Verizon Tentative Agreement

posted Aug 14, 2008

Please click on below attachments to view

Verizon_MOU.PDF

Scope of Work Agreement

ScopeOfWork_MOU.PDF

Expedited Grievance Process

ArbMedExpedite_MOU.PDF

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 10, 2008

8:30p

Attached is the corrected Summary for Vz Communications. A summary for GNI and VCS will follow shortly. Arrangements for contract explanation meeting will be forwarded later this evening. Sorry for all the confusion.

Vz_Communications_Summary.PDF

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 10, 2008

12:30pm

Negotiations are continuing and we’ve made significant progress toward
our goal of a settlement that meets our members’ critical goals and
issues.

We will update you throughout the course of the day.  At the present
time we still have some remaining issues to work through.  The District
2 team is still working issues on the VCS, GNI and Vz Communications
tables.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 9, 2008

The Unions and the Company continue marathon bargaining in an attempt to bring the contract in before the bargaining deadline of 12:01 am, Monday, Aug. 11.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 8, 2008

The CWA/IBEW Unified Bargaining Committees have set a bargaining deadline for completing contract negotiations with Verizon. That deadline is Monday, Aug. 11, 12:01 am. At that time, the existing contract that was extended last weekend will expire. Strike action then becomes possible if a fair settlement is not reached.

The strike date will be set by the two union presidents in consultation with the bargaining committees.

Negotiations are continuing at this time. Among the critical issues: permanent, quality jobs at Verizon and other job issues, health care and retirement security, a fair wage settlement and others.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 7, 2008

Negotiations between the CWA/IBEW unified bargaining committees and
Verizon are continuing around the clock in Washington DC. The clock
remains stopped at 11:59 pm, Aug. 2

Progress is being made, but the issues yet to be resolved are among our
most important.

The speed at which Verizon is shifting from copper to fiber technology
makes it clear that we must negotiate a contract that secures new work
and the jobs of the future. The company does understand that without
progress on these issues at the bargaining table, we have no choice but
to move to the street.  

The Regional Bargaining Committee met with the Local Presidents in Rye,
NY to bring them up to date on the status of negotiations.

It is critical at this phase that we maintain the highest level of
mobilization. We must engage in actions that continue to apply pressure
on Verizon to move on our issues. There is no question that the efforts
of our members are being seen and felt by the company. We are receiving
a steady stream of reports from the locals and even some from the
company of the persistent and innovative ways our members are engaging
in workplace mobilization.

If you have been active in mobilization efforts, the bargaining
committee is truly appreciative and thanks you. If you have not yet
participated, we urge you to join with the tens of thousands of your
brothers and sisters at worksite rallies and other actions.

It’s important that we all take this opportunity to feel the pride and
satisfaction of standing up and standing together for ourselves, our
jobs and our families. It is our union that provides this opportunity.
Our unity will bring a successful contract. Today, do just one thing to
help us make this happen!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 6, 2008

Negotiations continued throughout the day and will continue into the
evening. We’ve made some progress but not enough.
As we said earlier, we will do whatever it takes to secure our contract,
one way or another. That means we’ll get it done at the bargaining table
or on the picket line. We’re stepping up our mobilization because we
know it makes a real difference. Plans are in the works for worksite
rallies on Friday to focus more attention on our fight for jobs and a
fair contract. So stick with the mobe plan, check with your local about
actions and stay strong and ready. If progress stops, we’ll all stop.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 6, 2008

Yesterday, the parties continued marathon bargaining throughout the day,
ending at 11 p.m. last night. Today, negotiations have resumed.

Is progress being made? Yes. Is it slow going? Also yes. Do we have a
plan for success? You bet.

We have presented Verizon with a unified and united front and strong
position on all our critical issues. Now, we’re working through some of
the most difficult issues in the areas of jobs and employment security
for members at our company. Our strength in bargaining has been
reinforced by the highly visible – and widely reported to the company –
mobilization that continues. Verizon hasn’t come around yet, but we’re
pressing the company on all our critical issues, especially when it
comes to jobs.

This bargaining involves serious issues – health care, retirement
security, and especially jobs. These negotiations are all about ensuring
that our members will be full participants in the future of this company
and in this industry, not walled off and excluded from the jobs and
future that we have made possible.

