Latest Update

David Mintz has been appointed counsel for the CWA. They are in the process of selecting an arbitrator. The CWA believes they have a strong case that Verizon violated the CBA and feels they have a very good chance to prevail in the arbitration case.  Most of the 300 technicians are still out of work and are collecting unemployment benefits.

Verizon's Greed

Message from President George Bloom

 August 3, 2003 is a date surrounded by many questions, some of which still have no answers. Verizon and the CWA continue to have discussions on the Force Adjustment Plan and there has been virtually no movement on any of our issues. The belligerent bottom dwellers still believe the corporate line that these jobs will make a difference to their bottom line. I think everyone knows where we stand on this!  Ivan made $20.3 million last year, down 3 1/2% from the $23.3 million he made the year before, now this could help the bottom line. As the CWA continues to fight for all jobs in jeopardy with Verizon , AT&T continues to cut jobs across the country, vowing to never give their employees a contract as good as ours.  This is only a sign of the times. Verizon Wireless is an anti-union company and no one should be renewing their contracts with Verizon. This is a start and we should spread the word to everyone we know.  As we continue the battle we will be announcing any news we get. I would recommend that anyone who falls into the layoff category use their EWD days now because if you are laid off Verizon will not pay you for these days, only unused vacation days. This is not an announcement of surrender just a statement that we should not let them get away with any of our money. These bottom dwellers have used and abused you and now they want to throw you away. Keep the picket lines strong, let the public know that Verizon only cares about the bottom line, and not about you or your community. For those who are on line each morning, THANK YOU. For those who are not picketing, it's time to be counted and show our brothers and sisters who are in jeopardy that you understand today it's their neck, but tomorrow it could be yours.  

(Photo above: Members at the Glens Falls, NY Call Completion Office stand up for those who may be laid off)

Political Action

Anthony Eramo the CWA Local 1104 Political Director, has coordinated an excellent letter-writing campaign. Through his efforts and help from the membership, the following elected officials have sent letters to Ivan & Verizon urging them to put people before profits and stop the layoffs. Good work Anthony and thank you to the following elected officials. 

NYS Assembly members:
Saladino, Alessi, Barra, Walker, Schimel

NYS Senator: Craig Johnson
Nassau County: Executive Tom Suozzi

Nassau County Legislators:
Denenberg, Ford, Yatauro, Bosworth, Wink

Suffolk County Legislators:
Eddington, Lindsay

Riverhead Town Supervisors:
Phil Cardinale