Verizon Mid-Atlantic-New Jersey Bargaining Updates
CWA-IBEW Bargaining Report
6 pm Wednesday, Aug. 7
Negotiations between the CWA/IBEW unified bargaining committees and Verizon are continuing around the clock in Washington DC. The clock remains stopped at 11:59 pm, Aug. 2
Progress is being made, but the issues yet to be resolved are among our most important.
The speed at which Verizon is shifting from copper to fiber technology makes it clear that we must negotiate a contract that secures new work and the jobs of the future. The company does understand that without progress on these issues at the bargaining table, we have no choice but to move to the street.
The Regional Bargaining Committee met with the Local Presidents in Rye, NY to bring them up to date on the status of negotiations.
It is critical at this phase that we maintain the highest level of mobilization. We must engage in actions that continue to apply pressure on Verizon to move on our issues. There is no question that the efforts of our members are being seen and felt by the company. We are receiving a steady stream of reports from the locals and even some from the company of the persistent and innovative ways our members are engaging in workplace mobilization.
If you have been active in mobilization efforts, the bargaining committee is truly appreciative and thanks you. If you have not yet participated, we urge you to join with the tens of thousands of your brothers and sisters at worksite rallies and other actions.
It's important that we all take this opportunity to feel the pride and satisfaction of standing up and standing together for ourselves, our jobs and our families. It is our union that provides this opportunity. Our unity will bring a successful contract. Today, do just one thing to help us make this happen!
July 30, 2008
The Unions and the Company did not meet in formal session today as the Unions await the Company's response to the proposals placed on the table yesterday. The Unions spent the day working on developing proposals while discussions continue at the executive level. Efforts are intense as the Unions seek a break through to an agreement before contract deadline.
We are pleased at the report of readiness from our locals in the event an agreement is not reached. We are also aware that the Company is increasing security of buildings and outside plant with additional guards and security cameras.
Our members understand the importance of these negotiations so there is no point to repeating them at this stage. We now need total focus on our efforts to win a successful contract. We have always said that great contracts are not won at the table; they are won by our members and what they are willing to do. We are confident that our members are ready and willing to do anything neccesary to get a fair contract. We will not agree to a contract that does not protect our work, our benefits, our retirement security and our standard of living.
Mobilization continues throughout the entire Verizon North/South footprint with thousands of members participating in various activities every day. Stay in touch with your Local coordinators for the latest information on mobilization activities. Picket signs will be arriving at the Locals by Thursday. Time to take the mobilization activities to next level. We are fighting for our future - together.
3 Days and Counting
July 29, 2008
The Unions and the Company met today and the Unions presented counter-proposals in response to their proposals presented yesterday. The meeting recessed while the Company prepares a response. We are entering the final hours and still very far apart on reaching an agreement. This round of bargaining has had fewer issues on the table than any other in memory but it has more major issues on the table than any before.
We are negotiating for the future of our members. We are resisting cost shifting on a healthcare plan that is expected to cost $30,000 per year for a family in 2011.
We are fighting for our retiree healthcare in a world that has almost abandoned retiree healthcare.
We are fighting for employment security.
We are fighting for new jobs in Verizon while the Company is staunchly against the expansion of Union jobs.
We are fighting for work jurisdiction while the Company is determined to subcontract.
These are the issues that are on the table and the issues that secure our futures. They are worth fighting for. We are fighting for these things at the bargaining table and we may soon be taking the fight to the street. Everyone should be ready.
Locals are advised to communicate with retirees. Some retirees are being contacted by the Company and are asked to work in the event of a strike. We need them to understand that they cannot possibly earn enough money to pay for the health care premiums the Company is demanding at the table. The bottom line is that if retirees help the Company kill retiree healthcare they will have worked for free.
Once more we caution our members not to pay attention to rumors. Your supervisor, manager, or director has no information about bargaining whatsoever. Our bargaining reports are accurate and timely and the only reliable source of information. We believe that a completely informed membership is our best weapon.
July 28, 2008
The Unions and the Company met today and the Company provided counter-proposals to the Unions' health care proposal made in earlier meetings.
The meeting adjourned and the Union will assess the counter-proposals and prepare a response.
