I heard a agreement was going to be made today from multiple sources. None of which came from this board. But as my shift end I doubt this could Be real. I am mentally preparing for another month. More and more vans are being put on the road. I see them disappear from their spots.
Real Means nothing as anyone who works here knows they are capable of doing two things at once that are contrary. But this Certainly feels like the company wants to break out of the monopoly mindset.
ouch
"Part of the sell out agreement is the temp scabs will work along side you"
Doing exactly what?
"They will be due paying union members"
And as such subject to the CBA which will expose them to transfers and layoffs before anyone else? Strip them from humongous amounts of OT that they've gotten used to over the past six weeks? LOL. None of the people who came here to make a quick buck will stay under those conditions. Our jobs only make sense as long as they're local, with pension and job security. None of these folks would get any of that. If they are any good in this line of work, they can do better elsewhere.
No, the strike relief fund is a benefit not employment (income). However, you will have to claim it next year on your taxes. You will be receiving a 1099 at the end of the year.
Part of the sell out agreement is the temp scabs will work along side you
They will be due paying union members
The company should flat out say, we dont want a unionized workforce
Forget this mickey mouse place
Don't think anyone sold out. They will fight until the death...of our jobs. Not sure how that results in a victory. I'd rather be earning money while I look for another job.
I don't think bargaining team is heading home - since word on the street, from union sources, is that several local leaders traveled to DC this afternoon, and some will arrive on Monday. Odd that some are leaving while some are arriving. I think you are just hoping it's over.
Thanks for not posting here ASSHAT MAN.
I heard bargaining team heading home and will announce strike over by this wednesday... I hope this is not true only because if it is it will be the biggest sell out.
1plc, I agree completely. I am as easy-going and forgiving as they come, but I don't think I can ever forget the behavior that I have seen. So much of it is just inexcusable and the irony is, it only hurts the unions cause. They are creating enemies rather than trying to gain allies. It's really no different (in principle, certainly not in importance), than the strategies employed by Malcolm X vs MLK. In the end, which man was more successful and which one has a holiday named after them? The one who created allies and not the one who created enemies.....
Why do you idiots keep answering your own posts.
Better hope mediation works if they want jobs at all. I'm sure Vz will comply with all laws and regulations but nothing more. This is now going far and fast in the wrong direction. Like a big ship that's hard to turn but once it gets going, hard to reverse. Cannot believe how stupid this strike was. Played right into their hands.
You call them temps!!! We call them f ing scabs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trust me there's a few scummy contractors that I can't stand. Will make sure the local union gets there info
"the animosity that the EWA people have as a result of being pulled from their normal lives will subside. "
The animosity did not come from being pulled from their normal lives. The animosity came from people blowing airhorns within 1 foot of their ears, from people making absolutely disgusting remarks about what they want to do to their underage children, from people saying they will "kill your family". THAT is what caused the animosity - not being asked to come help Vz's customers.
One good thing is that as more EWA people go home as contractors come in, the animosity that the EWA people have as a result of being pulled from their normal lives will subside. Once folks are back to their normal jobs they will see that it's not an 'us vs them' thing. Union will move on to the real scabs who are voluntarily doing the jobs and, truthfully, EWA people both on social media and just out and about in the general public, will not wish I'll will on the union members. At least one can hope...
"Vz already has partnerships with literally hundreds of smaller communications companies globally and is utilizing them for much of the replacement staffing. "
Many of Verizon's competitors have informally complained to the company about all the pirating of employees. Rumor has it that VZ has gone to many of the most experienced guys from competitors and competitor employee pools (aka contractors) and literally offered them twice their normal hourly rate to come over. Apparently a very high percentage are accepting these offers. The highest pay rate I have heard (firsthand, not some BS heresay value) was $96/hr with time and a half over 40 and unlimited OT. This is not for everybody though, only the experienced guys the company wants to bring on ASAP.
