Verizon Regional Bargaining Report # 1

Bargaining with Verizon began today with the Company and the Unions exchanging opening remarks and stating their respective goals for this round of bargaining. CWA District 2-13, CWA District 1 NJ and IBEW NJ are negotiating for new contracts in Philadelphia while CWA District 1 and IBEW NY and NE are negotiating for new contracts at the Rye Town Hilton in Westchester County.

Ed Mooney, Vice President District 2-13 gave an opening statement to the Company at the Regional Bargaining table. Ed closed his statement by stating, “CWA is committed to Verizon’s continued success. We are united in our commitment to improve our living standards for our families, to provide security for our retirees, and to secure good well –paid union jobs for the future. We are united in our commitment to fight for fairness – we are the foundation upon which the success of Verizon rests. We have helped to boost the company’s earnings and productivity even through a global recession. It is now our turn to share equitably in that growth. When workers at Verizon improve their living standards through collective bargaining, all of our communities also benefit. When CWA members succeed at the bargaining table, when we secure a better standard of living for our members, we help to boost the entire U.S. economy."

In IBEW 827 Local President Bob Speers’ opening statement he reminded the company of the achievements reached over the years when Verizon worked with the Unions and not against us. He also committed to work to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of all of our members.

After opening statements, Verizon gave the Unions an insulting and retrogressive comprehensive proposal. The Regional Bargaining Committee has adjourned for today and will resume bargaining tomorrow.