Verizon striking

[Tink-aholic]

In general, union workers are better trained and more productive. I'm sure that's mainly because better wages and benefits cause them to stay put.

This has not been my experience. Let's not forget my example here, as I have responded on this thread and have been referenced several times. I am the teacher who is being told that I am making those in my union look bad because I have the audacity to come in early and stay late. The overall sense with the union officials in my school is that we literally only work for the exact number of minutes for which we are paid...and anything extra must be compensated.

 

[sam_gordon]

What about the fact that Verizon wants to give jobs to other countries instead of employing those here that need the jobs and want to work!!!! Verizon wants to save money by employing people in other countries and I know they are not the only big company to do so and I'm hoping this strike will wake up CEO's. If I need to call my bank, phone company etc I want to talk to a person here in the country that I live in! Let those countries creat jobs for their own citizens and we keep our jobs here! I've canceled every service that I have with Verizon and I will not even consider giving them a penny of my money unless they make some changes!!! I know one person not using there services won't hurt them but I know quite a few others who will cancel there services as well.

This I will also agree with. BUT, MANY, MANY companies give jobs to other countries. Look at all the companies that benefit from cheap labor in the far east. I think you'd have a hard time not patronizing ANY company that utilizes workers in other countries.
So, make sure you boycott Nike & Wal*Mart. I'm sure there are PLENTY of others, but those are the two that come to mind right now.

This is where (IMO) you need to dial back the emotion.

 

[JVelasquez]

This I will also agree with. BUT, MANY, MANY companies give jobs to other countries. Look at all the companies that benefit from cheap labor in the far east. I think you'd have a hard time not patronizing ANY company that utilizes workers in other countries.
So, make sure you boycott Nike & Wal*Mart. I'm sure there are PLENTY of others, but those are the two that come to mind right now.

This is where (IMO) you need to dial back the emotion.

I did state that I am aware of other companies also giving jobs to other countries. I'm hoping that this strike will show that people here in the US do not agree with it. I understand that big corporations like Verizon, walmart, Nike ect. Want to save money just like anyone else but how is America as a whole going to get out this huge economic downfall if American companies are not giving Americans jobs??? They want us to shop in their stores, use their products and services but how can we if so many out there are unemployeed or underemployed? I also do not shop at walmart purchase Nike products either. And as for my emotions about this topic I have close friends and family that are on strike against Verizon. I know that this strike could last months and that money is going to be tight. I believe in what they are fighting for and I think that an agreement can and will be reached, I just hope that it is sooner rather than later.

 

[melmar136]

I tried not to post but I think your facts on the wireline being the backbone for wireless are wrong. The only place where Verizon Wireless is using Verizon wireline for backhaul are in certain spots in the country where Verizon has wireline services (like the NE). The vast majority of the country does not and Verizon has to pay other companies to provide backhaul.

Jill in CO

This strike is affecting the NE, so here, it IS the backbone for the wireless side.

And in the rest of the country, it is still the fact that wireline supports wireless, even if Verizon is paying other companies for it.

 

[jedijill]

This strike is affecting the NE, so here, it IS the backbone for the wireless side.

And in the rest of the country, it is still the fact that wireline supports wireless, even if Verizon is paying other companies for it.

Actually, its not. Wireline cannot keep up with the growing bandwidth needs of the wireless business and there are other bigger pipe providers that are now providing that backhaul. The days of wireline are waning.

Jill in CO

 

[bonoriffic]

They want us to shop in their stores, use their products and services but how can we if so many out there are unemployeed or underemployed? I also do not shop at walmart purchase Nike products either.

Yet you have multiple iPhones? Apple is the biggest corporation in the world. Yet everything they sell is made in China. The number of US employees they have per billion dollar in profit is extremely low compared to most other large US corporations. Too bad you don't shop at WalMart, they would have great furnishings for the glass house you live in.

 

[lisaross]

