Verizon striking

[Loyola00]

Sherry7 I hear what you are saying and that is true regarding cell tower maintenance and T1 lines. However, as with any business they are looking for someone to do it cheaper or to cut costs. I know where I was the average technician made 1200/week before any overtime. It was time and a 1/2 over 40 hrs per week and then after 11 hours you go in to double time. Double time on Sunday's also.

Verizon has lost millions of landlines but maybe that person got wireless instead, VOip or some other data service.. so many variables here. The Fios is great but availability is limited compared to some of Verizon's competitors (Comcast, Direct Tv). I know Vz is working on bringing fiber to the curb but I can't get it at my house. The wireless side of the house is there most profitable division. I'm sure we could go on and on about strike/no strike. I just pray it ends soon because ultimately everyone suffers. The union workers without pay if they don't cross the picket line, the management employees forced to work 18 hour days to cover, and most importantly the customer who keeps the company going. Last time it took months to get things on track after the short strike in 2000.

 

[melmar136]

Employees already vested in the pension would get paid their benefits but new employees would not earn a pension. Management employees already had their pension frozen in 2005. Yes, there is the 401k and the company does provide a match. Most company's do not have a pension plan so with the economy it is becoming a thing of the past.

Verizon workers do not get "sick" days but have vacation days that increase based on years of service. There is also FLMA which is the law, however Verizon was giving "PAID" FMLA, which was costing billions. I can't speak for everyone but when I worked at Verizon FMLA was a HUGE issue. There was alot of abuse. Case in point, an employee could take their FMLA forms and go to their doctor and have them certify they are "stressed". The employee would tell the Dr. they want to be approved to be off 4 x per month and 3 days per incident. Meaning you could take off 1 time per week for a 3 day stretch lets say (Wed - Fri). If your Dr. signed off on that which many have done an employee could use this weekly as long as they worked 1250 hours w/i the last 12 months to qualify and get paid for it. Now I wonder, how many would do this if if was not PAID leave? It's unfortunate because this benefit could be a saving grace for someone in need but the abuse has ruined it for all.

I have been on both sides of the fence and see the good/bad of both sides. I agree top execs are overpaid but it happens in all company's. I wonder what kind of salaries the CEO's of the top automotive plants were getting when they took the bailouots? What about the Bank of America CEO? Millions I'm sure, Verizon and no other company will maintain this cycle of life at this pace. Unfortunately, workers may have to make sacrafices to keep the company going or 20 yrs from now it could be gone. Most people do pay something for benefits so hopefully they can reach an agreement on that point.

Vz was offering employees unlimited tution assistance so you could go to the school and the company pay for everything either undergrad or grad school. Is that being taken away? I know for management it was reduced to 8k per year a few years ago.

I totally agree that the paid FMLA is abused. But instead of trying to control the people who abuse it constantly,(and it is the same people all the time) the rest of the employees would now suffer instead.

Verizon has created their own problem with the absence issue. I'll give you an example: I am very rarely "out sick". But yet, when I had strep throat, was seen by the dr, and put on antibiotics, and had to send in the paperwork to see if the company would "approve" my absence (meaning it is not "counted against you") they denied it because I did not stay out for more than 3 days! They actually said I would have had to stay out 4 or more.

So, for the conscientious worker, there has been no real incentive to stay out less than 4 days if they want their absence "approved". Completely ridiculous.

 

[S. C.]

I AM A UNION WORKER, I am NOT the problem. Transportation, Police Officers, Correction Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters, Teachers, Secretaries, Construction Workers, VERIZON workers...etc. are NOT the enemy. If you're jealous of our benefits, FIGHT FOR YOUR OWN! NOT AGAINST OURS! The rich who created this crisis are putting middle class families against each other. We live here, pay taxes, work hard & try to support our families too!!

 

[threecrazykids]

Wow, you have sure changed your tune since last night when you said you aren't losing any sleep over this.