There are more than 60 people involved in the bargaining process from
our two unions. In addition to the elected bargaining committees, there
are experts on health care, pensions, economics, communications and
legal issues. Needless to say, the company has many, many more people on
its side.

Verizon’s rapid shift from copper to fiber – and beyond in the future –
makes it clear that we must negotiate a contract that secures the jobs
of the future and opportunities for our members, addresses
subcontracting, expands bargaining rights for workers and provides for
employment security.

We will not be bypassed by the company that we built and helped make so
successful. If our efforts to secure a fair agreement that provides for
jobs today and for the future are not fully successful at the bargaining
table now, we will secure it on the picket line when necessary. There’s
no doubt about that. Our goal is to win on these issues and we will.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 5, 2008

With the clock frozen at 11:59 PM 8-2-08 the bargaining continues around the clock with all the MidAtlantic and North Verizon Bargaining Units. Running concurrent with the bargaining of the core agreements are separate tables for VCS and Global Networks Inc. here in the MidAtlantic area. While some progress has been made at the table in all of the bargaining units, we still have some distance to close before we can reach a fair agreement on all of our issues.

The Unions and the Company are still very far apart on the most major issue of employment security and work of the future. The bargaining committee recognizes that it makes no sense to achieve good wages and benefits and then lose the jobs that provide them.

Claiming the work at Verizon for our members has always been the centerpiece of employment security. Everyone has seen our work being moved to non union entities of Verizon and to subcontractors. With over 1000 copper line net loss a day the need to claim the fiber work is simply a survival issue. Many of us are employed today because our Union has been farsighted in addressing future work issues. We obtained DSL work in our contracts before DSL ever hit the market. We addressed broadband before there was broadband and now we are addressing the new future in the fiber work.

The possibility of a strike is still very real as we will continue to freeze the clock as long as progress is being made. This option makes our Mobilization efforts more important than ever. We need to keep pressure on these negotiations to serve as a reminder that our members are actively supporting our agenda. Verizon is well aware that failure to reach a fair agreement will result in a strike and they understand the pain we are prepared to inflict. They know we are prepared to fight for our livelihoods. We need to remain focused and disciplined in our efforts to obtain a fair contract.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 3, 2008

9:35p

The Unions and the Company have been in intense bargaining at all levels throughout the day and will continue to take place until either an agreement is reached or it is clear that we can not. The clock remains frozen at 11:59 PM 8-2-08.

The company is fully aware of our members support and readiness for a strike and things are now moving that have not moved in months. We understand the anxiousness for specifics and details but the pace at which things are changing would make any report obsolete before we could get it out.

We have come a long way together and we have more to do. Keep up our Mobilization, Stay united, we all know you are there. Members should report to work for their regular scheduled tour on Monday August 4. Should it become necessary to start the clock causing our current agreement to expire, a strike could still be authorized. We will keep you posted.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 3, 2008

The Unions and the Company bargained late into the night and early hours of today.  After a brief recess, talks resumed at all levels and will continue in an effort to pound out an agreement. 

While there has been movement on important issues, there is much more to do.  The clock will remain stopped at 11:59PM August 2^nd as long as significant and meaningful progress is taking place.

The bargaining committee is appreciative of the efforts of our locals and the support of our members.  There is absolutely no doubt that it is the willingness of our members to fight that has brought this late hour improvement.  We urge everyone to maintain the state of readiness and the Mobilization activity until an agreement is reached. Your power is what drives the table.  Both Unions and the Company feel your presence.

We are the Union and we are one!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 2, 2008

11:34PM

The clocks will stop @ midnight. That means you report to work on August 3rd as usual. The contract we presently know will stay in effect until further notice.

The unified CWA-IBEW bargaining committees continue to negotiate economic, employment security and retirement security issues. Progress continues but issues remain, particularly concerning employment security and union jobs and recognition.

We must remain unified and disciplined, working on the job and working for a just contract.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
August 1, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and discussions took place
regarding new technologies and the future of work.

