Let’s Get to Work

The Communications Workers of America decided not to go on strike even though the contract deadline with Verizon expired midnight August 1 without a new one. The group says they will continue to fight for a fair contract. According to the CWA, despite $18 billion in profits in the last 18 months, Verizon still insists on slashing job security, health care, and retirement security. “Despite our best efforts, Verizon refuses to engage in serious bargaining towards a fair contract,” said Dennis Trainor, Vice President for CWA District One, which represents Verizon workers in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. “Verizon has earned $1billion a month in profits over the last 18 months, and paid its top handful of executives $249 million over the last 5 years, but continues to insist on eliminating our job security and driving down our standard of living. We’re not going to take it, and we’re going to keep the fight going while we’re on the job.” Even though the contract expired over the weekend, the association announced that 39,000 Verizon workers will continue working without a contract, but they are prepared to schedule regular bargaining sessions, and urge the company to begin bargaining constructively.