Verizon striking

[DVC-Don]

There's been some cut wires and damaged switch boxes around here since the strike started. I have Verizon Wireless, but we dropped Verizon for our land lines here at home and at the office a few years ago.

 

[Deesknee]

I didn't read all the posts. So I apologize if this has been stated already.

1) My dh worked for ATT/NET/NYNEX/Verizon. Over 20 years with THAT company. The bennies are AWESOME. Pay average for the job. He worked as Directory asst. operator, installation and when he was SEVERED he was a senior system analyst (aka computer programmer).

I see both sides. Honestly. The union is strong and they have worked for years to keep benefits that most companies were freely giving in the day when BOTH company and employee had the attitude an honest days work for an honest days pay.
During his employment with them DH saw many an employee take advantage of the company. long lunches, drinking on the job, padded expenditure reports. Guys would get fired. The union would bail them out. Unfortunately, those type of situations make the union workers look bad. There are Plenty of workers who are very happy to work for a company with benefits like Verizon offer. But, there are fewer and fewer companies who offer the health care compensation that Verizon offers. One of the main reasons companies are "out sourcing". Now that said.... IF when my husband was severed from Verizon he had been a union employee, he would not have lost his job. He had survived over 15 layoffs in his department alone. The remainder of the department was, him (married, white male), a married white woman, a married man in a wheel chair (permanently), a woman here on a work visa, a married african american man, and his supervisor ( a married white man). My husband was the 2nd to highest paid employee in his department. And I know it sounds like i am just bitter. But take this into consideration, dh NEVER got a bad review, was NEVER reprimanded, and got several written letters from users (basically the people who used the programs he wrote) saying what an asset he was (pleasant professional prompt etc.), he would get calls in the wee hours of the night when the users had a problem. They would call dh even when he wasn't supposed to be the guy on call because he would ALWAYS answer his phone, get out of bed and fix the problem before the next work day. Then he would start his work day at the regular time. So, if he wasn't the only non minority in the department, making the highest pay, he would still be there. I am not saying the other employees weren't very good as well. I am saying the company took the easy way out. I understand they have to let someone go. I just think the company took the easy way out. No we didn't sue. 2 reasons: 1) we strongly believe everything happens for a reason. 2) Verizon threatened to withdraw the severence pay if their was any legal action from the employee or anyone acting on his behalf.

dh has been on both sides of the picket lines. We see both sides. But let me tell you, after him making what he was making,(and he didn't get over time) with those benefits and him making 1/4 that with 1/10th of the benefits, he has considered crossing the lines. It is hard on both sides. Believe me. We've gone without $ while he holds a sign. And he's worked 16hr days 7 days a week to cover for the strikers (or loose his job btw). Long story... sorry... Each has to do what is in their hearts. But, it make no misconceptions, the economy is tough. Dh settled for taking a retail job, an asst. manager for a small store. He opt'd for job security this time around.
But if anyone out there needs an outstanding computer programmer......

Good luck and Bless you all.
\

 

[threecrazykids]

I didn't read all the posts. So I apologize if this has been stated already.

1) My dh worked for ATT/NET/NYNEX/Verizon. Over 20 years with THAT company. The bennies are AWESOME. Pay average for the job. He worked as Directory asst. operator, installation and when he was SEVERED he was a senior system analyst (aka computer programmer).

I see both sides. Honestly. The union is strong and they have worked for years to keep benefits that most companies were freely giving in the day when BOTH company and employee had the attitude an honest days work for an honest days pay.
During his employment with them DH saw many an employee take advantage of the company. long lunches, drinking on the job, padded expenditure reports. Guys would get fired. The union would bail them out. Unfortunately, those type of situations make the union workers look bad. There are Plenty of workers who are very happy to work for a company with benefits like Verizon offer. But, there are fewer and fewer companies who offer the health care compensation that Verizon offers. One of the main reasons companies are "out sourcing". Now that said.... IF when my husband was severed from Verizon he had been a union employee, he would not have lost his job. He had survived over 15 layoffs in his department alone. The remainder of the department was, him (married, white male), a married white woman, a married man in a wheel chair (permanently), a woman here on a work visa, a married african american man, and his supervisor ( a married white man). My husband was the 2nd to highest paid employee in his department. And I know it sounds like i am just bitter. But take this into consideration, dh NEVER got a bad review, was NEVER reprimanded, and got several written letters from users (basically the people who used the programs he wrote) saying what an asset he was (pleasant professional prompt etc.), he would get calls in the wee hours of the night when the users had a problem. They would call dh even when he wasn't supposed to be the guy on call because he would ALWAYS answer his phone, get out of bed and fix the problem before the next work day. Then he would start his work day at the regular time. So, if he wasn't the only non minority in the department, making the highest pay, he would still be there. I am not saying the other employees weren't very good as well. I am saying the company took the easy way out. I understand they have to let someone go. I just think the company took the easy way out. No we didn't sue. 2 reasons: 1) we strongly believe everything happens for a reason. 2) Verizon threatened to withdraw the severence pay if their was any legal action from the employee or anyone acting on his behalf.

