Verizon striking

[sam_gordon]

From what I have heard, the deductible alone will be about $3000, and the weekly deductions around $30 (for a single person plan), no idea for a family plan. So, if it IS only $30 that's another $1560 yearly.
So, $4560 for a plan that isn't nearly as good as the one you had? Oh, and I have no idea how much more to add in there for a dental plan.

I can totally see contributing to a health care plan. I can see it is only realistic to do so. But all that money for a plan that basically stinks really isn't acceptable to the union.

ASSUMING the plan would work like ours, yes, you have the $1560/year "fee". However, you may use all, part, or none of the deductible based on what's covered. So I doubt it's accurate to say a single person HAS to pay $4560 for a healthcare plan.

 

[tinkarooni]

From what I have heard, the deductible alone will be about $3000, and the weekly deductions around $30 (for a single person plan), no idea for a family plan. So, if it IS only $30 that's another $1560 yearly.
So, $4560 for a plan that isn't nearly as good as the one you had? Oh, and I have no idea how much more to add in there for a dental plan.

I can totally see contributing to a health care plan. I can see it is only realistic to do so. But all that money for a plan that basically stinks really isn't acceptable to the union.

Just wanted to point out that people should be careful to compare apples to apples here. Most people have health plans with a deductible and don't figure it as the cost of their health plan. I work for an insurance company and have what I consider to be a wonderful health plan for my family and still have a family deductible, it's the nature of health insurance. I wouldn't add my $500 collision deductible to my auto insurance rate and call it my premium.

My DH was in a union for awhile and than went into management, not for Verizon FYI, I have been on both sides of the fence and honestly just think that unions in general are past their prime. While I can see how they may help it irritates me that the person who does essentially an OK job is compensated the same as an overachieving go getter employee. If I were in a union I think that it would bug me a lot, also union employees don't really have any ability to negotiate for themselves. For example I know my BIL doesn't agree with a lot of things the union is after but he can't do anything about it, he's just one guy who needs to work.

 

[bonoriffic]

Why do we do this? are we so self centered that when we lose benefits we want everyone else to suffer also?

See I don't understand this logic. So since you loss your pension you want everyone to lose their pension?

That isn't the argument. Companies will bench mark themselves against similar companies. When company A learns that their 5 closest competitors are not offering a pension, company A has a choice. Either they stress that difference as an advantage to working for them, or if times are tough, they decide the pension is a reasonable loss.

I'm not hoping you lose your extra perk, only pointing out that the playing field is self leveling.

 

[OceanAnnie]

That isn't the argument. Companies will bench mark themselves against similar companies. When company A learns that their 5 closest competitors are not offering a pension, company A has a choice. Either they stress that difference as an advantage to working for them, or if times are tough, they decide the pension is a reasonable loss.

I'm not hoping you lose your extra perk, only pointing out that the playing field is self leveling.

True.

This thing with Verizon is a microcosm of what we are facing as a society.

Who has the money, how are they using it, and is it fair? Interesting viewpoints.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Local newspaper today had a story, and it seems 2 striking employees were hurt; one had his foot run over and the other was knocked to the ground by a side-view mirror (truck was allegedly driven by non-union Verizon person). I drive past a Verizon office every day on my way to work, and there has been picketers outside that office for months (although not every day).

I'm quite sure that they didn't mention that the striking employees step out in front of the management employees' cars when they are supposed to be letting them go through the piket lines, etc. You have to drive so slowly through the picket lines that nobody deliberately bumps or runs over a striker. They get too close to the cars even when being pushed back by police details.

I was lucky in that the worst that I had to deal with was being sworn at by the picketers. The ones picketing the work locations to which I was assigned did respect the police details when they held them back so we could drive through. Other managers are not so lucky, particularly at high-visibility job sites where picketers know that they can get news coverage

One other thing...the landline portion of Verizon has been dying off for quite a while now. These unions are really tempting fate IMHO. I could see this strike being the one that breaks the unions. As one of the posters above mentioned, all of the air traffic controllers were fired and replaced. In this economy, every single non-management position would have multiple qualified applicants willing to work for less and for thankful for having any benefits at all. I'll be watching to see how this one plays out.

