Verizon Bargaining 2011: Report # 66

The CWA/IBEW Mid-Atlantic Regional Bargaining Committee reconvened bargaining on Monday, April 16, 2012 in Rye, NY. The Unions requested clarification on the company’s March 29th comprehensive package and are awaiting the Company’s response to our March 29th proposals. The company presented changes to its proposals on Medical Restriction and Absence this week.

Most of the Company’s August retrogressive demands still remain on its agenda. The Company has proposed major changes to our heath care plans for both active members and retirees. Not only are they demanding our members pay premiums for healthcare coverage, they are proposing changes to increase deductibles, increase co-insurance, increase out of pocket expenses and increase the costs for prescription drugs. These increases amount to several thousand dollars in cost-shifting per year to our members and retirees. This fight for health care is about more than just paying a premium. The Company wants us to pay more and feel it in our wallet so that we’ll think twice about visiting the doctor or seeking medical attention.

Here are a few highlights from the most recent offer:

PENSIONS - Cut pension accruals in half. For anyone currently on the payroll your pension will be capped at 30 years. Beginning October 1, 2012, your pension plan will only accrue at 50 %. Eliminate the Pension Lump Sum option. Modify the 401(k) Plan and the CPS. Eliminate the Sickness Death Benefit.

ABSENCE – The Company only wants to give 6 day’s paid absence per year and still discipline members who use those 6 days.

ELIMINATE JOB SECURITY Eliminate the Job Security Provisions for all employees. Eliminate the Movement of Work Protection Eliminate the 35 mile transfer provision Eliminate provisions in Force Adjustment Plan Eliminate New Contracting Initiatives agreement – allowing them to increase the level of contracting

CALL SHARING – Verizon still demands their call sharing proposal but have not entertained any of the security provisions from the Union nor have they given us any additional jobs.

MEDICAL RESTRICTION POLICY – Verizon wants our medically restricted members to take an unpaid leave of absence.

The Company’s goal is to destroy Middle Class jobs and they are starting with their own employees. We are in the fight of our lives with Verizon. The Chairman and CEO, Lowell McAdam tripled his compensation from 7.2 million to 23.1 million annually yet he does not want to give his employees a raise. This is a slap in the face to every member and retiree. We need to send a clear message that we are determined if there is no place in this business for us, then we will make certain there will be no business without us either. It is more important than ever that our members continue to mobilize and that EVERY member commit to spending at least 4 hours per week participating in mobilization activities. If you have not gotten involved, it is time to look at how much you can lose. It is time to call your Local or talk to your steward and find out what you can do to help.

Verizon’s Annual Shareholders Meeting is Thursday May 3, 2012 at 10:30 AM at the Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, Alabama. We are still collecting proxies. We are asking all of our members to vote your proxy, sign and date your card and return it to your Local. The Shareholder’s Meeting is a Thursday and there will be a “sea of red” CWA and IBEW members who are also shareholders who will deliver these proxies and a message to that meeting.

Mobilize! – Mobilize! – Mobilize!