As Frontier Strike Continues, CWA Urges Customers to Use Caution

Frontier Communications has begun hiring out-of-state workers in an attempt to maintain operations in West Virginia as a strike by 1,400 workers continues.

"We are urging customers to use caution if they encounter someone repairing telephone lines or equipment or responding to a service call," said Ed Mooney, Vice President of CWA District 2-13. "The well-trained, skilled technicians that have worked together for many years to maintain West Virginia's telecommunications network are on strike. That experience can't be replaced overnight. The equipment we handle is complex and our members understand the landscape in West Virginia and how to make sure repairs are done safely."

Earlier today, WV State Police detained an armed temporary Frontier worker who threatened a striker in Flatwoods, WV.

Frontier workers are striking across West Virginia and in Ashburn, VA after failing to reach agreement on a fair contract with the company after nearly 10 months of negotiations. CWA members say that it is time for Frontier to start investing in maintaining and rebuilding its network in West Virginia.

An analysis of informal complaints filed with the West Virginia Public Service Commission shows that complaints have increased steadily over the past three years, rising 69% from 639 complaints in 2014 to 1,072 complaints in 2017. Since Frontier acquired Verizon's landlines in West Virginia in 2010, the company has cut over 500 good, middle-class jobs in the state.