It's Official: Majority of Verizon Business Techs in New England, New York Sign Up for Union Represe

Boston -- A group of prominent Massachusetts elected officials, religious and community leaders have certified that a majority of former MCI technicians employed by Verizon Business in New England and New York State have petitioned for union representation, and they urged the corporation to grant recognition and begin contract negotiations.

Verifying that a majority – 57 percent -- of the more than 360 eligible techs have signed union authorization forms were Senator John Kerry, Representatives Stephen Lynch and John Tierney, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray and various other leaders.

Congressmen Lynch and Tierney last week voted for the Employee Free Choice Act, a measure which gives workers the right and ability to make a fair and free choice about union representation. The Employee Free Choice Act calls for immediate recognition by employers when a majority of workers sign union authorization forms or cards, among other provisions. The bill passed the House by a 241-185 vote.

A strong lead editorial in today's New York Times reinforces the need for the Employee Free Choice Act, to counter the unfairness of the current broken system. "There is little doubt that federal rules and regulations for union organizing have also become increasingly hostile to labor…If Mr. Bush were, as he claims, truly concerned about rising income inequality and truly committed to improving the lives of America's middle class, he would support the legislation and urge the Senate to approve it," the New York Times wrote. 

The Massachusetts officials met in Boston with a delegation of Verizon Business workers who are seeking representation by the Communications Workers of America in New York and Connecticut and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in New England.  Afterward they joined others at a rally of more than 700 workers and supporters to press Verizon for union recognition.

Verizon previously had agreed to recognize the rights of employees to union representation when a majority of workers indicated their support. 

Other political leaders also have written to Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg urging the company to extend union recognition to the workers, including Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer of New York and Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, and Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts.

"You wouldn't think it would be this complicated to get a voice in the workplace," Rep. Lynch told Verizon Business workers at a meeting this week. "All the workers are asking for, because you are outgunned by the size of your employer, is to have the opportunity to have a voice in the workplace. That's all this is about."

After Verizon bought MCI in 2005, it created a separate business unit, Verizon Business, to wall the MCI workers off from unionized employees who perform the same job functions, according to CWA and IBEW leaders. Union workers have campaigned to "Tear Down the Wall" and help their Verizon Business co-workers win bargaining rights. Verizon Business employees in other regions of the country also are conducting union authorization drives.

"Artificial divisions within a company won't work.  Verizon should give the same opportunities to all its workers – now," said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill.

“Verizon Business workers are overwhelmingly demonstrating that they want bargaining rights and a voice on the job just like union members at this company enjoy. We urge Verizon to step up and give these workers the union recognition they are entitled to,” said CWA President Larry Cohen.