We are only hours away from the deadline and still no agreement on our
most major issues. Locals must finalize our plans to conduct an
effective strike in the event one is called. We are prepared to take
the action to Company facilities, any location where our work is
performed, and other strategic locations. We are really proud of the
level of support from our members we are hearing about.

Let’s get ready to rock ‘em!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 31, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today.  The Company rejected the Unions earlier counter proposals on the Medical Plan and insisted on their original proposal provided on July 28th. 

The Union made several data requests regarding the loss of work from the bargaining unit through subcontracting and technology.

The failure of the Company to offer any movement from their July 28^th position makes it less likely an agreement will be reached before the contract expiration.  While the Unions will continue to seek a breakthrough, our efforts must also concentrate on the possibility of a strike.

Everyone knows what is at stake and everyone knows what we may have to do, so there is no need to keep saying it.  

Your bargaining committee is committed to staying at the table, hammering our agenda, as long as our members provide us the power to do so.  It is not just a slogan – we really are in this together and that should be enough.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 30, 2008

The Unions and the Company did not meet in formal session today as the
Unions await the Company’s response to the proposals placed on the
table yesterday. The Unions spent the day working on developing
proposals while discussions continue at the executive level. Efforts
are intense as the Unions seek a break through to an agreement before
contract deadline.

We are pleased at the report of readiness from our locals in the event
an agreement is not reached. We are also aware that the Company is
increasing security of buildings and outside plant with additional
guards and security cameras.

Our members understand the importance of these negotiations so there is
no point to repeating them at this stage. We now need total focus on
our efforts to win a successful contract. We have always said that
great contracts are not won at the table; they are won by our members
and what they are willing to do. We are confident that our members are
ready and willing to do anything necessary to get a fair contract. We
will not agree to a contract that does not protect our work, our
benefits, our retirement security and our standard of living.

Mobilization continues throughout the entire Verizon North/South
footprint with thousands of members participating in various activities
every day. Stay in touch with your Local coordinators for the latest
information on mobilization activities. Picket signs will be arriving at
the Locals by Thursday. Time to take the mobilization activities to
next level. We are fighting for our future - together.
3 Days and Counting

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 29, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Unions presented counter proposals in response to their proposals presented yesterday. The meeting recessed while the Company prepares a response. We are entering the final hours and still very far apart on reaching an agreement. This round of bargaining has had fewer issues on the table than any other in memory but it has more major issues on the table than any before.

We are negotiating for the future of our members. We are resisting cost shifting on a healthcare plan that is expected to cost $30,000 per year for a family in 2011.


We are fighting for our retiree healthcare in a world that has almost abandoned retiree healthcare.

We are fighting for employment security.

We are fighting for new jobs in Verizon while the Company is staunchly against the expansion of Union jobs.

We are fighting for work jurisdiction while the Company is determined to subcontract.

These are the issues that are on the table and the issues that secure our futures. They are worth fighting for. We are fighting for these things at the bargaining table and we may soon be taking the fight to the street. Everyone should be

Ready.

Locals are advised to communicate with retirees. Some retirees are being contacted by the Company and are asked to work in the event of a strike. We need them to understand that they cannot possibly earn enough money to pay for the health care premiums the Company is demanding at the table. The bottom line is that if retirees help the Company kill retiree healthcare they will have worked for free.

Once more we caution our members not to pay attention to rumors. Your supervisor, manager, or director has no information about bargaining what so ever. Our bargaining reports are accurate and timely and the only reliable source of information. We believe that a completely informed membership is our best weapon.

Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 28, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Company provided counter-proposals to the Unions healthcare proposal made in earlier meetings.

The meeting adjourned and the Union will assess the counter proposals and prepare a response.

Only a few more days remain until the contract expiration and we are still far apart on all critical issues and without any agreement on any issue. While it is still possible an agreement can be reached, it is most important that we are ready in the event this contract has to be negotiated in the street.

This contract is about the future. It will do us no good to win wages and benefits and then lose our jobs. Our members have made it clear that they understand and support our bargaining agenda.

Your bargaining committee was inspired by your support at the rally in New York and we are more determined than ever to bring this home.