Also, Verizon must not be treating the managers TOO badly this week....12 hour days and all, or else they're not very busy, because it seems there has been a lot of time to post on the DIS.

I'm not losing sleep over it, I simply have a heart for EVERY person involved in this strike. I do however feel less sympathy for those who walked out of their job and then has the nerve to cry and bully people about it.

Again, I'm not management. And as a matter of fact no, the "managers" as you keep referring to them aren't being treated badly. As a matter of fact...VZ is going more than out of their way to make not only the managers, but also the "specialists" as comfortable as possible while the union terrorizes them. Nice hotels, paid meals, rental cars, paychecks where the overtime alone is more than their regular checks, police protection, injunctions to keep the picketers away from them...the list goes on and on.

We can argue all day long about this, but the fact of the matter is...like I said, the union workers should, instead of continually making threats, say a little prayer at the end of the day that your "leaders" truly know when to cry uncle. You're trying to cuddle a cobra. It won't end well.

You and I BOTH know who has the money and power in this battle. You've got 1 of the 2 unions that offers ZERO strike funds. The other? $200-$300 a week is your safety net. How long can you live on that? And how long before your fund is GONE?

I'm just curious as to where all of the union dues from these workers went? Good god, even assuming that each of them paid in $50 a month (just guessing) at 45,000 workers thats 2.2 million A MONTH! And you've been paying that fee for how many months?

One would THINK that with all that money, these wonderfully run unions (you know, the ones who have the rise or fall of the entire middle class on their shoulders) would have at least factored STRIKE FUND in their budget. I'm pretty sure if I was a union member I'd be LIVID if I'd paid in and got nothing back but a hungry family and bankruptcy file.

If they aren't there to help you when you ARE out of a job...what good did your dues really do?

Are the unions so arrogant or ignorant to assume they'd never NEED a strike fund.

 

[melmar136]

I'm not losing sleep over it, I simply have a heart for EVERY person involved in this strike. I do however feel less sympathy for those who walked out of their job and then has the nerve to cry and bully people about it.

Again, I'm not management. And as a matter of fact no, the "managers" as you keep referring to them aren't being treated badly. As a matter of fact...VZ is going more than out of their way to make not only the managers, but also the "specialists" as comfortable as possible while the union terrorizes them. Nice hotels, paid meals, rental cars, paychecks where the overtime alone is more than their regular checks, police protection, injunctions to keep the picketers away from them...the list goes on and on.
We can argue all day long about this, but the fact of the matter is...like I said, the union workers should, instead of continually making threats, say a little prayer at the end of the day that your "leaders" truly know when to cry uncle. You're trying to cuddle a cobra. It won't end well.

You and I BOTH know who has the money and power in this battle. You've got 1 of the 2 unions that offers ZERO strike funds. The other? $200-$300 a week is your safety net. How long can you live on that? And how long before your fund is GONE?

I'm just curious as to where all of the union dues from these workers went? Good god, even assuming that each of them paid in $50 a month (just guessing) at 45,000 workers thats 2.2 million A MONTH! And you've been paying that fee for how many months?

One would THINK that with all that money, these wonderfully run unions (you know, the ones who have the rise or fall of the entire middle class on their shoulders) would have at least factored STRIKE FUND in their budget. I'm pretty sure if I was a union member I'd be LIVID if I'd paid in and got nothing back but a hungry family and bankruptcy file.

If they aren't there to help you when you ARE out of a job...what good did your dues really do?

Are the unions so arrogant or ignorant to assume they'd never NEED a strike fund.

Funny the company has all that money to pay for the nice hotels, catering twice a day, police details, etc. but not enough money to pay for the employees who do the work for them everyday, who BUILT the company for them.

Oh, right, this money is all coming out of their "work stoppage budget" which can all be written off. Oh, yeah, and then they'll save even MORE when we are back to work and they RIF a bunch of the managers.

 

[threecrazykids]

Funny the company has all that money to pay for the nice hotels, catering twice a day, police details, etc. but not enough money to pay for the employees who do the work for them everyday, who BUILT the company for them.

