Verizon Strike Marred by Violence and Vandalism as 87,000 Workers Walk Out Over Contract Disputes

Strategic Insights -

Negotiations between Verizon Communications and unions representing 87,000 workers were disrupted by allegations of violence and vandalism as company managers returning to work faced obstacles. Striking employees reportedly lobbed rocks, bottles, eggs, and insults at managers, with 455 reports of violence and vandalism received by the company since August 2, with 230 occurring in the New York City area. The company has obtained court injunctions in Pennsylvania and Delaware to prevent striking employees from blocking access to Verizon buildings. Workers demand higher pay, greater job security, and restrictions on hiring outside contractors, while Verizon seeks to maintain its competitiveness in a largely non-unionized industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Striking employees have allegedly committed 455 acts of violence and vandalism since August 2, with 230 occurring in the New York City area.
  • Verizon has obtained court injunctions in Pennsylvania and Delaware to prevent striking employees from blocking access to Verizon buildings.
  • Workers demand higher pay, greater job security, and restrictions on hiring outside contractors.
  • Verizon seeks to maintain its competitiveness in a largely non-unionized industry.
  • The strike is being organized by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
  • The company has offered a $25,000 reward for the prosecution of those responsible for the assaults and vandalism.
  • Verizon has had little problem maintaining normal functions such as processing calls, but customers will experience lengthy delays in operator assistance and installation and repair appointments.

Statistics:

  • 455 reports of violence and vandalism received by Verizon since August 2.
  • 230 reports of violence and vandalism occurring in the New York City area.
  • 87,000 workers represented by unions participating in the strike.
  • 72,000 former Bell Atlantic workers represented by the Communications Workers of America.
  • 15,000 IBWE workers participating in the strike.
  • $4.9 billion: Verizon's reported net income for the second quarter.
  • $1.9 billion: Verizon's reported net income for the second quarter of 1999.
  • $1.79: Verizon's reported earnings per share for the second quarter.
  • 70 cents: Verizon's reported earnings per share for the second quarter of 1999.
  • $4 billion: Verizon's investments in wireless and data services.

Sources:

  • Newsbytes - "Verizon Strike Marred by Violence and Vandalism as 87,000 Workers Walk Out Over Contract Disputes"
  • Newsbytes - "Second Quarter Earnings Released by Verizon"