Special notice: Alpha Units and Moonlight Units are to stay on stand-by. Absolutely no jumping the gun. These units must act at the same time when the signal given.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 25, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the session began with the Unions making data requests on the prescription drug plan. The Unions then presented counter proposals to the company demands on the medical plan. The meeting recessed until Monday July 28th.

The executive level committee met late into the night yesterday and the meetings at that level are recessed until Sunday July 27th.

The bargaining committee will be attending the rally in New York on Saturday where we will demonstrate to Verizon our Unity and Support for a good contract.
We are very pleased with the reports of strike preparation from our locals. The Mobilization Committee will be providing direction on further activities. Special task force instruction should be taking place with Alpha Units and Moonlight Units.

We will see you in New York!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 24, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and received a presentation from
the American Heart Association on the cost benefits of wellness
programs. The executive level committees continue to meet.

At this late date and with no agreement in sight the possibility of a
strike increases and the need to be prepared more urgent.

Given the company’s refusal to provide employment security, their
demands for concessions on healthcare and other demands for take backs
there should be no doubt where these benefits come from in the first
place.

Our Union built this contract through over 60 years of hard bargaining
and sometimes strikes. We are committed to do the same thing to keep
our contract that we did to get it in the first place.

Every member has a responsibility to make this a successful contract.
Volunteering to TA to management helps the company prepare to fight us.
Volunteering for overtime helps the company to prepare to cut our
contract. Volunteering to sell one more helps the company to prepare to
cut our benefits and give away our jobs.

The Company doesn’t even respect those employees who help them
undermine bargaining. They count on the greed and stupidity of some
individuals to help them cut the throat of the entire workforce. Either
we will stick together and fight for a good contract or we will only
have ourselves to blame.

Stand Up – Stand Together
Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates
July 23, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and discussions took place in subcommittees on ways to improve the grievance mediation process. Meetings went late into the day at the executive level seeking a breakthrough in the major issues including healthcare for active and retired employees, employment security and work of the future.

With only days left before contract expiration the pressure mounts to prepare for the possibility that an agreement is not reached. There are tens of thousands of members without employment security. Our healthcare is under attack. The Company is trying to isolate us from the work of the future. What we will agree to will be based on our strength at the table and the commitment of our members to fight for our issues.

Every member should ask themselves what they can do to protect their career, their family and their Union. Are you working overtime? No one can work enough overtime to offset the losses the Company is demanding at the table. The efforts and sacrifices we make today will pay us back many times over.

It is time for every single member to be part of the effort to secure our future. Do one thing everyday.

Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 22, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Unions placed proposals on

the table regarding a number of healthcare issues. The meeting recessed

for the day while the Company reviews the proposals

Discussions are also taking place at the executive level of both the

Unions and Verizon in an attempt to find a breakthrough which would

allow bargaining to progress.

We cannot stress enough at this late date the need for our members to

be prepared in the event a settlement cannot be reached before the

contract expires. Picket schedules should be distributed, members

relief procedures reviewed and made ready, rolling pickets assigned and

members kept updated.

It is suggested that the locals contact their retirees and ask them to

participate in our effort to get a good contract. Plans should be

underway to attend the rally in New York next Saturday and we look

forward to a sea of red.

Stay United – Stay Strong - Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 21, 2008

The parties met today and the discussions focused on healthcare issues.

The Company provided data requested by the Unions at earlier meetings.

The meeting recessed so that the Unions can assess the data and prepare

a response.

The CWA Vice Presidents, Chris Shelton, District 1, Ron Collins,

District 2 and Ed Mooney, District 13 along with IBEW officials, Myles

Calvey (New England) and John Miller (New Jersey) are meeting in

Washington D.C. with high level Verizon management to insure that

progress is being made at the Regional tables.

The clock continues to run without any agreement on the Unions’ key

demands. All of our members’ issues are on the table without resolve.

It is now up to our members to deliver the message that we are not

giving up healthcare and that we must have employment security and

access to jobs of the future.

The real power in bargaining comes from our members and mobilization.

We will not simply talk them into a good contract. We need Verizon to

understand the consequences of not reaching an agreement on a fair

contract. Our strike vote should show the Company that our members are

serious about their issues.

