After updating the membership on efforts by the VZB techs to unite in a union, Latham concluded by saying, "There really is no difference between us. We do very similar work for the same company. The only difference is that you all have the benefits of being united in a union and we don't.

"That's probably why our provisioning and test centers are in the Philippines and Argentina and yours are still here. Of course the company wants to drive a wedge between us. But it's obviously in our mutual interest to make sure that we are allowed to form a union."

Latham received a very enthusiastic applause from the Local 2222 membership.

About 80 Local 2222 members showed their support for the VZB techs the next day with a spirited informational picket at a "Town Hall Meeting" for Global Network Operations (GNO) employees hosted by VZB VP Jeannie Diefenderfer at 125 High Street in downtown Boston.