First off I am a union employee, but am losing faith in this union very quickly. Please tell how the union is going to defeat this company? This strike is going nowhere quickly, no updates or recent news on talks at the table. Maybe someone has some inside knowledge, but all I see is the company holding it own using contractors and EWA staff to get the job done......
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The CWA will win if wireless employees are union-ized...that's all this is about. The Nat'l is becoming smaller and less profitable as the wireline side of the business shrinks and wants to ensure its future in wireless and off-shore at the expense of the wireline employee. The wireline employee is caught in the middle with no path back to the company other than crossing the picket line or forcing the Nat'l to accept the last offer that has been made with no gain (and a loss of salary). Each day that goes by is not one day more, but one day closer to finding another company to work for. Thousands of prospective term's are applying for what will be offered as permanent positions. And here's a tip: by being so present on social media calling management folks scabs you've confused the public into thinking the company really isn't contracting scabs because everyone they encounter states they are an employee (management) that is working in the field not by choice.
I am an EWA employee and we are told to drive around and look busy. If union follows us we drive over a bridge or any other toll road in the hopes they won't follow
It's a joke, we just bullshit any job we can't figure out. None of us wants to get dirty or do physical work. Btw why don't customers move their belonging and furniture out of the way? It seems to all of us that customers in NYC expect you to move stuff out of the way while they sit and watch tv. That's annoying.
In any case we just pass the buck in the hopes the contractors who were hired get the job next and do it. We weren't hired to be tech monkeys but we will take all the money Lowell throws our way
Hllsd3e-oko
You are correct. It doesn't take years to learn but you DO need someone who has the field experience and know how. The experience is needed. It's not something you can learn in a classroom. As far as some people taking advantage of some situations, yes there are some lazy people, just like there are lazy managers. I know plenty of managers who don't do their job such as supervising their workers or managers who get drunk on the job everyday. Or the managers who don't even have a gang but are supported internally by someone else. We get jobs handed to us with work ops that have hours on them. We fill out our time sheets according to those hours and if we go over we are "coached" So spare me with the ethics bullshit. Most union people are held accountable when need be. Just look at what's happening to many with gps. There isn't much room for slacking. Save your thoughts for someone else.
Hllsd3e-yyx, it's not too simple but it's not something requiring years of experience. You'd know it yourself. If a person has similar background or understanding, it can be learned quickly. Experience and familiarity would speed up the process for troubleshooting but that's not what folks on EWA are here for but some got better and perform pretty well. Frankly, this union created room for ethic issue. If you are a truly union member, you'd know how union members drag work on and on and don't work with enough excuses.
" is nothing more than continuity testing between two points."
Yes anybody can see it on a meter but how do you find or locate the trouble? It's simply a continuity test? That's laughable. 😂 And as far as plats or prints. What part of the country are you working? Reading a nyc plat is not a simple task for those that have never done it before. Try your bullshit somewhere else
You right that the EWA people can't diagnose or fix your problem. But there vary temp replacements who can answer those questions and are showing up every day in droves
"1950+contractors were deployed today after orientation. Most were comcast/tw/former vz/etc workers. Another 2500 deployed next Monday"
This is what baffles me is about the unions contention that all the contractors are "newbies" who don't know what they're doing. Many EWAs perhaps fit this category, but those folks are simply a very short-term temporary stopgap. I have seen a ton of these contractors and they are all coming from the backgrounds youve described. I've come across a number of them that are retired VZ who are now going back out to do the same job they did for years, only this time as a contractor. The fact that the union does not seem to understand this is mind-boggling.
Well if we are talking about the union as a corporation, then they win simply by being allowed to organize 60+ thousand wireless workers. It secures their future with technology jobs while the landline job die away with the old technology. Lets all be honest here, this is what it's all about. As for what victory looks like for the union members, well there is none. Their loss is the cost the union is willing to sacrifice. That amounts to about 6 weeks full pay. Let me explain. The union relief fund hasn't really been used since it's inception after the 1989 strike. So it is well funded. Between the 400.00 in relief and NYS unemployment of 425.00, many members will be fine with those at top craft pay taking a 50% cut in base pay. So it would appear that the cwa is willing to tap into the relief fund in a effort to outlast Lowell. Lowell has nothing but pure contempt for the landline side of the business for which he sees as a competitor once core is sold. Yes it will sold. Things get more complicated at the 60 day mark when COBRA is no longer an option for members and the company has to report 2Q earnings. Anyway, I'm off topic now.
