Verizon Members Show Strong Backing for Bargainers

CWA members at Verizon in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states voted overwhelmingly to authorize leaders to call a strike if they deem it necessary and if negotiators fail to reach a settlement by contract expiration at midnight on August 2.

"We hope to reach a fair settlement, but this demonstrates our members' solid support for their bargaining teams and their own strong determination to achieve a fair settlement with Verizon," said CWA President Larry Cohen.

Vice presidents of Districts 1, 2 and 13 reported that more than 91 percent of Verizon members approved strike authorization in voting conducted among the 60 locals involved in Verizon East bargaining.  The IBEW, which is bargaining jointly with CWA, also reported overwhelming member support for strike authorization.

The strike vote would allow CWA's Executive Board to authorize the union president to set a strike date at any point after contract expiration.

Contract talks are continuing at bargaining tables in New York and Washington, D.C.