"Heard temp workers are at the training facility now"
I'm not sure how many are out already (an educated guess would be several thousand) but something north of 2000 more will roll through the training facility by the end of this month, and unless something changes, each month thereafter until the target headcount is reached. It is a massive effort and one that requires some time to complete. This is why I don't understand why the union keeps giving the company more time. It is strategically a very poor decision.
Vz already has partnerships with literally hundreds of smaller communications companies globally and is utilizing them for much of the replacement staffing. Multiple call centers, field techs in training, etc. Many thousands of people that have been RIF'd from big players over the years now work for these smaller telcos, system integrators, etc. There are also a lot of people now out of work in the declining oil industry that are willing to cross train. Hungry people that need to work will go where the paycheck is.
1lyf-
Excellent post. Any of the actual facts that I am certain of align perfectly with what you've written.
1lyf - I think you hit the nail on the head. I do think the constant adding of EWAs also supports your theory - as they don't want to slow down while the temps ramp up. Long haul for sure.
I don't think EWA movement is much of an indicator of ongoing plans, other than shuffling around and returning to normal jobs as the replacements keep coming in the door. The bigger indicator is likely the continued signing of temp contractors in various field and craft positions. Most of the contracts are 90 days(in the 5/9 orientation I only heard of a handful that were 180 days) and they are continuing to sign them. Careerbuilder.com and VZ's own job site are filling and rotating jobs throughout NE at a rapid pace. New contractors are showing up at job sites, garages, and C.O.s weekly, and in fact daily. If VZ brings back union either they are going to be working side by side with them or VZ has to pay out their contract. I don't see a scenario where either of those is feasible. VZ knows full well EWA is a stop gap at best while the temp replacements continue to come in. EWA can do ok with the call center and OCO/MCO stuff, and frankly that can be done from anywhere. The field and craft is being replaced with temp contractors and as it drags out VZ will welcome anyone who wants to cross and be non-union. VZs track record over the last several years proves out the strategy of replacing full time with contractors that they just continue to resign at expiration. This is no different.
I've been surprised how many new EWA'ers keep showing up each week. Heard temp workers are at the training facility now. This doesn't have the feel of a quick agreement to me.
I'm in va and have filed for unemployment, going through the steps. If nothing else it may help the numbers and push the issue. Have had some great offers, just want to wait and see where this goes. The bs that Verizon is pushing will ruin a good job and make it a contractor for hire thing.
Our garage added 6 EWAs in the past 3 days. BAU managers have indicated to their staff that EWAs probably won't return until 4Q. EWA assignments are being shifted to move people into new skillsets or new locations. None of that points to a speedy end.
As an ewa, I hope everyday is the last. But something in my gut says this going long. Last strike was short and I think many associates feel mediation, and coming back before the contract was final, was a bad move. Just like local leadership is level setting expectations for worst casee scenario, that's what I tell my wife and kids back home also.
"Pennsylvania and Maryland don't get unemployment when on strike."
Correct. The same holds true for VA. Not sure about DE.
"I believe the only state that gives it is New York."
RI has determined that VZ has locked its workers out and is paying the UI benefits as we speak. NJ and MA may or may not be right behind depending on a number of things. NY starts paying in the first week of June.
My weekend has just started, working all weekend. Vans are probably being taken back to their pre-strike areas for union techs return. My work phone was turned back on today?
Pennsylvania and Maryland don't get unemployment when on strike. I believe the only state that gives it is New York.
At least thru August folks...
NJ doesn't get unemployment so let's hope this is over soon.
Do we have to claim money from union when applying for unemployment? Will unemployment be additional to the union or in place of?
Oiz... Once unemployment kicks in everyone will settle in fine. But in all honesty you haven't a clue how long this will be.
Prepare yourself for many more months...seriously.
Mediation took about 6 weeks in 2012. I would expect it to take a little longer then 1 week now even though things are moving more swiftly.
I heard there was agreement also. Time will tell.
"More and more vans are being put on the road. I see them disappear from their spots."
And those are just the ones you can see.
There are likely just as many unmarked ones going into production every day.
So, I agree with you that its likely this is going to last awhile longer....but I do still hope your sources are correct!
The only thing that is over is the weekend.