Striking Unions and Verizon Have Now Taken Legal Action Against Each Other

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed unfair labor practice charges on Friday against Verizon Communications. The union claims Verizon violated labor law in contract negotiations covering Verizon, Verizon Wireless and VCSI workers. The charges, filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) offices in New York and Baltimore, claim Verizon has refused to bargain in good faith.

Earlier this week, Verizon obtained injunctions that prevent intimidation and illegal blocking of facilities in New York and other states. The injunction restricts picketing to no closer than 15 feet from any entrance to Verizon facilities.  It limits the number of strikers to 15 outside facilities that typically employ 50 to 100 employees and 30 strikers at sites with 100 to 300 employees.

Verizon reported more than 90 incidents of sabotage at its facilities in numerous states.

Tonight, Verizon workers and supporters plan a candlelight march in West Nyack to the home of the Verizon chairman.

The CWA is asking the NLRB to order Verizon management to drop its refusal to bargain and start negotiating in good faith.

“Since the first day of negotiations, through contract expiration and even today, Verizon management has demanded the same $1 billion in concessions from its 45,000 workers,” said CWA Communications Director Candice Johnson. “These demands would cost every family $20,000 a year.”

Verizon is asking employees to contribute toward their medical insurance coverage. CWA officials say when Verizon is prepared to bargain seriously, their members will return to work. 

CWA represents 35,000 of the 45,000 striking workers at Verizon and VCSI and about 70 at Verizon Wireless. The other striking employees are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.