To be clear, I am a non-union craft employee. I have no heart-burn with the CWA or any union; I just choose to be non-union.
This is a good contract and if you are Inside Plant or a support group you really need to consider crossing and coming back to work. As always, remember to drop the union membership prior to crossing. I received a letter or email from the company about that matter as I expect everyone else did as well.
This strike is really about Outside Plant and the unions attempt to maintain their numbers and status quo. It is admirable what the unions are attempting; however, technologies have changed and the unions have not adjusted their bargaining and demands for the current and future technologies. Folks can take that thought to any direction they want but the end result is there are too many people in too many places and the company wants to consolidate some of it. The packages being offered if you cannot or do not want to move are reasonable. Consider taking those packages if you are in one of those groups.
Outside Plant work will change and employee numbers and locations will be reduced. Expect to see garages closed and combined. Outside Plant techs need to make themselves valuable to the company. If you can move to Boston or another area where the works is...you should strongly consider requesting the move and the move package. It is a good move package and you will open other opportunities for you and your family. Fiber is here, it is the present and, it is the future. Get over thinking FIOS is the answer as it is not. Fiber is the answer and you will do well to find the fiber growth areas and request a move there.
Everyone needs to move past this 1960's bargaining style and expectations. That style and thinking are no longer valid for this day and age. Once the unions adopt to the current technologies they will begin to be successful in negotiations.
I wish everyone well in these matter, union and non-union. Stay safe, do not 'get stupid' and at all times, strive to act, think and behave as adults.
Kind regards to all.