As we enter the 4th week of the strike against Verizon, the Mid Atlantic Bargaining Committee continues to meet with the company attempting to move our member’s issues.

In the first session, the company provided more details on its pitch for a new call sharing proposal. After further discussions, the Union rejected the Company’s proposal as well as every other proposal in the company’s comprehensive package from April 28th. We reiterated that in order for this bargaining committee to bring a contract back to the membership for ratification, there are needs of our members that need to be addressed. There was a lengthy off record discussion regarding overtime and holiday schedules in the Outside Plant and Commercial/Marketing workgroups.

In a second meeting the Union passed a proposal addressing the cancellation of overtime and the holiday scheduling and posting in the Commercial/ Marketing Organizations. The company advised they would review and respond to the Union on these proposals.

The solidarity and resolve of the CWA membership is taking its toll on this company. Support from community leaders, legislators, and activists groups along with the entire labor movement is wearing them down. No longer can a one page newspaper ad touting their spin on our wages, benefits and working conditions hold sway with the public. The communities we live and work in are wise to their deceptions and are actively working to assist us. This is a battle that affects every working class person whether they are in a Union or not. This Union and your Bargaining Committee are committed to fighting until our demands are addressed.