CWA Members Vote Strike Authorization at Verizon West

By an overwhelming margin, CWA members at Verizon West voted last week to authorize a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached during negotiations. Bargaining is continuing; the contract expired March 13.

More than 90 percent of members approved the strike authorization, with nearly 80 percent of members voting. The contract covers about 5,500 workers mostly in Southern California.

"The strike vote demonstrates members' solid support for their bargaining team and their determination to achieve a fair settlement," said District 9 Vice President Jim Weitkamp. "Verizon can well afford to treat its workers fairly."

CWA and Verizon remain far apart on key issues, including pay, health care cost-shifting, and off-shoring of work. Verizon angered CWA workers when it moved some customer service work from California to Tijuana, Mexico. The company also has relocated some 911 jobs there.

Members are continuing to mobilize and are gearing up for a rally in Long Beach to protest offshoring and other unfair Verizon moves. Elected officials, including several Long Beach City Council members who are concerned about Verizon's decision to move jobs out of the community, will be joining CWAers at the rally.