In The News: CWA Battles Idearc Over Pensions, Benefits

CWA is mounting a major campaign against the company that publishes Verizon telephone directories in response to its demands for a unilateral pension freeze and benefit cuts affecting 700 CWA and IBEW members in New England and upstate New York.

The Idearc Media workers, members of CWA?Locals 1301 and 1302, have been without a contract since June when the company declared a bargaining impasse and imposed steep concessions in all benefit programs as well as job security and sales commission plans.

The unions have filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board and are reaching out to shareholders, the financial community and news media.

The unions say poor management decisions led the company's stock to plummet by 48 percent over the past year, problems now compounded by labor turmoil and low morale. Meanwhile, revenues are rising at Idearc's major competitor, AT&T Directories.

"We have fought hard over 45 years to gain the contracts we currently enjoy, and the company wants to take it all back in one round of bargaining," District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton said.

Other CWA contracts with Idearc expire this summer and next year. In all, CWA represents 1,700 Idearc workers in sales, customer service, graphic design and clerical support.