The REAL reasons for the Verizon strike. Don’t believe the corporate propaganda.
45,000 Verizon employees are on strike. We understand that in this economy everyone should be willing to give up something for the betterment of our country’s financial welfare. We are more than willing to bargain with Verizon to come up with a fair contract for everyone involved. We are not asking for anything more than what we already have and have had for years!
Verizon has placed ads in papers & on television telling you that they just want us to pay for a portion of our health care insurance premium cost and listing various salaries that we should be thankful for. Verizon has failed to publicly mention the 99 other items they would like for us to give up or that these salaries and benefits that they are posting are inaccurate. It takes a unionized Verizon worker 25 years to gradually earn the amount of vacation time that is in these ads!
Verizon has told you that their land line business is failing, yet they fail to mention that that very business is the backbone network of their FIOS, DSL & Wireless operations. They want you to think that there is no need for a land line because they want their FIOS & DSL to be classified as “internet or data” instead of exactly what they are: land lines. Every cell tower connects to a land line network. Without Verizon’s land line business they would have no wireless business!
Verizon fails to publicly mention that they want to begin increasing the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries by removing all aspects of job security from the contract, to freeze all pensions for current workers and completely eliminate them for future employees, slash sick time, eliminate disability payments for injured workers, eliminate holidays (including Veteran’s Day) and completely gut health care plans for current & retired workers.
Despite making $19.5 billion in profits and paying out $258 million to it’s top 5 executives in the last four years, Verizon wants to take back more than 50 years of collective bargaining and destroy middle class jobs, just like many of the other large corporations!
The President of Verizon makes $55,000 a day, how much does the average American worker make per day?
Verizon has paid $0 in federal corporate income taxes over the last three years, how much has the average American worker paid in federal income tax? Verizon received nearly $1 billion in tax benefits from the federal government (your money) over the last three years, how much has the average American worker received in tax benefits?
You ask why the workers would be going on strike when we’ve been spoiled and should be thankful we have a job in this economy? We believe what you should be asking is why aren’t there more American jobs being created by American companies? Why are companies being allowed to outsource their jobs when American production is at an all time low and we all know that we cannot grow as a consumer only country! We must produce products here in the United States of America!
We are on strike for all of you, not just ourselves. The middle class stands to lose everything while corporations and a few individuals gain it all. We walk the line for you!
We understand that we may have to give up some things that we have had in the past, but we should not have to give up everything including our job security! All we are asking is for Verizon to sit down and bargain with the people that helped build it. It’s time to bring jobs back to America and end corporate greed!!!!!!

 

[undertheradar]

Several questions:

1) Have your earnings these past 3 years come from the same corporation
you now complain about?
2) Would you be repeating the union line about executive compensation if
this were not a contract year?
3) Are these striking workers the only ones capable of performing these jobs?
4) Why do you believe that you are the only ones fighting for the middle
class?
5) What is the true cost that is being asked for medical?
6) Could they outsource service calls to foreign countries?
7) How does you strike benefit all of us?
8) How many jobs will be created here in the US as a direct result of this
strike?

Wish you luck on this but I believe the workers are being unrealistic. There was a sickout of union bus drivers here last week. Besides the obvious troubles they caused the regular riders, they didn't do much to sway public opinion. Our local news ran the story tonight of the grocery clerks having strike training in Burbank,CA today. They have been without a contract since March 3 and have a deal on pensions but are far apart on medical premiums. So, yours is not the only union pushing for benefits. Slowly the public has become numb to these job actions and strikes. These are tough times we live in and it looks as if the economic recovery is going to be slower than predicted. Let's be honest, the items that you all want to remain the same as they have always been will not cost the corporation anything, as they will pass it right along to the customers. That would be those in the middle class that you are fighting for.

 

[Beezle2]

The REAL reasons for the Verizon strike. Don’t believe the corporate propaganda.
45,000 Verizon employees are on strike. We understand that in this economy everyone should be willing to give up something for the betterment of our country’s financial welfare. We are more than willing to bargain with Verizon to come up with a fair contract for everyone involved. We are not asking for anything more than what we already have and have had for years!
Verizon has placed ads in papers & on television telling you that they just want us to pay for a portion of our health care insurance premium cost and listing various salaries that we should be thankful for. Verizon has failed to publicly mention the 99 other items they would like for us to give up or that these salaries and benefits that they are posting are inaccurate. It takes a unionized Verizon worker 25 years to gradually earn the amount of vacation time that is in these ads!
Verizon has told you that their land line business is failing, yet they fail to mention that that very business is the backbone network of their FIOS, DSL & Wireless operations. They want you to think that there is no need for a land line because they want their FIOS & DSL to be classified as “internet or data” instead of exactly what they are: land lines. Every cell tower connects to a land line network. Without Verizon’s land line business they would have no wireless business!
Verizon fails to publicly mention that they want to begin increasing the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries by removing all aspects of job security from the contract, to freeze all pensions for current workers and completely eliminate them for future employees, slash sick time, eliminate disability payments for injured workers, eliminate holidays (including Veteran’s Day) and completely gut health care plans for current & retired workers.
Despite making $19.5 billion in profits and paying out $258 million to it’s top 5 executives in the last four years, Verizon wants to take back more than 50 years of collective bargaining and destroy middle class jobs, just like many of the other large corporations!
The President of Verizon makes $55,000 a day, how much does the average American worker make per day?
Verizon has paid $0 in federal corporate income taxes over the last three years, how much has the average American worker paid in federal income tax? Verizon received nearly $1 billion in tax benefits from the federal government (your money) over the last three years, how much has the average American worker received in tax benefits?
You ask why the workers would be going on strike when we’ve been spoiled and should be thankful we have a job in this economy? We believe what you should be asking is why aren’t there more American jobs being created by American companies? Why are companies being allowed to outsource their jobs when American production is at an all time low and we all know that we cannot grow as a consumer only country! We must produce products here in the United States of America!
We are on strike for all of you, not just ourselves. The middle class stands to lose everything while corporations and a few individuals gain it all. We walk the line for you!
We understand that we may have to give up some things that we have had in the past, but we should not have to give up everything including our job security! All we are asking is for Verizon to sit down and bargain with the people that helped build it. It’s time to bring jobs back to America and end corporate greed!!!!!!