Oh, right, this money is all coming out of their "work stoppage budget" which can all be written off. Oh, yeah, and then they'll save even MORE when we are back to work and they RIF a bunch of the managers.

Uh, are you aware that VZ has strike insurance? On top of their work stoppage budget. At least that's what we've been told and your union leaders must know there's some truth behind this because they claim that's the reason VZ is willing to spend so much $ on all of this, because it's not going to cost the company much at all. Losses that VZ claims will be covered. And I would venture to bet that VZ pays dearly for this insurance. You may not be familiar with paying for insurance but that's how it works.

One would have to assume you will be coming back to your job for the RIF's of your managers. What if they "flip that switch" and your jobs aren't there anymore?

Another scenario: You do know that those managers are fully capable of managing a whole new workforce that could potentially replace you, right? And if they get RIF'd, then so be it right? That's the choice they made when they "chose management over the union".

You just seem to be very narrow minded in the outcome of this. You keep referring to scenarios as if there is only one option...and that option being that VZ give you everything you "deserve" and go back to business as usual.

I will remain hopeful for you, and I will also continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers...regardless of your despise for me and my fellow co-workers who DON'T want your jobs.

 

[undertheradar]

How about you back off Familyoffive??? It's not very nice being a bully.

No, I have a different opinion and someone is trying to twist this thread from the trading of opinions to a pro-union slant. I have asked questions and the union employees from Verizon can only provide the canned union speak in response.

 

[undertheradar]

The question was "so are you union or not?" Yes, is the simple answer to that. I am in a union. Didn't know you wanted to hear anything other than a simple answer. Might be too hard to understand otherwise.

Exactly how isn't this rude?

 

[undertheradar]

Familyoffive....Masterpiece Theater.....asking personal questions...making rude comments....I see you going there and I didn't respond to your bait.

This has been an interesting discussion. Can you please hold back your obvious desire to take this discussion to a different level? One that will get the thread closed?

It's okay to give an opinion and to defend your opinion and to offer predictions as 'Threecrazykids' did when he warned 'that Verizon has all the money to make things happen' in an earlier post, but you are stooping to putting a derogatory tone in your posts.

This is the budget board and maybe not the place for this discussion to continue in it's current form, unless it takes a different turn.

Just my opinion.

Somehow you didn't like my response to your comment about "watching me perform?" Don't get what you were aiming for with that comment and that is why I asked you to elaborate.

 

[undertheradar]

What is interesting about this thread is that the striking union employees come on here and spout the union lines about VZ profits, executive compensation and what they are wanting to take away. There were posts about why we should support these employees since they are fighting for the American middle class and our way of life. Why haven't any of you answered the questions that have been posed about holidays, sick days, the actual dollar amount being asked for towards medical premiums and what would be replacing the pensions? You believe that you are fighting for the survival of the middle class but the math does not add up. If union employees are seven percent of the American workforce, then that is only a representation of roughly 1 out of every 14 workers. This isn't exactly a large portion of the middle class. While I wish you luck, I don't understand how contributing to your medical coverage and retirement will be the end of the middle class. The majority already pay towards those things and the middle class is still here.

 

[lisaross]

