Verizon Bargaining 2011: Report # 2

Regional and Local Bargaining Teams met with the Company today. At the Regional table the Company gave a presentation about health care.

We have analyzed the Company’s lengthy opening statement from yesterday’s meeting. Basically, according to Verizon, your wages are too high, your health benefits cost too much, you use your health benefits too frequently, you are out sick too much and your work rules are too costly.

In the Union’s opening statement we took the high road and offered to help the Company solve problems as long our members’ livelihoods were not harmed.

Well it appears Verizon believes you are their enemy instead of the dedicated hard workers we know you are. This company is trying to take back everything we have fought for and worked for over half a century.

We are not ready to go backwards and we are not ready to give up our standard of living. We all must stand together. If it’s a fight they want it’s a fight they’ll get.

The Union will be asking you to mobilize, to take action. We need every member involved. This fight cannot be left to someone else. Every member must participate. Stay in touch with your Local for further updates and instructions.