>>>

Some people understand and support you. I wish you and your fellow workers luck in your efforts.

 

[sam_gordon]

The REAL reasons for the Verizon strike. Don’t believe the corporate propaganda.
45,000 Verizon employees are on strike. We understand that in this economy everyone should be willing to give up something for the betterment of our country’s financial welfare. We are more than willing to bargain with Verizon to come up with a fair contract for everyone involved. We are not asking for anything more than what we already have and have had for years!
Verizon has placed ads in papers & on television telling you that they just want us to pay for a portion of our health care insurance premium cost and listing various salaries that we should be thankful for. Verizon has failed to publicly mention the 99 other items they would like for us to give up or that these salaries and benefits that they are posting are inaccurate. It takes a unionized Verizon worker 25 years to gradually earn the amount of vacation time that is in these ads!
Verizon has told you that their land line business is failing, yet they fail to mention that that very business is the backbone network of their FIOS, DSL & Wireless operations. They want you to think that there is no need for a land line because they want their FIOS & DSL to be classified as “internet or data” instead of exactly what they are: land lines. Every cell tower connects to a land line network. Without Verizon’s land line business they would have no wireless business!
Verizon fails to publicly mention that they want to begin increasing the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries by removing all aspects of job security from the contract, to freeze all pensions for current workers and completely eliminate them for future employees, slash sick time, eliminate disability payments for injured workers, eliminate holidays (including Veteran’s Day) and completely gut health care plans for current & retired workers.
Despite making $19.5 billion in profits and paying out $258 million to it’s top 5 executives in the last four years, Verizon wants to take back more than 50 years of collective bargaining and destroy middle class jobs, just like many of the other large corporations!
The President of Verizon makes $55,000 a day, how much does the average American worker make per day?
Verizon has paid $0 in federal corporate income taxes over the last three years, how much has the average American worker paid in federal income tax? Verizon received nearly $1 billion in tax benefits from the federal government (your money) over the last three years, how much has the average American worker received in tax benefits?
You ask why the workers would be going on strike when we’ve been spoiled and should be thankful we have a job in this economy? We believe what you should be asking is why aren’t there more American jobs being created by American companies? Why are companies being allowed to outsource their jobs when American production is at an all time low and we all know that we cannot grow as a consumer only country! We must produce products here in the United States of America!
We are on strike for all of you, not just ourselves. The middle class stands to lose everything while corporations and a few individuals gain it all. We walk the line for you!
We understand that we may have to give up some things that we have had in the past, but we should not have to give up everything including our job security! All we are asking is for Verizon to sit down and bargain with the people that helped build it. It’s time to bring jobs back to America and end corporate greed!!!!!!

This is at least the third time this "letter" has been posted on this thread, not counting quotes. I have a hard time believing you haven't seen it... especially the one using a bold, purple font.

If you did legitimately miss the previous postings, it's also possible you missed my questions (or is there another reason you, and others, are not answering?)...

1) Is Verizon offering a 401K (with or without match) or other retirement benefit to replace the pension?
2) Does someone who is vested in the pension STILL get the money they've earned when they retire?
3) How many sick days did each employee have before the strike and how many does Verizon want to cut?
4) How many paid Holidays did each employee have before the strike and how many does Verizon want to cut?
5) How much does Verizon want employees to pay for health care?
6) Has the union put up a counter offer OTHER than 'we want what we've gotten in the past'?

One person PM'd me their answers, I'd like to know if others have the same answers (trust, but verify).