This is Lisa’s husband again. It saddens me to see all the negativity. There were too many comments that I wanted to dispute. And very many were quite insulting. Since I don’t remember who said what or all of them, I will simply reply to some of those that stuck out in my memory.
My title is not simply a word. It means that I went to college for 4 years to attain. I did this because the company made it clear that it was worth it to them for me to become a “TTA” so if I was willing to do this “FOR THEM”, (and sacrifice every hour of OT that I might have been able to earn for the 4 years), they would increase my salary by 2 bands until I retire. They would also increase my pension by 2 bands until my death. So if you think that I shouldn’t care about my title. Maybe you think before you insult other people with your ignorance!
I would also like to explain that my pension, which was promised to me by the company until my death has its own untouchable fund. In other words, all employees were told that we should never have to worry about our pensions because they were already waiting for us, and untouched. I could understand that someone would think that it should be fine for us to use the 401K for our retirement, but unfortunately Verizon is also attacking that. No one seemed to bring up that Verizon also wants to stop matching our 401K. So in other words, they are taking away all company retirement benefits. A 401K without matching is simply an investment. If you read into this, the employees can easily invest in anything else instead. This could potentially lower Verizon Stock.
Those of you who referred to the union as spoiled and bullies might be looking through smoke filled glasses. Now to honest, I used to own my own business and manage stores, so I was anti-union at different times. I now always look at every situation from both sides. No matter what some extraordinarily insulting individuals might think. As far as the “Big Bad Bullying Union” throwing a tantrum and just getting up and leaving the bargaining table the minute they didn’t get what they wanted, GET A LIFE! The company made many demands on the workers that were far inferior to anything we’ve ever had before. Obviously the union didn’t like that so they made counter offers. The company DID NOT BUDGE ON 1 ISSUE FROM JUNE TILL AUGUST 6. Is that reasonable? Exactly what would you have the union do when it is trying to protect itself? I know, how about they lie down and take whatever scraps the company throws, and say thank you.
In the past when the company and the union couldn’t come to a compromise by the end of the contract, we were willing to work through until a new contract could be agreed upon. That was fair as long as there were reasonable talks going on. To be perfectly honest, that’s what most of expected this time. It’s unfortunate that Verizon is not will to negotiate at all.
I completely agree that the 1st priority of a company is to its investors. I am 1. That is why as an investor I am galled that the top 5 officers of the company were paid 1\4 of a billion dollars last year.
Verizon also explained that they needed to launch their own satellite. 4 billion dollars was too expensive to use for discipline, so they explained that this was for anti terrorism. It was never used for the ladder. For that matter, after the 1st 2 years they realized that it was too expensive to use for anything. Great idea Verizon!
People think that wired lines are a thing of the past. Guess what. I’m an installer who has installed for cell towers. No wires, no wireless. Every business has phones and internet. I know because I install them. T1s, Dsl and Fios are all in high demand. This is real. As for other companies being cheaper, you get what you pay for.
More than 70% of my installations are people coming back from all the other companies. Time Warner, Cablevision, At&t, Broadview, Vonage, and Exchange just to name a few. I listen to the horror stories about that other companies, and then welcome them back to Verizon wired service explaining to each one what makes us the best. I guess that wired service might not be dead after all.
Those of you who are out of work, I feel for you. I really do. I felt bad when I heard that the jobs were lost and I always try think up ways for people to make money. Please don’t be the people who want other people to lose what they have because it happened to you. Again, I invite your comments.

 

[luvestodizz]

Familyoffive what you say about there being so few union jobs is true. It is part of the reason the middle class is in danger. Without a strong union, who will fight for fair wages and working conditions? Do you think a job at Walmart will insure a comfortable life for a family of five? I mention Walmart since they are anti union and pro China. As seen by some of the responses on this thread, Americans are already enslaved to corporations. We need jobs so we accept any wage and benefit offered. Is anyone willing to stand up and fight anymore?? Are we so jaded we are willing to be dictated by the almighty corporation? This is still the USA- remember when immigrants believed our streets to be paved in gold? Now it's the CEOs and executives who are rolling in gold while middle America can eek out a living while paying for taxes, healthcare, and the ever rising food and gas prices. That is why I don't only see this as a fight by the Verizon union workers but a fight for all workers.

 

[Desnik]

What is interesting about this thread is that the striking union employees come on here and spout the union lines about VZ profits, executive compensation and what they are wanting to take away. There were posts about why we should support these employees since they are fighting for the American middle class and our way of life. Why haven't any of you answered the questions that have been posed about holidays, sick days, the actual dollar amount being asked for towards medical premiums and what would be replacing the pensions?

