CWA Local 1102 Blog

The unions and the company continue marathon bargaining in an attempt to bring the contract in before the bargaining deadline of 12:01 am, Monday, Aug. 11.

While there still are important issues on the table, setting the deadline has moved the pace into turbo drive. Verizon fully understands the power that our union members have poised to exercise if progress slows or stops.

We are very proud of the unity and commitment of our members' mobilization which has driven this round of bargaining. Our years of developing mobilization strategies have added a powerful tool to our arsenal, giving us effective alternatives to a strike.

With only hours until the deadline, we must continue this high level of mobilization. It will be a crowning achievement to bring in a good contract without a single member having lost one days' pay. Every member who participated in this effort will have a reason to be proud.

It remains critical that we are prepared to launch a strike on very short notice. It is still our ultimate weapon and the deadline is very real.

Stay informed...Be Prepared!

Negotiations between the CWA/IBEW unified bargaining committees and Verizon are continuing around the clock in Washington DC. The clock remains stopped at 11:59 pm, Aug. 2.
Progress is being made, but the issues yet to be resolved are among our most important.
The speed at which Verizon is shifting from copper to fiber technology makes it clear that we must negotiate a contract that secures new work and the jobs of the future. The Company does understand that without progress on these issues at the bargaining table, we have no choice but to move to the street.
The Regional Bargaining Committee met with the Local Presidents in Rye, NY to bring them up to date on the status of negotiations.
It is critical at this phase that we maintain the highest level of mobilization. We must engage in actions that continue to apply pressure on Verizon to move on our issues. There is no question that the efforts of our members are being seen and felt by the Company. We are receiving a steady stream of reports from the Locals and even some from the Company, of the persistent and innovative ways our members are engaging in workplace mobilization.
If you have been active in mobilization efforts, the bargaining committee is truly appreciative and thanks you. If you have not yet participated, we urge you to join with the tens of thousands of your brothers and sisters at worksite rallies and other actions.

It’s important that we all take this opportunity to feel the pride and satisfaction of standing up and standing together for ourselves, our jobs and our families. It is our union that provides this opportunity. Our unity will bring a successful contract. Today, do just one thing to help us make this happen!

Yesterday, the parties continued marathon bargaining throughout the day, ending at 11 p.m. last night. Today, negotiations have resumed.
Is progress being made? Yes. Is it slow going? Also yes. Do we have a plan for success? You bet.
We have presented Verizon with a unified and united front and strong position on all our critical issues. Now, we’re working through some of the most difficult issues in the areas of jobs and employment security for members at our company. Our strength in bargaining has been reinforced by the highly visible – and widely reported to the company – mobilization that continues. Verizon hasn’t come around yet, but we’re pressing the company on all our critical issues, especially when it comes to jobs.
This bargaining involves serious issues – health care, retirement security, and especially jobs. These negotiations are all about ensuring that our members will be full participants in the future of this company and in this industry, not walled off and excluded from the jobs and future that we have made possible.
There are more than 60 people involved in the bargaining process from our two unions. In addition to the elected bargaining committees, there are experts on health care, pensions, economics, communications and legal issues. Needless to say, the company has many, many more people on its side.
Verizon’s rapid shift from copper to fiber – and beyond in the future – makes it clear that we must negotiate a contract that secures the jobs of the future and opportunities for our members, addresses subcontracting, expands bargaining rights for workers and provides for employment security.
We will not be bypassed by the company that we built and helped make so successful. If our efforts to secure a fair agreement that provides for jobs today and for the future are not fully successful at the bargaining table now, we will secure it on the picket line when necessary. There’s no doubt about that. Our goal is to win on these issues and we will.

Negotiations will continue today between CWA/IBEW 2213, IBEW New England and the Company in Rye, New York and Washington DC. The Bargaining Committee met all day yesterday and into the night and progress continues to be made but the pace is slow. The primary issue is jobs and making sure that we protect the jobs of today and the jobs of the future. The clock remains stopped at 11:59 pm August 2nd.

The bargaining committee will meet at 9 AM to review the company’s last proposal and is scheduled to meet the company later in the morning.

Stay in touch with your Local for the latest updated information.

The bargaining Committees thanks everyone for all their support and mobilization efforts.

The Bargaining Committee continues to meet and make significant progress at the table. We stopped the clock because the threat of a strike has been enough to engage the company in real bargaining. We are ready to strike at any time. We will use the strike tactic when it helps us achieve our goal. We are ready to walk and the company knows it. The current contract remains in effect. The company must get the message that we are the Network and we want the jobs that goes with that network.

All tours will continue as schedule. All contract provisions are still in force. We will continue to mobilize in the workplace.

We will give you an update later in the day.