 

[sam_gordon]

I did state that I am aware of other companies also giving jobs to other countries. I'm hoping that this strike will show that people here in the US do not agree with it. I understand that big corporations like Verizon, walmart, Nike ect. Want to save money just like anyone else but how is America as a whole going to get out this huge economic downfall if American companies are not giving Americans jobs??? They want us to shop in their stores, use their products and services but how can we if so many out there are unemployeed or underemployed? I also do not shop at walmart purchase Nike products either. And as for my emotions about this topic I have close friends and family that are on strike against Verizon. I know that this strike could last months and that money is going to be tight. I believe in what they are fighting for and I think that an agreement can and will be reached, I just hope that it is sooner rather than later.

I mentioned Wal*Mart and Nike because that's who came to mind first. Another poster mentioned Apple. Here's a link to a list I found... http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/popups/exporting.america/content.html. I'm not knocking your "pledge" to not support Verizon because they're taking jobs from US workers, I just feel it's hypocritical to not do the same with the other companies doing the same.

I agree I hope this gets settled sooner rather than later.

 

[jnfr2424]

Actually, its not. Wireline cannot keep up with the growing bandwidth needs of the wireless business and there are other bigger pipe providers that are now providing that backhaul. The days of wireline are waning.

Jill in CO

Verizon deals with fiber optics - my DH was a contractor for VZ with their fiber to the cell project how do you think 4G works????

 

[threecrazykids]

I also think it's important to note that Verizon isn't "TAKING" anything away from anyone.

Did Verizon fulfill their contractual commitment to the union workers or did they not? Yes or no answer.

I don't believe Verizon pulled out of the contract, or failed to uphold any stipulations of that the 3 year contract.

The fact of the matter is, that contract expired and a new contract is being written. Sure, it's easy to copy/paste from the prior contract and keep the majority of language from a prior contract, however the company is well within it's rights to completely change all terms of that contract if they decide to "renew" with the union.

Look at Verizon as the consumer to your union workers. You are being hired by Verizon, by choice. Nowhere in that contract does it state that the contract will be auto-renewed at the end of a 3 year term with the contingencies of the contract remaining the same or better.

 

[JVelasquez]

Yet you have multiple iPhones? Apple is the biggest corporation in the world. Yet everything they sell is made in China. The number of US employees they have per billion dollar in profit is extremely low compared to most other large US corporations. Too bad you don't shop at WalMart, they would have great furnishings for the glass house you live in.

I never said I would never buy or shop somewhere that gives jobs to those in other countries as that is close to impossible. I stated I do not shop at walmart or buy NIKE bc I don't. All I am saying is that I want to see more jobs kept here! Is that so bad? I hope that your job never gets taken away from you and given to someone in another country and I hope you never have to see a loved one worried that the job they have worked so hard at for so many years just taken away and have to find a new one at a time that our countries unemployment rate is so high.

 

[ccgirl]

I did state that I am aware of other companies also giving jobs to other countries. I'm hoping that this strike will show that people here in the US do not agree with it. I understand that big corporations like Verizon, walmart, Nike ect. Want to save money just like anyone else but how is America as a whole going to get out this huge economic downfall if American companies are not giving Americans jobs??? They want us to shop in their stores, use their products and services but how can we if so many out there are unemployeed or underemployed? I also do not shop at walmart purchase Nike products either. And as for my emotions about this topic I have close friends and family that are on strike against Verizon. I know that this strike could last months and that money is going to be tight. I believe in what they are fighting for and I think that an agreement can and will be reached, I just hope that it is sooner rather than later.

I agree with this to a point. However, I think these companies would like to keep the jobs in America. The workers, however, don't want to work for what the company wants to pay. Take, for example, this Verizon union. They want a high pay, free healthcare, free pension etc. Verizon can get workers much cheaper than that over seas. Maybe if the demands weren't so high, the jobs could stay in the U.S?? I know people that won't work at McDonald's because they won't pay them enough. Ummm...last I checked you didn't need a Bachelor's degree to work at McD's. So many people think the job they do is worth more than minimum wage. Your job is only worth what the company wants to pay.

 

[ccgirl]

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.

Too bad the union caved on the annual raises. I guess I will continue to get poor customer service because the agent is going to get a raise whether they are a good performer or not.

As far the health insurance; why is the "new" plan so inferior? Often, we have switched health insurance and never had to switch doctor's. I think the $3000 a year ($250 a month) is a bargain. Are you covered 100%? Conversely, my health insurance is twice that, I pay a $20 deductible every time I go to the doctor and I only get covered at 80%. I ask again, the price of healthcare is rising. At point is it okay for the employer to pass some of these increases on to the employee? I get 5 paid holidays, and 18 total days off a year (that is sick at PTO). YOu know what, I am still thanking my lucky stars that I have this job and health insurance!