I have sent you PM's answering your questions & offering to answer any more you may have. You already know I really didn't want to post here but now you are not telling the truth. You don't want to see that there could be a different side you have your mind made up about this strike & unions in general. We all get how you feel but please just stop already!

 

[KBoopaloo]

Let me start by saying that I truly feel for anyone who is out of work and a paycheck because their union is currently on strike, whether they agree with striking or not. I am sure it is awful to be unsure of when you can expect a regular paycheck again.

After reading through this thread for the past few days, I do have a question for those familiar with the union and their demands. I have seen it mentioned more than once that part of the reason for the strike is that Verizon is refusing to concede on ANY of the things they want to change in a new contract or that they walked away from the table. Fair enough. However, what I have not read is whether the union has agreed to ANY concessions at all on their end? I am not trying to be snarky, I am asking honestly as I really don't know the answer.

It just seems that in many of the posts I've read, those on the union side are also unwilling to give up anything in the negotiations. I haven't seen anyone say "Well, we'd be willing to accept the new retirement proposals if we can keep our healthcare" or vice versa. It seems to me that there needs to be concessions on BOTH sides for any negotiation to be successful.

Like, I said, I am not trying to be rude or snarky, I am just asking honestly. Thanks.

 

[threecrazykids]

Let me start by saying that I truly feel for anyone who is out of work and a paycheck because their union is currently on strike, whether they agree with striking or not. I am sure it is awful to be unsure of when you can expect a regular paycheck again.

After reading through this thread for the past few days, I do have a question for those familiar with the union and their demands. I have seen it mentioned more than once that part of the reason for the strike is that Verizon is refusing to concede on ANY of the things they want to change in a new contract or that they walked away from the table. Fair enough. However, what I have not read is whether the union has agreed to ANY concessions at all on their end? I am not trying to be snarky, I am asking honestly as I really don't know the answer.

It just seems that in many of the posts I've read, those on the union side are also unwilling to give up anything in the negotiations. I haven't seen anyone say "Well, we'd be willing to accept the new retirement proposals if we can keep our healthcare" or vice versa. It seems to me that there needs to be concessions on BOTH sides for any negotiation to be successful.

Like, I said, I am not trying to be rude or snarky, I am just asking honestly. Thanks.

According to the union the ONLY thing VZ has removed from the table is their request to tie their raises to their performance appraisals. How anyone gets away with this is mind baffling...but whatever.

Other than that...VZ isn't budging. If there is anything that I do agree with the unions opinion on, it would be that VZ doesn't appear to be negotiating at this point. They're done playing the "gimme" game. It appears there are very few things they are willing to talk about anymore. They have made it very clear what their intent is...to bring the union workers more in line with the 135,000 non union employees.

The union claims they have proposed hundreds of "options" and VZ has dismissed/rejected all of them. I certainly wouldn't be feeling comfortable if I were being told that either. That is...if you believe 100% what your union leaders tell you.

 

[undertheradar]

I have sent you PM's answering your questions & offering to answer any more you may have. You already know I really didn't want to post here but now you are not telling the truth. You don't want to see that there could be a different side you have your mind made up about this strike & unions in general. We all get how you feel but please just stop already!

Please! How is it you took upon yourself to PM me and then we had an exchange about unions and this strike? I didn't contact you and I don't hide behind PMs. If the union is fighting for all of us and the American way of life, are you suggesting that I am not allowed free speech? I asked how many holidays are being asked for and how many total do you all receive? Not one union striker has answered that very simple question! I explained why I dislike the union mentality in my PM, I grew up in a union household and it is an incredible waste of money. My family is comprised of many retired railroad employees(BRAC). Does CONRAIL mean anything to you? Unions were founded for a good cause but have outlived their purpose as can be derived by the 7% of the working population statistic. If they were so viable, why are the numbers shrinking? I stated that the CWA and IBEW presidents are overpaid and union employees choose to ignore those facts. I asked what the true dollar amount is that is being requested by Verizon to be paid per paycheck towards medical premiums, since several posters were unable to designate the difference between what is deducted from the paycheck and what is considered deductible and co-pay. Shocker here, it hasn't been answered. If these unions are such great things, why don't you get them to pay for these medical coverages and pensions? To those of us on the outside, the union statements that the employees want what they have always had looks unrealistic. To be honest, if you have been on strike a week and the rumored $100.00 per month towards medical is accurate, then someone earning $1200.00 per week already lost that amount. That is where it looks to be like a small sacrifice to make in order to keep jobs. Again, that is from the outside with zero emotional involvement.