"All you guys who "know the job" in 4 weeks. How do you locate a short circuit or better yet a ground on one side in the f1? Tell me how you open mh with no cube? Setting up voice link is NOT fixing anything and actually hurts the customer more than fixing the problem. How do you set up a fiber splice and how do you read a print or plat? Please stop patting yourself on the backs because you don't know sh--. You probably would shot your pants if you actually had to do the job for real so please just stop."
None of what you just described as "problems" are terribly difficult to troubleshoot and resolve. Those who are on EWAs from other parts of the company (who also do technical work in far far more complicated environment than the copper side presents) have no problems troubleshooting something that, when boiled down to its simplest essence, is nothing more than continuity testing between two points.
As for reading prints, etc., that is ridiculously simple for many of us. Again, we are used to dealing in systems significantly more complex than what is presented on the copper side, so honestly learning this stuff and then performing the job is not that difficult. I can't believe I'm confessing this, but there are some days I feel guilty for getting paid so much to do this type of work.
@Hllsd3e-gjm, that is not too difficult. If that's all you have, you will find enough folks on EWA who can answer. Gosh...
1950+contractors were deployed today after orientation. Most were comcast/tw/former vz/etc workers. Another 2500 deployed next Monday
All you guys who "know the job" in 4 weeks. How do you locate a short circuit or better yet a ground on one side in the f1? Tell me how you open mh with no cube? Setting up voice link is NOT fixing anything and actually hurts the customer more than fixing the problem. How do you set up a fiber splice and how do you read a print or plat? Please stop patting yourself on the backs because you don't know sh--. You probably would shot your pants if you actually had to do the job for real so please just stop.
"Contractors don't even drive Verizon vans, only EWA people and local management. CWA has really screwed this one up by being big and tough."
While the union chases their fellow VZ employees around calling them names, trying to intimidate them, etc. the contractors are out completing five installs a day (that is the average) right under the unions noses. They've been played like a fiddle, and with each day, the nail gets pounded further into the coffin when the company sees just how well contractors are producing relative to the union workforce. I think the union leadership has really blown it with this one. The anger union membership has should be directed at their own leadership team that they have followed (blindly it appears), not those out actively working.
"Contractors are doing new install. You will not know where they are as they don't even come to garage to avoid you. "
Absolutely, 100% correct. The amount of new installs going on right now is very significant.
Contractors don't even drive Verizon vans, only EWA people and local management. CWA has really screwed this one up by being big and tough.
yko, you should know politicians does not work free and work extremely slowly. It means it will be another month or two to see some movement....haha...
Not me Im going to pay all my bills off,hope you sheep listen well to your union and stay out for at least one more month, two would be better. We are getting better by the day out producing the lazy union people. ONE MORE DAY LONGER little sheep.
yko, you are somewhat misinformed. Check the garage tomorrow, most of trucks are out working everyday. It's correct that EWA folks are doing repair and a little new install. Contractors are doing new install. You will not know where they are as they don't even come to garage to avoid you. Good luck.
Hllsd3e-jgh
Please do us a favor and leave now.
THE FACT IS THE UNION WILL NOT WIN THIS STRIKE. When they finally get rid of all of you than we (local management) will be next. That's the way it will be. You go now I will make whatever I can till it is my turn. I will than move and find another job away from New York this stinking liberal state.
It is true that the company has deeper pockets but we are inflicting damage. If you believe Vz is keeping up with need of customers and business you are mistaken. Just look at 90% of the company garages, they are full of trucks that go nowhere. No new jobs are being started and only some basic repairs and installs are being done. They are spending more on this strike than they would have by just extending the last contract. Also the union has political support. And yeah, yeah Bernie isn't gonna win but so what. We have other local and national politicians on our side who for sure are going to put screws into the equation. Just recently the psc of three states have opened investigations. The company knows what it has been doing and it can definitely come back to bite them if they are not careful. NYC already audited them for breaking the franchise agreements and soon larger forces will start putting more pressure. Just because they have more money, it doesn't mean they will definitely win! Will it be a quick strike? Obviously not but the union is far from defeated. Just remember that anything that is worth something to you should be worth fighting for. The company is powerful but we have teeth too.