We urge our locals to step up the effort and to increase their

mobilization. Buses traveling to the rally in New York on Saturday July

26th are filling up fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to show Verizon

we are United in our efforts to achieve a fair contract. Call your

local today and sign up to join us in New York.

MOBILIZE!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 18, 2008

The parties met today and the Unions once more reaffirmed our
members’ agenda and the company again rejected all items. With
only a few short weeks before the contract expiration, the parties are
still in disagreement on virtually all issues. The Union continues to
demand employment security, work of the future and other critical
demands while rejecting the Company’s take back and concessionary
agenda.

While there is still time to reach agreement it should be evident to
everyone how important it is to be ready in case these efforts fail.
The reports of strike preparation are giving the bargaining committee
the ability to stand up against the Company’s demands and to pursue
our members’ agenda.

CWA Members in District 1, 2, and 13 have voted overwhelmingly to give
union leaders authorization to call for a strike if deemed necessary.
More than 91% of voting members supported strike authorization. We hope
this sends the message to Verizon that our members intend to do whatever
it takes to reach a fair settlement.

We urge our locals to step up the effort and to increase their
mobilization. Buses traveling to the rally in New York on Saturday July
26th are filling up fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to show Verizon
we are United in our efforts to achieve a fair contract. Call your
local today and sign up to join us in New York.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 16, 2008

The Unions and the Company subcommittee on healthcare met today and
continued discussions on medical benefits. The Unions restated their
goal to reduce healthcare costs without diminishing benefits. The
parties have recessed for today.

Again, we caution our members to be wary of rumors. The only
legitimate source for information about bargaining is contained in the
bargaining committee reports. We will keep you informed and up to date.
There is no “secret source of information” and supervisors are more
in the dark than usual.

This round of bargaining is about our jobs and our future. Our members
must use every means and every opportunity to deliver the message that
we will settle for nothing less than a fair contract that secures our
future, our wages and benefits and our respect. We are united. Stay
Focused. Stay Mobilized.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 15, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and continued negotiations on the
Union’s agenda. As the clock continues to move toward the August 2nd
deadline the parties have not reached agreement on any issue. It is
clear that Verizon is not going to move until they feel the poser of our
members’ mobilization. We must be heard in the workplace. They must
understand that it’s our members that make Verizon successful. We are
not accepting less, we will not agree to concessions. We are united,
committed and Union.
Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 14, 2008

The Unions and the Company did not meet today. The Unions spent the day
working on our bargaining agenda and preparing proposals to be presented
at tomorrow’s session.

With just a few short weeks left until the August 2nd contract
expiration the Unions will continue to hammer at the bargaining table to
reach an agreement but in the end it will be the power of a unified and
committed membership that brings this contract home. Our members must
use every means and every opportunity to deliver the message that we
will settle for nothing less than a contract that secures our future,
our wages and benefits and our respect. We are united.

Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 11, 2008

The Unions and the Company did not meet today. The Union committee met to appoint members to a subcommittee to work on demands for job security issues including the jobs of the future.

Locals should report the results of the Strike Authorization vote by close of business Monday July 14th. The results will be announced next week. Now is the time to send a clear message to Verizon management showing your support for the Union and the bargaining committee.

Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 10, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today. Prior to the meeting over 150 CWA members from Districts 1, 2, and 13 along with IBEW Local 1944 and Local participated in a rally outside of CWA headquarters to support the bargaining committee. The discussions today centered on the reports of the Mediation Subcommittees and the Healthcare Subcommittee.

There are still many issues that need to be resolved in order to reach a successful contract. Members should clear their calendars for July 26, 2008. There will be a joint mobilization rally in New York City. Stay Focused. Stay Mobilized. Keep in touch with your strike committees.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 9, 2008 

The Unions and the Company met today in smaller subcommittees to go over common interest healthcare issues. The subcommittee discussed ideas on cost savings with no cost shifting to our members on healthcare. The committee has recessed for today with the intent to reconvene and further explore these issues. To date there is still no agreement so we must continue our strike preparation and mobilize.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 8, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Union made several additional information requests. The Unions requested a subcommittee from both teams be established to discuss “common interest issues” of health care. The Union healthcare subcommittee met in the afternoon and established a guideline for discussion with the Company’s healthcare subcommittee. The Healthcare Subcommittee is scheduled to meet tomorrow morning.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 7, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today in breakout sessions to discuss the mediation and arbitration processes.  The parties have recessed for today and are scheduled to reconvene tomorrow morning.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 3, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Company provided data and
answers to issues raised at the 7-1 session.  The meeting recessed and
the Union will be studying the data and preparing a response.  The
parties are scheduled to meet on Monday, July 7th.

