Verizon Potomac Local Bargaining Report # 8

The Potomac Bargaining Committee met with the Company twice today in Philadelphia to continue discussion on both parties open issues. While there had been several "off-table" discussions the past few weeks which seemed to move the parties closer on a few issues the company today rejected Union proposals regarding moving NFO Technicians to the appropriate Core job title, modifications on Article 41 (Cancellation and Duration), exclusivity over bargaining unit work currently being performed by contractors, changes in the Scope Agreement and automatic promotions for Services Technician or Outside Plant Technicians working on any fiber optic based platform. The company also rejected several proposed improvements to the grievance process and exclusivity over all work being performed in HSI Call Centers.

In the afternoon session, the Union rejected the company's proposals mandating changes regarding Absences for Union Duty, Grievance Meeting Procedures, Termination Allowances and the expansion of work at VCSI including the expansion of contractors.

The Union also challenged the Company's decision to force customers currently on the copper network in Potomac to the fiber network where available. According to a company document covered with technicians today, customers who have initiated a trouble ticket on the copper network and who can be migrated to the fiber network will not get the copper trouble fixed unless it is a medical emergency. If the customer does not agree to the move to the fiber network the technician is to then contact the Fiber Support Center to get a disconnect order issued. The company advised the Union this will affect customers located in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties in Maryland and in certain areas of Virginia.

Local Bargaining has recessed for the week but is scheduled to resume next Tuesday.