Southern California Locals Condemn Verizon's Use of Contractors

On January 10, 2009, Verizon started the New Year on the wrong note with its most experienced and loyal employees in the Long Beach, California area when it decided to use contractors to avoid having to pay CWA members premium pay rates.

"Prior to the action, we notified the company that we had a long list of workers who were volunteering to work in the safe and professional manner our customers deserve," said Gregg W. Gibson, President of CWA Local 9586. Instead, he said the company chose to avoid using its most qualified workers "just to save a couple bucks," clearly showing its  disregard for workers, our union and customers, he said.

CWAers from southern California locals protest Verizon's decision to hire contractors for premium pay workdays, threatening service quality to customers and robbing members' paychecks.

Dozens of CWA members from Locals 9586, 9588, 9575, 9510, 9400, joined by members of the Southern California Council demonstrated their displeasure with the company on Jan 16th.

"This is just the beginning if Verizon doesn't change its decision and refuses to provide the best possible service to customers," Gibson said.