Arbitration, Negotiations, and Mobilization

Arbitration
The arbitration hearings are now over. After 15 days of hearings, both sides rested their case. The Union and management will now write "post hearing briefs" and submit those to the arbitrator. The arbitrator must then decide which side is right. If we win the arbitration, Verizon cannot appeal.

Many calls have come in asking if we will win. The truth is that no one knows. However, we are pleased with how the case went, and feel that we presented a good case that VzB techs should properly be in the Union.

Aug 2, Negotiations
CWA and IBEW continue to negotiate hard with Verizon. At issue for the unions are health care for our members and retirees, and ensuring that the "jobs of the future" are union jobs. Negotiations are always tough, and we hope that the company understands that every job should be a union job, and that they need to get off our backs on health care. 

Mobilization
Although the arbitration case and the negotiating table are critically important, the real way to ensure that Verizon gets the message is through mobilization. Verizon understands and even respects POWER. And they can recognize POWER when they see it.

And so we are calling on ALL VzB techs who care about their future, who want to stand up together with their Verizon Core brothers and sisters, to come out to a rally in either Boston or NYC. The way to win this fight is to show up at these rallies. There is nothing to be afraid of! We may be on the brink of victory!

The NYC MASS Rally will take place SAT, July 26th, 1 PM to 3 PM, 140 West St (corner of Barclay). Please let Tim Dubnau know you can make it: tdubnau@cwa-union.org
If you need a ride to the NYC rally, let Tim Dubnau know.

The Boston MASS Rally will take place THU, July 31, 6 PM to  8 PM 185 Franklin St (VZ HQ). Please let Steve Smith know you can make it. smithhousem@aol.com

Flyers to the rally will be mailed to your home, as well as a HOT-off-the-presses Signal & Noise Union Newsletter.

Published on July 15, 2008