With no agreement reached on any issue and the Company’s
concessionary demands still on the table, it is imperative that our
locals step up their strike preparation.  The bargaining team will
continue to hammer at the table but the Company must understand the
consequence of not reaching a fair agreement.

Picket schedules should be established and rolling pickets organized.
We know our locals and their members are creative and we are looking
forward to their participation in helping bring this contract in.

Sell No More – Mobilize!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 2, 2008

The Unions and the Company did not meet face to face today.  The CWA and IBEW Unions met in caucus and each bargaining unit spent the day reviewing their respective proposed contract language changes.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene tomorrow.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

July 1, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the session began with discussions about the demands the Company presented yesterday. The Unions expressed their anger over the Company changing their commitment to limit their agenda to “modest changes designed to change behavior in the medical plan.” The Company is demanding cost shifting in healthcare for actives and retirees, elimination of the cash out option, elimination of the COLA, elimination of the Corporate Profit Sharing and other reductions in wages and benefits. The meeting turned to the Unions’ demands and the Company rejected the Comprehensive Proposal submitted by the Union. They rejected employment security for all employees, protecting workers in the event the Company is sold, job posting and bidding, elimination of subcontracting, FIOS work performed by core employees and other proposals. To date there is no agreement on any issue. It is now very clear that the Company has a wide agenda of take backs and concessions and at this time we are even further apart than when we first started. This is the first time ever that the Company has bargained in this way and their lack of credibility at the table is making the task even harder. We must strongly urge our members to support their bargaining agenda by providing the Bargaining Committee with a large strike authorization vote. While a vote to authorize a strike does not automatically mean there will be a strike, it sends a most important message to Verizon. They need to understand that our members who make this Company a success will not give back or give up. We know there are rumors about bargaining. Some are planted by the Company and some are just from the rumor mill. This happens in every round of bargaining – the only reliable source of information about bargaining will come from your bargaining team reports. We will make every effort to get these reports to locals as soon as a session ends. Stay strong – Stay Informed – Stay United – Stay Mobilized

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 30, 2008

The Unions and the Company met this morning and the Company presented a set of proposals in response to the Unions demands placed on the table on 6-16-08. The meeting recessed and the Unions will spend the remainder of the day studying the proposal and preparing a response. While bargaining takes place with the hope of reaching an agreement, we must be prepared in the event we don’t succeed at the table. Every member must be engaged in preparing for the possibility of a strike.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 16, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Unions presented a comprehensive package of demands which includes substantial wage increases and improvements in benefits and working conditions. Bargaining has been recessed until June 30th so that CWA Representatives can attend the CWA Annual Convention. At this point our members’ agenda is now fully on the table, but simply putting forth demands will not achieve a successful contract. Our power at the bargaining table is the unity and commitment of our members. Every member should take every opportunity to let the Company know that you support your interests by supporting your Union. The next bargaining update will be on June 30th, 2008.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 13, 2008

The Unions worked throughout the day on a comprehensive package of proposals to be given to the Company on Monday June 16th. The Unions demands provide for substantial wage increases, pension improvements, healthcare, job security and other improvements. With the support of a united and committed membership we fully expect to achieve a contract we can be proud of.Mobilize!!!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 12, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today. The Company gave details of their prescription drug plan which would impose increases in the cost of medications for active and retired members. In some examples, the increases would cost some retirees most of their income. The Company’s medical and prescription demand would shift tens of millions of dollars of cost to our members. The meeting adjourned and the Unions will spend the remainder of today working on bargaining demands. While the company has only brought the Medical and Drug plans to the table it is their intent to take back years of hard fought for progress. Our medical and Drug plans are the result of many contracts and even strikes. We to must be willing to do the same things we did to get them in order to keep them.Mobilize!!!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 11, 2008

