A Million Thanks from VZ CEO Ivan Seidenberg

(Actually, 26 Million Thanks)

A message from CEO Ivan "The Terrible" Seidenberg:

Dear VZB techs,

Thanks to your hard work, and tens of thousands just like you, I took a whopping $26.55 million home last year. That is 25% more than the year before! On top of that, I also pocketed $471,467 for my part-time jobs serving on 2 other corporate boards.

Now, I know that without hard-working employees like you, Verizon wouldn't be so profitable, and I would not be raking in the dough. And so I am really grateful for all you do. Sorry 'bout taking away some of your holidays, sick time, and increasing some of your health costs. I just couldn't resist! I am a CEO, after all!

I just have one little complaint: Too many of you continue to speak to those nasty IBEW and CWA techs who get more money, and a (spit here) NO LAYOFF clause, and don't have any co-insurance on their health benefits. Ugh. I am very concerned that during upcoming negotiations with the unions, the VZ Core techs will demand bargaining rights for the VZB techs. That will really hurt me. These union workes can be so greedy.

If you go "union," how can I continue to take in this kind of money? 26 Million doesn't buy what it used to.

In dis-Unity,

Your Pal and Mine,

Ivan "The Terrible" Seidenberg
CEO and Head Honcho
Verizon

P.S.: Get back to work!

Published on March 18, 2008