 

[JB2K]

As a reminder...this strike does not affect Verizon Wireless, nor does it affect the former MCI (WorldCom) or the phone company formerly-known as GTE.

Who it does affect are the "Baby Bell" (former Bell Atlantic/NYNEX) employees/customers in a geographic area that stretches from Virginia to Massachusetts (former Verizon lines in West Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine now belong to other carriers, and is not part of the strike).

One of the big things mentioned in this strike is the continuing decline of the traditional landline in favor of new technologies such as cell phones, cable TV, and VoIP services such as Vonage.

 

[undertheradar]

Ok, just have to clarify here....I work for Verizon, and am out on strike right now. I REALLY don't want to get into the whole +/- of unions, but had to say that Verizon makes BILLIONS of $$$ a year in profits. And, as you see, they obviously have the money to ship in workers and pay $300 a night each for a person's hotel, food and flight. But, they can't seem to pay the workers who only want a fair contract???

I can tell you that Verizon came to the bargaining table with over 100 concessions they wanted the union employees to make. These include huge contributions to an inferior health care plan, a freeze in pensions, no wage increase over the course of the contract (usually 3 years), and here's a big one, no job security, and the ability to transfer jobs. (hmmm, to India, perhaps?! or to non-union locations, since the new Ceo is from Verizon Wireless where they HATE unions) That is only a sampling.

I understand that in this economy, the idea is, "well, you have a job, so just shut up, and go to work." And trust me, I'd love to. As a single mom, this is really going to hurt me financially, if we are out of work for a while. But, why should a company that some people have spent their lives at (we have people with 40+ years of service on the job) have everything that they have worked so hard for, just taken from them? Coporate greed, plain and simple.

I'm not sure why people get all over the middle class workers when corporations like these are taking huge government buyouts, given 'golden parachutes" to top executives, care ONLY for the bottom line, etc. So many corporations just do whatever they want to their workers now. Verizon has done it to all of their lower level managers already. They WISH they had some sort of union protection. I hear it everyday. And once the strike is over, they'll be letting a bunch of them go, I'm sure! They've done it before.

Verizon is not a struggling company. Let's take a look:
•2011 annualized revenues are $108 billion and annualized net profits are $6 billion.
•Verizon Wireless just paid its parent company and Vodaphone a $10 billion dividend.
•Verizon’s top five executives received compensation of $258 million over the past four years
Oh, and by the way, they pay NO federal taxes.

The union members aren't asking for anything MORE than they deserve or currently have. They aren't asking for unreasonable demands, just to keep most of what they already have.

According to the CWA and IBEW websites, the presidents of these unions are not doing too badly. CWA: Cohen, total compensation: $202,165. CWA has 746 employees who average total compensation of: $70,474.64. IBEW: Hill, total compensation: $375,767. IBEW has 432 employees who average total compensation of: $116,328.77.

Now, what does the average striking worker earn in total compensation when compared to the respective union presidents? Looks like a lot of money being paid to union leadership by the union members.

 

[Judique]

According to the CWA and IBEW websites, the presidents of these unions are not doing too badly. CWA: Cohen, total compensation: $202,165. CWA has 746 employees who average total compensation of: $70,474.64. IBEW: Hill, total compensation: $375,767. IBEW has 432 employees who average total compensation of: $116,328.77.

Now, what does the average striking worker earn in total compensation when compared to the respective union presidents? Looks like a lot of money being paid to union leadership by the union members.

Maybe it's a case of 'you get what you pay for'?
A couple hundred thousand doesn't go as far as it used to.

 

[Starbrite]

As a reminder...this strike does not affect Verizon Wireless, nor does it affect the former MCI (WorldCom) or the phone company formerly-known as GTE.

Who it does affect are the "Baby Bell" (former Bell Atlantic/NYNEX) employees/customers in a geographic area that stretches from Virginia to Massachusetts (former Verizon lines in West Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine now belong to other carriers, and is not part of the strike).

One of the big things mentioned in this strike is the continuing decline of the traditional landline in favor of new technologies such as cell phones, cable TV, and VoIP services such as Vonage.

It also effects other telco companies (even competitors) who rely on Verizon for facilities & central office space.