 The parties met today and there was intense and sometimes angry discussion on the subject of subcontracting, access to jobs and employment security. The Union pointed out that our members provide Verizon’s competitive edge. The Union also reminded the company that Verizon opposed all attempts at a National Healthcare solution and are now demanding concessions from our members. Operators argued the need to provide work for our members. The Unions are scheduled to meet with the company at 9:30am tomorrow morning. The Unions will work on preparing the framework for a comprehensive counter proposal. Every single member has something to gain or loose. While we all don’t have to be fighting for the same issues, we all do have to be in thesame fight. Mobilize!!!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 10, 2008

The meeting scheduled for Monday, June 9th did not take place because the Company could not resolve their transportation problems. The CWA/IBEW Regional Bargaining Committee met jointly today and had extensive discussions about needed improvements in the grievance and arbitration process. The Unions are in the process of evaluating the health care proposal. While we are still in the preliminary stages of “early bargaining” it appears the company is seeking give backs in healthcare. The Unions requested clarification from the Company pertaining to Verizon’s health care and prescription drug proposals. The Unions discussed presenting a counter proposal and will work on the counter proposal tomorrow. As in every round of bargaining we have ever had, our success depends on the support and mobilization of our members. MOBILIZE!!!

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 7, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today in breakout sessions to discuss the mediation and arbitration processes. The parties have recessed for today and are scheduled to reconvene tomorrow morning.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 6, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Company provided data comparisons for their proposed changes to the prescription drug plan and answers to questions regarding the Company’s proposed Medical Plan changes. The parties are scheduled to meet again on Monday, June 9th.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 5, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the discussions focused on the grievance, mediation and arbitration procedures. The Unions raised their concerns about the unreasonable delays in these processes as well as the difficulties in obtaining information and records. Complaints were expressed about lower level management’s inability to resolve grievances at their level. Talks on these subjects will continue. The parties are scheduled to meet again tomorrow.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 4, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today and the Company presented additional data on their healthcare plan modifications. Many questions were asked by the committee and additional data requests were made. The parties will meet tomorrow to continue negotiations on the Union’s agenda.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

June 4, 2008

 The unions met with the Co today and the Co responded to some of the unions proposals. The union again emphasized the importance of viewing our members demands for economic justice seriously. We will accept nothing less. The CWA presented new proposals and the parties recessed pending review of both the companies responses thus far and the unions latest demands. Bargaining will resume subject to call.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

May 30, 2008

The Unions and the Company met today, the Company presented the Unions with a proposal to modify the medical and prescription drug plan. The meeting adjourned and the Unions will be studying the proposal and preparing a response. The parties will tentatively meet again on Wednesday, June 4th.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

May 29, 2008

The Unions did not meet with the company today as scheduled because the Company is still working on its proposal. The Company expects to present their proposal tomorrow. The Unions are using the delay to work on our members’ agenda. The parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

May 28, 2008

The CWA/IBEW joint committee met with the company bargaining committee today.The Union gave an opening statement emphasizing job security, healthcare, labor relations and economic needs of our members. The Union presented some of their demands to the company and is awaiting the company’s proposal.The parties are scheduled to meet tomorrow.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

May 27, 2008

The CWA/IBEW Regional Bargaining Committee met jointly today with Verizon in Washington, DC. The Company’s chairperson made an opening statement expressing the Company’s concern on the rising cost of health care benefits. A representative from the Company’s Human Resources department gave a presentation on the Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits for the Mid Atlantic area. Our bargaining team questioned the Company on the details of the presentation. No formal proposals were exchanged today. Talks will continue tomorrow.

CWA/IBEW Bargaining Updates

May 15, 2008

CWA District 1, 2, and 13 as well as the IBEW have agreed to once again enter into “Early” Negotiations with Verizon. CWA President Larry Cohen and District One Vice President Chris Shelton met with Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg on Friday May 9, 2008, to discuss the possibility of early negotiations. Since that meeting, we have received agreements with the CWA 1,2,13 and IBEW Bargaining teams involved and are making arrangements to begin negotiations. We have a tentative start date of Tuesday May 27, 2008. We will update you as soon as we have more information involving these negotiations.