 

[undertheradar]

Familyoffive what you say about there being so few union jobs is true. It is part of the reason the middle class is in danger. Without a strong union, who will fight for fair wages and working conditions? Do you think a job at Walmart will insure a comfortable life for a family of five? I mention Walmart since they are anti union and pro China. As seen by some of the responses on this thread, Americans are already enslaved to corporations. We need jobs so we accept any wage and benefit offered. Is anyone willing to stand up and fight anymore?? Are we so jaded we are willing to be dictated by the almighty corporation? This is still the USA- remember when immigrants believed our streets to be paved in gold? Now it's the CEOs and executives who are rolling in gold while middle America can eek out a living while paying for taxes, healthcare, and the ever rising food and gas prices. That is why I don't only see this as a fight by the Verizon union workers but a fight for all workers.

Yes, executives and CEOs are being compensated way too highly. We can include union leaders in this group. The idea that these striking employees are the last stand against the demise of the middle class and all future benefits as we know them is just too extreme. If you are suggesting that the 7% union worker population of the United States are the reason that we receive medical/dental/prescription/life insurance/401k match/profit sharing/stock options/bonuses/paid time off/sick days/vacation days/personal days, then I would say you are wrong. Yes, benefits have come about due to union existence many decades ago. If they were still required, the membership numbers would be much higher than 7% of the working population. Many states have enacted labor laws, minimum wage laws, etc. When they were founded the unions did many great things. But times have changed and many companies are able to produce without union workers. I understand that you are fighting to continue to live and earn exactly as it has been in the last contract, you must understand that you are negotiating in a much darker economic climate. There is nothing wrong if you strike and the corporation gives you everything you demand, there is nothing wrong with compromise from all parties involved.

 

[Desnik]

Please! How is it you took upon yourself to PM me and then we had an exchange about unions and this strike? I didn't contact you and I don't hide behind PMs. If the union is fighting for all of us and the American way of life, are you suggesting that I am not allowed free speech? I asked how many holidays are being asked for and how many total do you all receive? Not one union striker has answered that very simple question! I explained why I dislike the union mentality in my PM, I grew up in a union household and it is an incredible waste of money. My family is comprised of many retired railroad employees(BRAC). Does CONRAIL mean anything to you? Unions were founded for a good cause but have outlived their purpose as can be derived by the 7% of the working population statistic. If they were so viable, why are the numbers shrinking? I stated that the CWA and IBEW presidents are overpaid and union employees choose to ignore those facts. I asked what the true dollar amount is that is being requested by Verizon to be paid per paycheck towards medical premiums, since several posters were unable to designate the difference between what is deducted from the paycheck and what is considered deductible and co-pay. Shocker here, it hasn't been answered. If these unions are such great things, why don't you get them to pay for these medical coverages and pensions? To those of us on the outside, the union statements that the employees want what they have always had looks unrealistic. To be honest, if you have been on strike a week and the rumored $100.00 per month towards medical is accurate, then someone earning $1200.00 per week already lost that amount. That is where it looks to be like a small sacrifice to make in order to keep jobs. Again, that is from the outside with zero emotional involvement.

I contacted you in a PM to answer questions you had posted on this thread specifically saying I didn't want to debate unions but just wanted to give you the answers you were seeking. I too felt they weren't being answered and just tried to help out. You respnded with a rant on unions and in debate mode. I answered you stating I didn't want to go back and forth on unions. Then you replied with some more questions and I replied and answered them and then you never replied back.