Only a few more days remain until the contract expiration and we are still far apart on all critical issues and without any agreement on any issue. While it is still possible an agreement can be reached, it is most important that we are ready in the event this contract has to be negotiated in the street.
This contract is about the future. It will do us no good to win wages and benefits and then lose our jobs. Our members have made it clear that they understand and support our bargaining agenda.
Your bargaining committee was inspired by your support at the rally in New York and we are more determined than ever to bring this home.
Special notice: Alpha Units and Moonlight Units are to stay on stand-by. Absolutely no jumping the gun. These units must act at the same time when the signal is given.
July 25, 2008
The Unions and the Company met today and the session began with the Unions making data requests on the prescription drug plan. The Unions then presented counter proposals to the company demands on the medical plan. The meeting recessed until Monday July 28th.
The executive level committee met late into the night yesterday and the meetings at that level are recessed until Sunday July 27th.
The bargaining committee will be attending the rally in New York on Saturday where we will demonstrate to Verizon our Unity and Support for a good contract. We are very pleased with the reports of strike preparation from our locals. The Mobilization Committee will be providing direction on further activities. Special task force instruction should be taking place with Alpha Units and Moonlight Units.
We will see you in New York!
July 24, 2008
The Unions and the Company met today and received a presentation from the American Heart Association on the cost benefits of wellness programs. The executive level committees continue to meet.
At this late date and with no agreement in sight, the possibility of a strike increases and the need to be prepared more urgent.
Given the company's refusal to provide employment security, their demands for concessions on healthcare and other demands for take backs, there should be no doubt where these benefits come from in the first place.
Our Union built this contract through over 60 years of hard bargaining and sometimes strikes. We are committed to do the same thing to keep our contract that we did to get it in the first place.
Every member has a responsibility to make this a successful contract. Volunteering to TA to management helps the company prepare to fight us. Volunteering for overtime helps the company to prepare to cut our contract. Volunteering to sell one more helps the company to prepare to cut our benefits and give away our jobs.
The Company doesn't even respect those employees who help them undermine bargaining. They count on the greed and stupidity of some individuals to help them cut the throat of the entire workforce. Either we will stick together and fight for a good contract or we will only have ourselves to blame.
Stand Up – Stand Together
Mobilize!
July 23, 2008
The Unions and the Company met today and discussions took place in subcommittees on ways to improve the grievance mediation process. Meetings went late into the day at the executive level seeking a breakthrough in the major issues including healthcare for active and retired employees, employment security and work of the future.
June 16, 2008
The Unions and the Company met today and the Unions presented a comprehensive package of demands which includes substantial wage increases and improvements in benefits and working conditions.
Bargaining has been recessed until June 30th so that CWA Representatives can attend the CWA Annual Convention.
At this point our members’ agenda is now fully on the table, but simply putting forth demands will not achieve a successful contract. Our power at the bargaining table is the unity and commitment of our members. Every member should take every opportunity to let the Company know that you support your interests by supporting your Union.
The next bargaining update will be on June 30th, 2008.
Thanks,
Bargaining Update
June 11, 2008
The parties met today and there was intense and sometimes angry discussion on the subject of subcontracting, access to jobs and employment security. The Union pointed out that our members provide Verizon’s competitive edge. The Union also reminded the company that Verizon opposed all attempts at a National Healthcare solution and are now demanding concessions from our members. Operators argued the need to provide work for our members.
The Unions are scheduled to meet with the company at 9:30am tomorrow morning. The Unions will work on preparing the framework for a comprehensive counter proposal.
Every single member has something to gain or loose. While we all don’t have to be fighting for the same issues, we all do have to be in the same fight.
Mobilize!!!
CWA Bargaining Update for Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The meeting scheduled for Monday, June 9th did not take place because the Company could not resolve their transportation problems.
The CWA/IBEW Regional Bargaining Committee met jointly today and had extensive discussions about needed improvements in the grievance and arbitration process. The Unions are in the process of evaluating the health care proposal.
While we are still in the preliminary stages of "early bargaining" it appears the company is seeking give backs in healthcare. The Unions requested clarification from the Company pertaining to Verizon’s health care and prescription drug proposals. The Unions discussed presenting a counter proposal and will work on the counter proposal tomorrow.
As in every round of bargaining we have ever had, our success depends on the support and mobilization of our members.
MOBILIZE!!!
