Fuzzy Math by Diefenderfer?

VP for Global Operations Jeannie Diefenderfer held a meeting today in lower Manhattan. Dozens of VZB techs came to this meeting, as did VP Jim Rush, Al Miller, Kathy Ernst, and Rob Gramlich. A few Verizon brothers and sisters also showed up and handed out flyers on the union's arbitration on VZB, and also handed out Christmas cards to Verizon CEO Ivan "The Terrible" Seidenberg demanding he recognize our union of VZB workers. The Christmas cards show pictures of VZB techs.

A steady group of VZB techs were also hanging out with their Verizon Core brothers as Rush and company entered the meeting (and were given the union literature). Jeannie Diefenderfer came out and she was told that this was one company, and she should recognize the union of VZB techs. She basically ADMITTED it was one company! It was great to see so many VZB techs standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Verizon Core union brothers WITHOUT FEAR as VZB top brass came to the meeting.

At the meeting, Diefenderfer told people to "do the math" before deciding whether or not they should go union. On that, we agree! A second grader could do the math! A real pension, no-cost health plan, a living wage, and a no-layoff clause makes the math fairly simple to do! In fact, on this date, in 2001, Verizon laid off over 3,200 union members. And thanks to the power of the union, 100% were offered their jobs back (with back pay). Perhaps Diefenderfer can do the math on that?

Published on December 19, 2007