Of course everyone is allowed free speach but the debate boards are long gone on the DIS.

You have gotten answers to these questions already I am simply wondering why you keep asking the same questions?

About the medical, you were given answers already but they can't be specified to your liking because there is no answer. Verizon and our union have not divulged to us yet exactly what the bottom line is. From what I hear it's $3000 per year but for a inferior plan than what we have now. So the anger comes from not greed, but "you want us to pay and we can't even get the good coverage?" What we do know is this, Verizon wants us to pay towards our medcal, the union doesn't want us to. But what noone has said is that there are 2 parts to the medical negotiations. Verizon wants us to pay towards it and then stop our pay raises. The unions compromise is, we will pay towards the medical but we want our yearly raises.

FYI, to everyone on this thread. Verizon has taken back the request for pay raises to match performance. They have been at the table talking and it is being said that they have agreed to a few issues already, thankfully.

For anyone who thinks the union is just walking in there and just saying no to everything you're kidding yourself. That is why this is called negotiations. Of course the union knows it has to compromise and they will. The issue has been that Verizon went to the table not wanting to negotiate. It was at first them coming in with their list and not willing to talk about anything. Obviously they have changed their minds.

Everyone has a right to their opinions. You can hate unions or love them I don't care. All I care about is whether or not my DH will have a job.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I can't speak for everyone but when I worked at Verizon FMLA was a HUGE issue. There was alot of abuse. Case in point, an employee could take their FMLA forms and go to their doctor and have them certify they are "stressed". The employee would tell the Dr. they want to be approved to be off 4 x per month and 3 days per incident. Meaning you could take off 1 time per week for a 3 day stretch lets say (Wed - Fri). If your Dr. signed off on that which many have done an employee could use this weekly as long as they worked 1250 hours w/i the last 12 months to qualify and get paid for it. Now I wonder, how many would do this if if was not PAID leave? It's unfortunate because this benefit could be a saving grace for someone in need but the abuse has ruined it for all.

The techs in our group used to refer to the abusers of FLMA as patients of "Dr. Summeroff". The abuse of paid FMLA was THAT well-known where I worked at least In this case, it really is the few ruining it for the many...the people who abused FMLA chronically were a huge problem, but the majority of people were honest and did not do so. The few who did abuse it have ruined it though IMHO.

 

[lisaross]

Lisa’s husband again. The reason why no one gets into specific numbers with anyone is because this is personal. Why don’t you tell us your salary, how much you pay towards retirement and how much you pay for your health coverage? Are you aware that our personal finances are being publicly displayed?
The only reason why I am answering this at all is because I couldn’t imagine anyone actually believing that we would go on strike for $25 a week. The figure that I heard was closer to $600 a month, and for an inferior health coverage with a higher deductable.
I don’t expect anyone who is anti-union to sway from their beliefs, for g-d’s sake, don’t fight against us. Are you aware that we are the extreme underdogs?
The company told us that they cannot afford to continue our income. What the company doesn’t mention is that they cut off all supplies from the technicians for months. They had us scavenge like rats to come up with supplies. Many technicians were forced to tell customers that they couldn’t install the service because the multi-billion dollar corporation wouldn’t supply them with wire or a jack.
To make matters worse, they instructed us to clean our trucks out. This sounds both nice and harmless. They made us remove anything personal, and everything non essential, which included any duplicates. After this was done, we had even less to provide outstanding customer service.
I told my boss that if I were looking to sabotage a healthy company, this is exactly how I would do it. The hirer ups want to get rid of the wire company completely. We are a thorn in their side. We are the necessity that is at the core of every element of telecommunication, but we don’t show the glory profit end like the flashier side does. WITHOUT WIRED SERVICE THERE IS NO WIRELESS SERVICE OR FIOS OR DSL OR T1s OR ENOUGH TEL SERVICE TO RUN BUSINESS’S OR EVEN VOIP. We may not look like we make the profit of the other end, but without us THERE IS NO OTHER END!