If you were to call my company for service, we couldn't get it for you because of the strike. And I am NOT a Verizon employee.

 

[jaminmd]

Whats the deal with the verizon employees stricking. Gosh I hope this doesnt make my cell bill go up any more than it already is.

If it does, just charge it & you can settle with the CC company next year. Don't you even worry about paying a bill - that's crazy talk!!!!

 

[jnfr2424]

It is very sad when an American citizen believes it is a good idea to settle for any job. Verizon wants to take away benefits and pay that the union members not only fought for years ago, but work for everyday. Corporate greed is going to be the killing of the middle class. We not only need to think about ourselves,but future generations. Is everyone's child or grandchild going to be a corporate CEO? Do we want our children to be essentially slaves to a job that does not allow them to live a comfortable life? If unionized jobs are eliminated, where is the protection for the worker? It will cause a ripple effect, where corporations will further strip workers of their salary, benefits, and rights.
The union is not making demands for salary or benefit increases. They only ask for the continuity of the fair contract that has allowed Verizon to be profitable and expand. With our economy the way it is, how can we allow the average American to constantly be the one making sacrifices? Corporations have the luxury of things like avoiding taxes and outsourcing jobs to be more profitable. Does our children's future lie in a call center or factory in Guatamala? Americans need to stand united in standing up for all workers, union,non union, government or private!

I totally agree no one else has mentioned the fact that Verizon wants to OUTSOURCE those union jobs - have any one of you especially the ones that are "welcoming" unions workers to "reality" have to deal with outsourcing??? So I guess I am assuming that this is ok with all of you who call yourselves "American" Shame on you!!!
I don't want to speak to someone with a horrific accent calling themselves John to try and straighten out my issue when I damn well know that a REAL American can probably do the same job here in AMERICA!!
Think about it -How would you like it if you are calling Disney Reservations about planning a trip to Disney in Florida and that reservationist is really in Mumbai where they Google everything to try and prove to you that they are in America???
Verizon Union Workers - stand up and continue your fight Hope it works out for you

 

[melmar136]

As a reminder...this strike does not affect Verizon Wireless, nor does it affect the former MCI (WorldCom) or the phone company formerly-known as GTE.

Who it does affect are the "Baby Bell" (former Bell Atlantic/NYNEX) employees/customers in a geographic area that stretches from Virginia to Massachusetts (former Verizon lines in West Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine now belong to other carriers, and is not part of the strike).

One of the big things mentioned in this strike is the continuing decline of the traditional landline in favor of new technologies such as cell phones, cable TV, and VoIP services such as Vonage.

It actually DOES affect VZ Wireless stores. All of the stores that are not located inside a mall in my area are being picketed as well. One of them shut down yesterday for the day because of it. And some people will not cross a picket line to go into the store to buy a new phone.

 

[undertheradar]

So, how many of these union workers are making the kind of money that the union leadership is making? These workers are fighting to not have to contribute towards benefits, continue earning pensions(when was the last time you heard of companies offering these?), pay raises and job security. What would be the priority if you were negotiating? This is a very tough economy and the workers should realize that most employers ceased providing fully funded pensions and benefits years ago. As a consumer, when costs go up, you look elsewhere, perhaps these Verizon employees should look and find out what the rest of the marketplace is being offered.

 

[melmar136]

I'm quite sure that they didn't mention that the striking employees step out in front of the management employees' cars when they are supposed to be letting them go through the piket lines, etc. You have to drive so slowly through the picket lines that nobody deliberately bumps or runs over a striker. They get too close to the cars even when being pushed back by police details.

.

I don't think most picketers just JUMP out in front of cars. There was a COP almost hit at my location today. Think that may have been the drivers fault. They also almost arrested another guy who decided not only was he crossing the line, but thought it would be a good idea to then get out of his car and scream and swear at everyone!

