Just a couple hours ago, a technician from Comcast came out to install my internet service, as I recently canceled my "discounted" fios triple play that was costing almost $175 per month. I didn't have to ask Dave whether he was a union worker or a contractor as you could see by the pride that he took in his work that he was union. I didn't mention that I was a Verizon technician and simply stayed out of the way and let him do his work. While setting up my modem, he asked me why I was dropping my fios service. At this time I explained that I was a Verizon technician and he then understood why I was making the change. Dave then asked me what was more important about the new high speed internet service that they would be providing, was it the price or was it the speed? I explained to him that until we are back to work that price would be more important. Dave then went on to tell me how he is a union member and that he would see what he could do to help me save some money. Dave was able to call into a representative (who by the way was also union) and get me into a 6 month deal for 12mbps download speed for only $19.99 per month and the sales representative Shelly was able to waive the activation and equipment fees. Shelly then advised me that at the end of the 6 months, she would give me a call and see what type of plan we could change over to. All of this service was quite overwhelming, especially at a time when money is a little thin. About a half an hour after Dave had finished working and had left in his van, my doorbell rings and there's Dave, he's back. I opened the door thinking that maybe he had left one of his tools behind. Dave now extended his hand and gave me $100. He wished me best of luck and hoped that we get a good contract a.s.a.p. It was at this time more than ever, that I realized why I am proud to be union. Thanks again Dave & Shelly.
15 replies (most recent on top)
The union has a brotherhood that management will never understand and will despise because they're all stabbing each other. This is a major reason why they're automatons for the company's bidding.
When Vz sells wireline they won't go down the tubes. That's stupid to think they would. All that will happen is that instead of running wireline, Vz will be paying the new people who run it. And Vz won't have any of the headaches that go with it. They just pay their tariffs as stipulated by the FCC and state PUCs. A win for Vz and a win for whoever buys it and is able to make a profit from it. Probably a loss for the union who won't be able to demand or expect so much from a smaller company without deep pockets. Too bad.
Company only sees $$$. So how do you make them listen? You sure as hell dont reward them with more!
hell yeah a lot of people on my line switching to at&t for cell phones. much better deal. please sell the wireline when a contract is signed and watch vz wireless go down the tubes. how great would that be???
Gho- funny coming from the guy with his union bosses co(k in his mouth every day. I bet you tell him thank you after you swallow too
So you switched companies, that's great. You just gave Verizon one more reason to not need you. You cut off your nose to spite your face.
@irk, if you don't like being called a co(ksucker, then stop su(king all of that co(k!
The main different between ztp's insult and the union insults is that ztp's isn't filled with f-bombs, slang, and vile names. Other than that they are just the same!
Eiz- I agree but have to at that the picketers at the building I'm working at have never said an unkind word to me. They don't chant or blow horns or block our way. We all actually say good morning to each other and smile. So the hateful union picket lines I hear about, I've never really experienced.
@mok, as you can see, it's not just the union members who are nasty. Just use your fellow VZ Teamer ztp as an example.
Respect is a two-way street for sure. But, the management employees walking in and out of the buildings are respectful and rarely, if ever, even respond or acknowledge the profanity-laced insults. So then, if it is a two-way street as you stated, why doesn't the union also respond the same way. The workers walking in and out of the building aren't the ones you have a problem with, yet they are the ones taking the brunt of it. It's just somewhat disingenuous to hear you say it's a two-way street when you aren't willing to do the same.
Respect is a two way street. Like you made mention off many non union are great members , many union members are great workers. Don't be shallow.
So you take handouts now? Nice. Maybe I'll see you on the corner next week holding a sign that says Will Work For Food
He sounds like a great worker. I will tell you, though, that many non-union members are great workers as well and also have pride in their job.
I don't know how Comcast's union is, but one thing I don't think reflects well on Verizon's union is how nasty and disrespectful they are during a negotiation. And not just the current one, but the one in 2011 and the one prior to that. Every strike we've had the union people have tried to sabotage the company, trashed the company publically, were violent toward the non-union workers while picketing, and were anything but professional.
I was in a fraternity in college so I understand the brotherhood thing. But in the case of Verizon unions I've seen so much disrespect toward management that it's hard to have sympathy for them. I know more non-union people than ever right now who were supportive of the union until seeing how horrible they act on the picket line.
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