I don't think VZ has a legal right to deploy it's mgmt employees to field job.
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This is not unique to Verizon. All companies that have unionized staff expect their Management employees to temporarily take over union jobs when the union goes on strike.
This problem will occur for you every 4 years (or whenever Verizon's next union contract expires). Either learn to live with it, or find a different job, one with a company that has no union.
Management can't do "productive work" per the union contract on the wireline side.
We have chosen to do a desk job for a reason. VZ has no right to put us on field work and carry ladder and climb the poles. Lot of people are afraid of retaliation and that is the reason they can not say no to doing such dangerous job. Isn't that simple hand twisting? BTW, visa holders are exumpt from doing any other kind of job, because they are not just allowed to replace any American arbitrarily according to the dept of Labor.
Not everyone signed an agreement to perform EWA. Also a friend of mine works for legal and he says 95% of lawsuits are settled out of court. In the long run it's more cost effective and eliminates the bad publicity.
794 thanks for the advice. I will start looking for a real company.
Well, they can ask you to do anything. And if you refuse they can fire you. But unless they gave you at least a 30 day written notice that your job requirements are changing, then they are in breach of contract. That being the case, they could be sued for wrongful discharge. And you'd be eligible to collect unemployment and backpay. All of which may cost you $$$ for a lawsuit to fight for your rights. And they have more $$$ than you.
And from what I've heard from many folks at Verizon, they were all forced to sign a document years ago saying they knew they might have to perform emergency work assignments. So if you signed that, then go get your work boots and helmet and prepare to be a front-line grunt .... or just go find a real job at a real company. Don't let meat-grinders like Verizon hold you happiness and future hostage. Life is short.
At will means - either they can terminate you or you can dump them at anytime. At will does.noy mean that they can ask us to mop the toilets. Right?
Management is at will to follow orders, however shitty. also we took away your pension. so chin up.
The way things are headed with this toxic company, you'll be handed a mop and bucket pretty soon.
Only union members have the luxury. Management is at will and has to follow the shackles.
Your employment is at will, kind of boils down to that.
Any corporate HR lawyers?