.
Feedback

Verizon Workers Picketing FIOS and Wireless Locations

Workers blame corporate greed for strike.

Verizon workers walked the picket line in Nanuet for the second day vowing to stay off the job as long as necessary. In Rockland County, there are about 300 employees based at Verizon FIOS garages in Nanuet and Pomona. Workers walked off the job at 12:01 a.m. Sunday in a dispute with management over contract concessions.

In Nanuet, dozens of striking workers carrying signs converged on the three driveway entrances to the garage where FIOS trucks sat idle. Strikers also picketed in front of the Wireless Store on Route 59 in Nanuet. They said they just want to be treated fairly.

“We’re company men,” said Gregory Fein, a field technician. “We love Verizon. I’m a stockholder. Everyone on the line is a stockholder.”

Shop Steward Joe Krische of West Nyack said, “We don’t want the whole pie. We just want our piece. 

Verizon spokesman John Bonamo said that the wireless division has nothing to do with the strike.

"That adds an added matter of inconvenience for our customers when people on this side of the business go to (picket) the Verizon Wireless stores," Bonamo said. "One has nothing to do with the other."

Workers claimed Verizon’s successful wireline business provided the funding for the wireless division to grow.

“Now that the FIOS network is built, they want to take our benefits away,” said Bob Milone, CWA 1107 secretary/treasurer.

Through a press release sent out Monday, Verizon is also claiming that customers have only seen minimal disruptions in service despite "At least 12 acts of sabotage in its communication facilities in four states." They are claiming that fiber-optic lines have been cut in 10 separate incidents. Verizon has also accused the striking workers of illegally blocking management from entering work centers and garages.

"These acts of sabotage are reprehensible," said Verizon Chief Security Officer Mike Mason. "In addition to inconveniencing our customers, these deliberate disruptions of our network have affected hospitals, paramedics, fire fighters, law enforcement and other first responders. Verizon is working closely with local authorities to investigate these sabotage incidents, and identify and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. And we will not hesitate to terminate any employees who may be involved in these acts."

"Our contingency plan is in full effect, and our management employees are stepping in to cover our workload," said Bob Mudge, Verizon's president of consumer and mass markets. "We are committed to delivering excellent customer service, and that's exactly what we plan to do."

The release acknowledges that customers may have to wait longer for repair work and when calling Verizon for sales or customer service.

Bargaining between Verizon and its employees began in late June. Local Vice President Eric Goodwin said he has been told management is seeking 100 givebacks that would erase all the benefits gained over the past 50 years.

That proposal, Goodwin said, “is basically taking our whole contract and throwing it in the garbage.”

Both sides blamed each other. Bonamo said the company wants a $100 a month health care contribution put into place. He said that the company has been spending $4 billion a year – or $400,000 an hour – on health care costs in recent years. He also said the company’s other 135,000 employees contribute to their health care costs.

The union has countered, saying Verizon also wants to cut employee pensions and health care benefits, cap sick time at five days per person and institute merit pay.

New City-based CWA Local 1107 (Communications Workers of America) represents about 800 active and retired employees who live or work in Rockland County. The CWA and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers represent about 45,000 Verizon workers in the Northeast.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from New City Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Loading comments ...
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
CONCERNED CITIZEN May 18, 2013 at 08:17 am
The bid process should NOT have been pressure laden. It was a straight forward bid. But one of theRead More bidders did not like the specifications. Even after the County Executive kept watering it down it still was not enough. The bidder took the county to court in Putnam County of all places and that judge agreed with the bidder. The County then went to a higher court and they threw out that decision, but he may still get the contract, makes no sense right? This has gone on for almost 3 years and has paralyzed the Transportation Department. Almost everything they wanted to do to improve the system was put on hold. Mr Schule was basicly handcuffed and could not perform his job like he wanted. He is a good man, this should not have happened. Shame on a County Legislature that could be so easily manipulated, I guess that is why the state comptroller will be taking over the county's finances.
Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:21 am
Could you elaborate on the pressures that the County Transportation office is under from TOR and TZRead More Xpress? It seems like one the Transportation Manager's manager's main function would be negotiating with these entities. He left because he couldn't handle it? That seems like an expected part of the job. How often are these bids renewed? Why is a bidding process pressure-laden?
Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:17 am
What professional doesn't spend $500 per year on out of pocket expenses related to their jobs?Read More Staples offering 10% (or 5 in some cases) is hardly an example of the community getting involved. Thankfully, there are other examples of the community and PTA's getting involved and providing needed services. Clarkstown and surrounding areas hardly have substantial unmet needs in their classroom, thankfully.
Truth4all May 16, 2013 at 11:37 am
I guess better late than never. LaCorte is serving his 4th year as Mayor and was Trustee for I thinkRead More 4 years before that. This year is the only time he has brought the idea to the village about participating in this program. He is motivated by the opportunity of getting positive press for his County Executive campaign. The village should have been involved in this program ( as well as the Americorps program) long before this. On a positive note, hopefully the Village will continue this worthwhile partnership for many years to come.
Sunny May 16, 2013 at 03:50 pm
Is there an article on patch about it? I am unable to find except on lohud.com
Green Farmer May 15, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Finally!!
b May 15, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Thank God. It's been a long time coming. Finally someone has paid attention.!!! That man has gotRead More to go.
Watchdog May 16, 2013 at 04:37 pm
George, don't you have enough to do straightening out the affairs of Clarkstown. Overtime in theRead More Police Department is rampant and the Town Attorney is out of control. As Tom Nimick says, we need an outside auditor for that operation since taxpayers were abused with the hiring of a political operative Jay Savino who I understand is singing like a canary. Get on the right side George before the FBI comes a lookin" I hear that the Gromack war chest is the first place they are looking for clues. Do the right thing George or you will get trampled with the rest of them.
Tom Nimick May 15, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Congratulations, George. Now about your other responsibilities as a member of the Town Board withRead More primary oversight over budget and expenditures: Won't you be the one to propose the needed audit of the Office of Town Attorney? You know the problems exist - likely you know more about the problems than I do. It is sad to see you silent in the face of the abuse of patronage. When will we hear your voice on it?
Teacher May 16, 2013 at 07:24 am
The new format is attractive but it is hard to find the comments that go with stories.