Verizon Regional Bargaining Report # 15

Bargaining continued today with the first of two meetings centered on the company’s retrogressive proposal on The Sickness and Accident Disability Benefit Plan. Verizon’s benefit specialist, who was brought in to try to sell this plan was met with many hard questions and facts that were either unanswered or conceded to by the company. It was clear to this bargaining team that the data that the company supplied for this proposal not only fell short of providing any explanation as to why they were interested in making this demand but supported the unions argument not to change this Disability Benefit. The tables recessed for a period and reconvened a short time later.

During the later session, the union gave the company an information request to address the call sharing proposal and the work performed by contractors under the terms of the current agreement. Prior to the end of our meeting this afternoon, the union reinforced the structure of our bargaining process in an attempt to more efficiently utilize our remaining time before the August 1st contract expiration date.

We are 9 days out from the expiration of this contract and it’s time for everyone to make sure the good fight for a fair contract is being waged in every work center. The membership needs to get in managements ear every day and tell them, “We Will Settle for Nothing Less than a Fair Contract for our Members”. Actions are already occurring all across the Mid-Atlantic and every Local should join in each and every day. Strike Authorization Results are set to be released tomorrow once all the numbers are provided. Buses will be lining up this Saturday for the rally in New York City. If you haven’t already made your arrangements, please make plans to get to a location near you. Your Bargaining Committee will see you in New York Saturday morning.

Special thanks to our retiree council for the gift basket that was delivered to the bargaining team today. We thank you for the benefits you have fought for over the years and the continued support that you provide today.

Bargaining is scheduled to resume tomorrow.