 

[melmar136]

I totally agree no one else has mentioned the fact that Verizon wants to OUTSOURCE those union jobs - have any one of you especially the ones that are "welcoming" unions workers to "reality" have to deal with outsourcing??? So I guess I am assuming that this is ok with all of you who call yourselves "American" Shame on you!!!
I don't want to speak to someone with a horrific accent calling themselves John to try and straighten out my issue when I damn well know that a REAL American can probably do the same job here in AMERICA!!
Think about it -How would you like it if you are calling Disney Reservations about planning a trip to Disney in Florida and that reservationist is really in Mumbai where they Google everything to try and prove to you that they are in America???
Verizon Union Workers - stand up and continue your fight Hope it works out for you

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! THIS is exactly what we are trying to prevent.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I totally agree no one else has mentioned the fact that Verizon wants to OUTSOURCE those union jobs - have any one of you especially the ones that are "welcoming" unions workers to "reality" have to deal with outsourcing??? So I guess I am assuming that this is ok with all of you who call yourselves "American" Shame on you!!!
I don't want to speak to someone with a horrific accent calling themselves John to try and straighten out my issue when I damn well know that a REAL American can probably do the same job here in AMERICA!!
Think about it -How would you like it if you are calling Disney Reservations about planning a trip to Disney in Florida and that reservationist is really in Mumbai where they Google everything to try and prove to you that they are in America???
Verizon Union Workers - stand up and continue your fight Hope it works out for you

As an outsider, it seems making these demands would make Verizon want to outsource more, so they wouldn't have to deal with it.

 

[undertheradar]

I totally agree no one else has mentioned the fact that Verizon wants to OUTSOURCE those union jobs - have any one of you especially the ones that are "welcoming" unions workers to "reality" have to deal with outsourcing??? So I guess I am assuming that this is ok with all of you who call yourselves "American" Shame on you!!!
I don't want to speak to someone with a horrific accent calling themselves John to try and straighten out my issue when I damn well know that a REAL American can probably do the same job here in AMERICA!!
Think about it -How would you like it if you are calling Disney Reservations about planning a trip to Disney in Florida and that reservationist is really in Mumbai where they Google everything to try and prove to you that they are in America???
Verizon Union Workers - stand up and continue your fight Hope it works out for you

Wow, they are going to send onsite technicians from outside of the US to come wire new lines? I am an American and I see greed on the part of the union employees. Sorry, these are not jobs that are so skilled that nobody else can do them. Many employees here in the USA are paying more for medical/dental benefits. When we go to the doctor we have a percentage co-pay that is 10% of the negotiated rate. This is after (3) $350. deductables. Our insurance is from the medical research field. Our monthly cost for medical is $360. So based upon math used earlier in the thread, our medical costs us $5370 per year based upon paycheck deduction and our initial deductables, not including the remaining co-pays for the rest of the year. Now, what was that huge cost that the Verizon employees were complaining about?

 

[akhenaten]

Welcome to the new America , instead of desiring to move up and regain losses people just want to pull you down with them!!!!!

So Sad....

Good Luck Verizon Employees!!! If they break your union I will drop Fios....

 

[melmar136]

As an outsider, it seems making these demands would make Verizon want to outsource more, so they wouldn't have to deal with it.

People are pretty sick of outsourcing. I know I am. Companies are starting to catch on to that. I actually had a credit card customer service recording specifically tell me they were located in Ohio. And I will make sure I keep them for that reason. I'm tired of talking to "Peggy' in India.

Wow, they are going to send onsite technicians from outside of the US to come wire new lines? I am an American and I see greed on the part of the union employees. Sorry, these are not jobs that are so skilled that nobody else can do them.

Onsite technicians are certainly not the only union people working for Verizon. There are plenty of jobs that can be outsourced anywhere. Any type of call center could be history with the flip of a switch. Including the centers the technicians have to call into when out on a job. Then customers will wonder why it is taking so long to get their service hooked up.
And many of the jobs are very skilled. Do you know how much training some of the employees put in? Would you like to be up on a pole or in a bucket truck without that training? Oooops, I just disconnected a whole street. Oh, is that the wire that will get me electrocuted? Unless you have done one of these jobs, you really don't know.

 

[PatriciaH]

Welcome to the new America , instead of desiring to move up and regain losses people just want to pull you down with them!!!!!

So Sad....

Good Luck Verizon Employees!!! If they break your union I will drop Fios....

We would drop Verizon too and DH has had them since he got his first cell phone.