CWA Outraged Over VZ Exec Statement

For release Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011

Union Outraged by Verizon Exec’s Statement

Following is a statement by the Communications Workers of America:

Washington, D.C. We are disappointed to see this quote from Marc Reed, Verizon’s Executive Vice President for Human Resources, that the company hoped “to convince the unions to begin bargaining with us in good faith.”  It is both inaccurate and insulting. We agreed with management not to claim victory in changing the process, reinstituting the contract or shaping our goals.  We will live by that commitment.

But Reed's comment if not retracted means that we will be prepared to fight and fight hard whenever necessary if Verizon believes it can resume negotiations on that basis.  We were encouraged by millions of Americans at our side in the fight for bargaining rights, middle class jobs and a decent standard of living. We thank them for their support.

Following is the unions’ original statement.

CWA, IBEW Reach Agreement on Bargaining with Verizon; Members to Return to Work Tuesday, August 23

Washington, D.C. – Members of CWA and IBEW at Verizon Communications will return to work on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at which time the contract will be back in force for an indefinite period.

We have reached agreement with Verizon on how bargaining will proceed and how it will be restructured. The major issues remain to be discussed, but overall, issues now are focused and narrowed.

We appreciate the unity of our members and the support of so many in the greater community. Now we will focus on bargaining fairly and moving forward.

CWA and IBEW represent 45,000 workers at Verizon covered by this contract from Virginia to New England.

Contact: Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168, cjohnson@cwa-union.org