Verizon Regional Bargaining Report # 37

The Union and the Company met today. The Union responded to the Company regarding its proposal on reducing the areas of study covered by the current Tuition Assistance Plan. The Union explained that significant movement was made in the last round of bargaining on the Tuition Assistance Plan and from those changes the Company has reaped significant savings. The Union also advised it has no interest in limiting further our member’s ability to take courses that potentially could benefit them in future endeavors.

The Union also presented several proposals which had some commonality to existing proposals for both parties. The Unions proposals included Tuition, Electronic Recording of Calls, Income Security Plan, Vacation Scheduling, Differential, Premium Pay and Overtime. The Company asked a limited number of questions regarding the proposals and after reviewing further will respond later this week.

The Union Committee remains focused on increasing jobs and bringing work back into the bargaining units. We will continue to fight to make gains in these areas across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

The Company must continue to see Solidarity in the Workplace. Mobilization activity must continue to put pressure on local management. The forced overtime doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon and the Company’s harassment of our members isn’t going away without our members standing up to this Company. These battles are won when everyone stands up and fights together. Members should not hesitate to file appropriate grievances when violations occur. We must all hold this Company accountable for its actions in the workplace.

If you are unsure of the situations you are presented with contact your local representative or steward.

The parties are scheduled to meet again tomorrow.