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CWA and IBEW Verizon "South" negotiators met at CWA headquarters this week
to review issues in early contract talks. IBEW Pres. Ed Hill and CWA Pres. Larry Cohen attended, and are shown standing
just right of center. A similar joint bargaining team is meeting in New York. (Our President, Diana Markowski 2nd from
far right)
Bargaining Update:
Verizon Settlement Provides New Union Jobs, Protects Health Care for Active
and Retired Workers, Boosts Wages, Pensions for 65,000
August 10, 2008
Washington, D.C. -- A new tentative three-year contract settlement with Verizon achieves
union employees' major goals of promoting union jobs and expanding bargaining rights, providing good health care for both
active and retired workers, and increasing wages and pensions for 65,000 workers from Virginia to Maine, the Communications
Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers reported.
In a breakthrough agreement, Verizon will extend union
recognition to 600 former MCI technicians at Verizon Business who have been seeking representation for nearly two years.
These workers, who perform the same jobs as the union workforce, have received strong support from CWA and IBEW members in
a campaign to "tear down the wall" between union and non-union sectors at Verizon. The agreement also includes new opportunities
for union workers to provide customer support and service at Verizon Business.
The tentative settlement also eliminates subcontracting of work in a number of job areas,
converts many temporary jobs to permanent and brings additional jobs associated with Verizon's cutting edge FiOS technology
into the union bargaining units. Overall, the settlement should create 2,500 new union jobs.
Verizon and the unions have agreed to meet regularly during the course of the new agreement
to review technological and business developments affecting employment, which will allow the company to stay current with
business opportunities while also insuring that the unions are able to continue to represent employees as the business environment
changes.
The issue of health costs and benefits was a major focus of the talks, as it has been in
contract negotiations in virtually every industry. The settlement preserves fully-paid health care premiums for all
active and retired employees. Future hires will have a defined contribution formula for retirement health care with
the amount of Verizon's contributions subject to negotiation in each subsequent contract.
In addition, Verizon agreed to work with the unions in a joint effort to achieve meaningful
health care reform. The company will provide funding of $2 million per year to the project.
The settlement calls for wage increases totaling 10.87 percent compounded over the three-year
contract term. COLA (cost of living adjustment) language remains in the contract.
Pension bands also will be increased by 10.87 percent compounded over the term of the agreement.
The settlement also provides for a streamlined grievance dispute resolution system which
will speed up a process that has been taking as long as three years to complete.
"This is a breakthrough agreement in many ways," said CWA President Larry Cohen. "It
creates new union jobs including major growth areas like FiOS, it takes a big step forward on health care and it brings hundreds
of Verizon Business employees the union rights they deserve. We applaud management for agreeing to keep the best health
coverage in America and for their commitment to work with us for real health care reform. This settlement provides a
framework for growth at Verizon and a good standard of living with careers for our members."
"This agreement is a tribute to the solidarity and activism of IBEW and CWA members working
at Verizon," said IBEW President Ed Hill. "Our members mobilized strong and negotiated hard for a good contract that
will benefit workers and their families now and in the future. We congratulate union and company negotiators for finding
solid common ground upon which we can build a better Verizon. With this agreement we have met our goals to protect the
retirees who helped build this company and have negotiated important provisions that will ensure future jobs for union members."
CWA represents 50,000 workers at Verizon and IBEW represents another 15,000 in the northeast.
Verizon Bargaining Update,
11:30 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 10
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 and still have some
remaining issues to work through.
CWA Local 13100 Bargaining Report
Saturday August 9, 2008 10:00 PM
The CWA / IBEW unified bargaining committee continued
to meet today and progress has been made.
Contract deadline expiration remains Monday August 11, 2008 at 12:01 AM.
At that time the contract will expire.
Please continue to check the hotline at 302-999-1818
or check the web page at www.cwalocal13100.com for updates as they are received.
Please plan to attend rally at 901 Tatnall
St, Wilmington or 124 S. State St., Dover. Both rally’s start at 11:00 PM on Sunday night August 10, 2008. Please wear red at the rally’s.
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Verizon Bargaining Update, 4:30 pm Saturday, Aug. 9
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.
While there still are important issues on the table, setting the deadline has moved the pace
into turbo drive. Verizon fully understands the power that our union members have poised to exercise if progress slows or
stops.
We are very proud of the unity and commitment of our members' mobilization which has driven
this round of bargaining. Our years of developing mobilization strategies have added a powerful tool to our arsenal, giving
us effective alternatives to a strike.
With only hours until the deadline, we must continue this high level of mobilization. It will
be a crowning achievement to bring in a good contract without a single member having lost one days' pay. Every member who
participated in this effort will have a reason to be proud.
It remains critical that we are prepared to launch a strike on very short notice. It is still
our ultimate weapon and the deadline is very real.
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Unions Set Bargaining Deadline in Verizon Negotiations
August 8, 2008
10:00 AM
Washington, D.C -- 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.
The current contract, which covers 65,000 members of the Communications Workers of America and the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was slated to expire at midnight on Saturday, August 3rd. Late this past Saturday
night, the unions announced that in light of progress that had been made in bargaining, they had agreed to "stop the clock"
on the expiration of the current contract and postpone strike action. Bargainers had reported significant progress at the
bargaining table between the two sides.
Negotiations have continued since then, and are continuing at this time, but progress has been slow. 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 Report
Thursday, Aug. 7 6PM
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 Report:
Wednesday 8-6-08
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.
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CWA/IBEW Verizon Bargaining Report
August 5, 2008
4pm
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 Verizon Bargaining Report
August 4, 2008
9pm
The Unions and the Company have met throughout the day and into the evening
and will be working throughout the night in an attempt to reach an agreement. Slow
but significant progress is being made and the clock remains stopped at 11:59 pm
August 2nd.
What is clear to the bargaining committee is that it is the unity in
the field that is forcing the Company to move. Our members are the most important
part of this bargaining effort and we realize the issues around maintaining a highly charged mobilization and readiness when
members have so little specifics about the table. We also appreciate the patience
it takes when so many of these reports seem almost the same.
This bargaining has been like no other in any one’s memory. There have been fewer issues and yet never have the issues been more important. While we would like to give details, we hope everyone understands why we can’t
report specifics on a situation that is in motion and changing every hour. We
also cannot let the Company try to bargain past the bargaining committee to our members in an attempt to weaken or divide
us.
Our issues are the same everyday.
We want a fair contract that protects jobs, secures the future, and provides good wages. So sometimes these reports will be to say we know you are there, we appreciate everything you are doing
and we will stay in this together until this job is finished.
Members should report to work for their regular scheduled tour on Tuesday
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 Verizon Early Bargaining Report
August 3, 2008 9pm
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 11:59PM 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.
Verizon Bargaining Update 4pm, Sunday, Aug. 3
August 3, 2008
The CWA bargaining team reported some progress on many issues as nearly non-stop work on
negotiations continued, but indicated that there are several issues related to jobs and job security that remain to be resolved.
Negotiations are continuing and updates will be provided as developments warrant.
Verizon Bargaining Update, 11 am, Sunday Aug. 3
August 3, 2008
Negotiations are continuing. Updates will be posted as developments warrant
Statement of Unified
Bargaining Committees
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
VERIZON BARGAINING REPORT
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 Verizon Bargaining Report: Thursday
7-31-08
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 28th 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.
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