Bargainers Focus on Jobs as Verizon Talks Continue

Members, such as these in Smithfield, Va., have engaged in informational picketing and other mobilization activities this week to show support for bargainers.

Union negotiators reported progress in marathon bargaining sessions with Verizon the last couple of days, with a special focus right now on a range of jobs issues including subcontracting and bringing new and future work into the bargaining units.

Sustained mobilization activities by members throughout Verizon East territory has continued ever since CWA and IBEW stopped the clock as contract expiration approached last Saturday night, citing enough progress on major issues to postpone strike action and keep negotiating.

More rallies are being planned for tomorrow in all three districts, 1, 2 and 13.

Major union goals, in addition to jobs and jobs of the future, include protecting health benefits for both active and retired workers, retirement security, bargaining rights for technicians who have been seeking recognition for nearly two years at Verizon Business, and a fair wage settlement in line with Verizon's profitability.