Union Tape Message
Wednesday, 2/17/16
Brothers and Sisters,
As you are well aware we continue to work without a contract and over the past 9 months your bargaining team has diligently participated in the bargaining process. Their efforts and your mobilization activities have yielded minimal results. The Union has attempted to solidify an agreement that reflects the competitive challenges that Verizon faces, while securing the future of our members. We are all discouraged by Verizon’s unreasonable demands. The simple truth is that Verizon is a highly profitable company because of your efforts and abilities.
We have offered them many solutions not only at the bargaining table, but also within the workplace. Verizon’s bargaining representatives continue to disrespect our members by not truly engaging in practical negotiations. That is why they continue to provide you with misleading bargaining reports and fabricated operational constraints.
Allow over a hundred members to be permanently transferred to new reporting points. In many cases, these members would be permanently transferred to reporting points that are over 75 additional commuting miles.
Allow temporary transfers (including involuntary forced transfers) to assignments in another state of up to 120 days at any time during a calendar year. Meaning that ANYONE, regardless of title, could be transferred for up to 120 days a year to assignments, anywhere, to and from New England, New York, New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States. Of course, if there is an emergency or another out of state assignment then the 120 day limit would not apply.
Allow the company to declare a surplus condition under the Force Adjustment Plan in a title and organization within an Article 8 Unit Area. Meaning they want to have the ability to declare a surplus by title within our Local (which they have now twice a year) but only offer it to you if you happen to work in the right organization. (Plant)
Allow the company to declare a surplus condition by job title and ITA.
After a meeting with members of your bargaining team we have decided to inform you that a strike is imminent. This decision is not made easily and is based on the failures at the bargaining table. These failures are not a reflection of your bargaining teams efforts, but of Verizon’s lack of appreciation towards their most valuable asset, you. Nothing seems to move Verizon off their retrogressive demands, not our counter proposals, not our mobilization tactics, not even their record profits.
You should brace yourself and your family for a strike of epic proportion and duration. Our recommendations are to avoid major purchases, work as much overtime as you can, and save-save-save. Additionally, a proactive strategy to sustain a strike is your ability to seek alternative employment. As a CWA member you will receive strike pay from the member relief fund and New York State offers unemployment benefits to Union members who participate in a lawful strike.
Your bargaining team is committed to reach an agreement, so committed that talks continue without meaningful progress. However, it would be inappropriate not to give you an honest opinion and a reasonable expectation.
In Unity,