Thousands of CWA and IBEW members who work for Verizon rallied in New York City on June 28 to slam management for its repeated interference in its employees’ freedom to form unions and the company’s decision to abandon rural communities.The rally was part of an on-going union-wide mobilization to involve members and build public support for a good contract at the $88 billion telecommunications giant.
“Verizon advertises that its ‘Network’ provides reliable service. Well, we – the members of CWA and IBEW are the network,” said CWA District One Vice President Chris Shelton. “We are the reason that Verizon made $6 billion in profits last year. We are the reason it is the thirteenth largest corporation in America. It couldn’t do it without us. We are Verizon.”
Can you hear us now?
To underscore the point CWA District One held a Verizon “geek” look-a-like contest. Pictured
Also featured at the New York rally, was Verizon Business (VZB) technician John Sweeney. VZB – a division of Verizon formed after the company’s merger with the remnants of MCI/Worldcom – has refused to recognize the technicians’ organizing rights.
Sweeney spoke about the need for VZB techs to keep up the fight and challenged the company to respect the wishes of the majority of his co-workers who have already signed cards to join the union.“I want to send a message to any Verizon Business techs who may be on the fence,” said Sweeney. “Ask yourself a simple question: How do you expect to support your family, raise your kids and retire comfortably when the cost of living is rising faster than your paycheck? Get down off the fence, sign a union card and take control of your future!”
IBEW and CWA members will rally on August 2 in several cities to mark the one-year countdown before the Verizon-East contract expires in 2008. Picture from the rally are up on the web at: http://picasaweb.google.com/randwilson.aflcio/RallyAtVerizonSNewYorkHeadquarters
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