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Verizon Workers Reject Contract Proposal, Threatening Imminent Strike

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Representatives for over 86,000 telephone workers from Virginia to Maine rejected the latest contract proposal from Verizon Communications, the dominant local telephone company, citing demands for greater job security and improved working conditions. The workers, who could go on strike as early as midnight Sunday morning, are seeking assurances that they will be able to organize within Verizon's wireless business, as well as limits on forced overtime and improved working conditions. Despite a 3.5 percent average annual wage increase offer by Verizon, the unions, including the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, dismissed the proposal as inadequate.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 86,000 Verizon telephone workers rejected the latest contract proposal, threatening an imminent strike.
  • The workers are seeking greater job security, improved working conditions, and the ability to organize within Verizon's wireless business.
  • The unions, including the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, dismissed the proposal as inadequate.
  • Verizon offered an average annual wage increase of 3.5 percent for a five-year contract.
  • The contract affects over 72,000 Verizon technicians, customer service representatives, repair people, operators, and administrative support staff along the East Coast.
  • Some employees may walk out, including around 900 workers in Hampton Roads.
  • The unions are pushing for limits on forced overtime and improved working conditions, including more frequent bathroom breaks and less stressful job requirements.

Statistics:

  • Over 86,000 Verizon telephone workers are represented by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (CWA).
  • The proposed contract would have a five-year duration (Source: Verizon).
  • The average annual wage increase offered by Verizon is 3.5 percent (Source: Sources close to the talks).
  • The CWA represents over 72,000 Verizon employees along the East Coast (Source: Bay Area Reporter).
  • Around 900 workers in Hampton Roads may walk out (Source: The Communications Workers).

Sources:

  • Verizon Communications.
  • Communications Workers of America (CWA).
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
  • Bay Area Reporter.
  • The Communications Workers.

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