Jeezuz when I was on 2 EWAs we just BS'd pretended to type and test ckts. We didnt want to be there. To the mobile picketers- be glad when you see vans driving around aimlessly- they are actually trying to kill time on your behalf ! I for certain appreciated all the techs in the field who helped me get my customers back up in normal times - they ARE overworked and abused, working on old aged plant company wont replace with fiber, the leadership has intentionally built the culture of them ( wireless) vs (wireline) thanks to McAdam. instead of allowing union to convert working into newer technologies. Pisses me off, glad I am not there anymore. It is disgusting how he conquered and divided this company.
These contractors are going to be run right back down to where they came from.
I hope this lasts 4 months or longer, I start training on Monday.
More and more contractors have been trained and deployed. I saw enough of them in Virginia and all of them I spoke to were hoping to be permanent after this ( why not ..right?...they know how much union folks make.).
Temp works are being hired with a chance to be permanent as well.
Good luck...to you.
I am neutral and EWA and somewhat agree with this strike in a way. However, I don't see why union didn't take the last offer. It seems to me it was a good offer. Now, I don't know what else union can get more by going on like this. I am getting messages to be ready for another month or two and I will be... To me, it's just inconvenient...and can be made up especially with OT money.....To you, it'd be hardship of life without income. I have been unemployed and know how hard it can be without income or insurance...
"Will win by yelling at police"
Gold! LMAO!
How did the Fairpoint folks manage for 4 months ( in the winter! )
Can we share this question on social media please?
bnw, fighting against corporation is never a easy or fair fight. Corporation always has more resource and deeper pocket as you know. It seems the last offer(final??) from the company is to create a crack among union members and it seems to work pretty well. Once call center is sold from union, we will what happens to the rest. I am not a union member, I am an EWA worker. and I don't agree a lot of demands from union. I was guessing those demands were on the table just for negotiation. If those were really demands, I think this fight has no right cause to begin with. (for example, what kind of health insurance these days covers parents? ask Obama if he can...don't be greedy,). However, if this fight is really for job security, I think union leadership has the right vision.
But, union member should be ready to adapt...World is changing ..fast...You can't stick to what you had 20-30 years when this country was doing well. . American is not the same rich country like before. In fact, It's the country with the biggest debt in the world.
I love rumors! Facts can be so misleading, where rumors, true or false, are often revealing.
Just cross already! Dude, VZ is in this for the long haul, they've spent millions. Don't you get it? Your union leadership don't care about you, VZ will be more than happy to take you back, 1400 and counting.
Ewa here. This strike is the biggest cluster and waste of money I have ever seen in my life. Nothing is really getting done. Yes, most of us want to go home. Please Union people, take these jobs back so we can go the f home. The money is nice but I don't want to work your jobs, I already got a job back home.
Brothers and Sisters, Do not lose hope, WE are winning ! I saw a scab tripped getting out of his car today, company is down on its knees !
KAU, how do you know this? I hope it is true, I would never cross the line, but I am itching to get back to work....
Will win by yelling at police
https://www.facebook.com/1255632647799802/videos/1262998003729933/
Brothers and Sisters stay strong, there are under the table negotiations happening daily, we're almost there.
No matter how this ends the union leadership will claim they won. If the union is out of Verizon and the work is all being done by contractors the leadership will use it as a rallying cry at other companies and at political rallies. They will get good mileage out of your unemployment. If they decide to take the current offer and allow you to go back to work they will also claim a win telling everyone what a good fight was fought and how Verizon now knows what happens when they mess with the union.
If the Battle of the Alamo or Thermopylae could be sold as heroic victories the CWA's massacre at Verizon will be an easy sell.
QFW, based on your comment Verizon will win just for the simple fact that they have the deeper pockets
Chicken game....it is amatter of who can stand longer now in my opinion.
The company is pulling resources everywhere spending millions. Only essential work get done in the office. Unless it is customer bases work, all projects are on hold. EWA folks are happy with OT money but tired and want to go home. CO I/M understaffed and full of EWA folks without experience. Job get done somehow. This can not go on and on
For union folks, no money or benefit unless there is good backup. Real money issue start after the first month. Fear of losing good job permantanly( tell me where you can job that make 6 digit income putting phone up). The union folks can not go on too long with income or health insurance....
Let us see who wins. Verizon spent too much alteady and adds more people everyday to training class to deploy. I see less union folks picketting everyday.
Together they embody the proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The three monkeys are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil.nMainly because these three behaviors are considered as major sources of evil in themselves. There are numerous statues or illustrations of three monkeys together. One is covering his ears. One is covering his eyes and one is covering his mouth, I hope they don't have an Union like ours