the press are amazed at the dedication and understanding that each of our members have on the issues involved in our struggle to why we are on strike. Keep the pressure up!! Your efforts will make the difference in fighting back the company's retrogressive demands. You are definitely having an impact on the company.

More rallies and activities are in the works for next week, including engaging local business to demonstrate public support, lawn signage in our communities and a March to The White House scheduled for Thursday May 19th.

We thank you for your dedication and support of each other as we continue our struggle for a fair settlement that protects our livelihood today and into the future. The Bargaining Team remains available to meet with the company on short notice to negotiate a fair and equitable agreement.

ONE DAY LONGER !!