 

[sam_gordon]

I never said I would never buy or shop somewhere that gives jobs to those in other countries as that is close to impossible. I stated I do not shop at walmart or buy NIKE bc I don't. All I am saying is that I want to see more jobs kept here! Is that so bad? I hope that your job never gets taken away from you and given to someone in another country and I hope you never have to see a loved one worried that the job they have worked so hard at for so many years just taken away and have to find a new one at a time that our countries unemployment rate is so high.

So you're OK with companies sending jobs overseas as long as it's a product you want/need? As has been posted, companies are sending jobs overseas because they can save money on labor. You can argue whether that's right or wrong morally or ethically all day long, but, IMO if you are going to criticize and boycott ONE company that does it, you should criticize and boycott ALL companies that do it.

 

[jedijill]

Verizon deals with fiber optics - my DH was a contractor for VZ with their fiber to the cell project how do you think 4G works????

I know very well how 4G works. I've been in the telecom business on the technical engineering and operations side for over 15 years. That's why I was pointing out the misinformation.

Jill in CO

 

[lisaross]

This is at least the third time this "letter" has been posted on this thread, not counting quotes. I have a hard time believing you haven't seen it... especially the one using a bold, purple font.

If you did legitimately miss the previous postings, it's also possible you missed my questions (or is there another reason you, and others, are not answering?)...

1) Is Verizon offering a 401K (with or without match) or other retirement benefit to replace the pension?
2) Does someone who is vested in the pension STILL get the money they've earned when they retire?
3) How many sick days did each employee have before the strike and how many does Verizon want to cut?
4) How many paid Holidays did each employee have before the strike and how many does Verizon want to cut?
5) How much does Verizon want employees to pay for health care?
6) Has the union put up a counter offer OTHER than 'we want what we've gotten in the past'?

One person PM'd me their answers, I'd like to know if others have the same answers (trust, but verify).

1- Vz was matching our 401k to 6% and now they want to stop!
2-The pension does not increase laterally. You get virtually nothing until 25 years and then it’s still low. It increases exponentially in the last 5 years.
3-Vz employees get sick days as needed. It sounds like a lot, but we also work dangerous jobs and do get hurt and are exposed to illness. We did not put that one in place, the company did.
4-We have 11 holidays and they want to drop us to 8
5-My understanding is that they want us to pay up to $600 a month for an inferior health coverage plan than we have now, which we do not pay into.
6-Of course the union put up many counter offers. Anyone who is naive enough to believe that the big bad union is trying to bully the poor innocent company might want to do a little research before insulting the 45k middle class workers who are not exactly on the high end of the financial spectrum to begin with, and who are just trying to hold on to what they have.

And to answer your question, I am not actually part of this board, my wife is. She told me about this thread and I wanted to read it for myself. I skimmed through, read a few views, and appreciated the support from some, was disappointed by some, and was out right offended by several. A friend of mine emailed this letter to me, and since I felt that it was written better than I probably could have done, I figured that I would post it to answer the many questions that I feel are far too personal, completely unsympathetic, and many offensive.

 

[lisaross]

Too bad the union caved on the annual raises. I guess I will continue to get poor customer service because the agent is going to get a raise whether they are a good performer or not.


The happier a person is in their job, the more that they appreciate it and want to do better. I do. I have trained a couple of dozen people in my position and have seen it first hand. Personal pride makes a difference. When the company smacks you down, insults you, and threatens you constantly, the worker is miserable and it deffinately shows in their performance. Unfortunately, if you read the 10 worst jobs in America a few years back, you would have read that a Verizon customer service rep was the 6th worst job in the country. Now tell them that their salary will dip even further behind the cost of living, and what would you expect?

As far the health insurance; why is the "new" plan so inferior? Often, we have switched health insurance and never had to switch doctor's. I think the $3000 a year ($250 a month) is a bargain. Are you covered 100%? Conversely, my health insurance is twice that, I pay a $20 deductible every time I go to the doctor and I only get covered at 80%. I ask again, the price of healthcare is rising. At point is it okay for the employer to pass some of these increases on to the employee? I get 5 paid holidays, and 18 total days off a year (that is sick at PTO). YOu know what, I am still thanking my lucky stars that I have this job and health insurance!

I don't understand why people who might not be happy with their situations actually wish other people's situations to worsen. I teach my kids, my scout den, and my kid's soccer team to always be happy for other people, and never stand in the way of other people's happiness or glory. Anyone who does... let's just say that my opinion of them as a person should be left unsaid. It makes me sad.