It would seem that Verizon would make out better in a lockout scenario. Unemployment might be available for six months. However, the payout would be nominal compared with their base pay, OT and monthly contributions made by VZ (medical, 401k, etc. Next, the company brings in a replacement team at almost half of the cost and the call center work is sourced with a vendor. Those savings would more than make-up for any unemployment that VZ would be required to pay. In addition, the company would be relieved of its obligation to pay severance to workers who walked off the job. Certain states might not even approve unemployment benefits, but I am far from an expert in labor law. I just think that the Union might not come out ahead of a lockout were to occur.