Verizon Bargaining 2011: Report #1

BARGAINING REPORT # 1 –

Bargaining with Verizon opened today with the Company and the Unions exchanging opening remarks and stating their respective goals for this round of bargaining. We exchanged no formal proposals.

Management stated the main goal for both parties is to reach an agreement that will meet the needs of both sides. The Unions, CWA and IBEW, responded by stating that we are in agreement with the Company that it is important we reach an agreement that meets both of our needs.

As stated by CWA District 13 Vice President Ed Mooney, “Now is the time to put our differences aside and focus on what we have in common. We need to use our collective strength to benefit each other and not work against one another. Collectively we are one company, voice, data, video and wireless. Only by working together as one company will we all be successful.”

We have a long relationship with Verizon going back many years. As CWA District 2 Vice President Ron Collins said, “In those years we have worked together to solve problems delivering quality service to our customers, building a strong company. We are here today to negotiate a fair agreement that provides our members the opportunity to grow along with the company.”

We are in this fight together, negotiating a new agreement for more than 45,000 union members and their families, along with tens of thousands of our retirees. As stated by IBEW Local 827 President Bill Huber, “Verizon paid its top executives $81 million dollars in 2009 and more than $340 million in the last five years. Both the IBEW and CWA stand ready to bargain a fair agreement with Verizon. We will remain united.”

Our members must understand the only accurate information they will receive will come from the Union. Keep in contact with your Local bargaining update hotlines, websites etc.

Bargaining will reconvene tomorrow.