dh has been on both sides of the picket lines. We see both sides. But let me tell you, after him making what he was making,(and he didn't get over time) with those benefits and him making 1/4 that with 1/10th of the benefits, he has considered crossing the lines. It is hard on both sides. Believe me. We've gone without $ while he holds a sign. And he's worked 16hr days 7 days a week to cover for the strikers (or loose his job btw). Long story... sorry... Each has to do what is in their hearts. But, it make no misconceptions, the economy is tough. Dh settled for taking a retail job, an asst. manager for a small store. He opt'd for job security this time around.
But if anyone out there needs an outstanding computer programmer......

Good luck and Bless you all.
\

This is exactly how it is! It truly is survival mode right now with jobs and the economy. I have never been a union member, nor do I desire to. I'd be in serious trouble if I was. Because when push comes to shove...I would NEVER choose to let my family starve just to stay in the brother/sisterhood and walk the picket lines. Forget that. My FAMILY comes first.

The union people just come across as so "entitled". Like someone "owes" them this job...because they "fought for it". I don't consider extortion fighting for anything. The mentality appears to be "give me my job or we all walk"...and if YOU won't pay me, then I'm going to file for unemployment, and if THAT doesn't work...I'll go file for welfare because SOMEONE needs to pay me because I used to work. Ignore the fact that I walked off the job with thousands of my friends. That's irrelevant, pay me because I can't feed my family.

 

[threecrazykids]

I didn't read all the posts. So I apologize if this has been stated already.

1) My dh worked for ATT/NET/NYNEX/Verizon. Over 20 years with THAT company. The bennies are AWESOME. Pay average for the job. He worked as Directory asst. operator, installation and when he was SEVERED he was a senior system analyst (aka computer programmer).

I see both sides. Honestly. The union is strong and they have worked for years to keep benefits that most companies were freely giving in the day when BOTH company and employee had the attitude an honest days work for an honest days pay.
During his employment with them DH saw many an employee take advantage of the company. long lunches, drinking on the job, padded expenditure reports. Guys would get fired. The union would bail them out. Unfortunately, those type of situations make the union workers look bad. There are Plenty of workers who are very happy to work for a company with benefits like Verizon offer. But, there are fewer and fewer companies who offer the health care compensation that Verizon offers. One of the main reasons companies are "out sourcing". Now that said.... IF when my husband was severed from Verizon he had been a union employee, he would not have lost his job. He had survived over 15 layoffs in his department alone. The remainder of the department was, him (married, white male), a married white woman, a married man in a wheel chair (permanently), a woman here on a work visa, a married african american man, and his supervisor ( a married white man). My husband was the 2nd to highest paid employee in his department. And I know it sounds like i am just bitter. But take this into consideration, dh NEVER got a bad review, was NEVER reprimanded, and got several written letters from users (basically the people who used the programs he wrote) saying what an asset he was (pleasant professional prompt etc.), he would get calls in the wee hours of the night when the users had a problem. They would call dh even when he wasn't supposed to be the guy on call because he would ALWAYS answer his phone, get out of bed and fix the problem before the next work day. Then he would start his work day at the regular time. So, if he wasn't the only non minority in the department, making the highest pay, he would still be there. I am not saying the other employees weren't very good as well. I am saying the company took the easy way out. I understand they have to let someone go. I just think the company took the easy way out. No we didn't sue. 2 reasons: 1) we strongly believe everything happens for a reason. 2) Verizon threatened to withdraw the severence pay if their was any legal action from the employee or anyone acting on his behalf.

dh has been on both sides of the picket lines. We see both sides. But let me tell you, after him making what he was making,(and he didn't get over time) with those benefits and him making 1/4 that with 1/10th of the benefits, he has considered crossing the lines. It is hard on both sides. Believe me. We've gone without $ while he holds a sign. And he's worked 16hr days 7 days a week to cover for the strikers (or loose his job btw). Long story... sorry... Each has to do what is in their hearts. But, it make no misconceptions, the economy is tough. Dh settled for taking a retail job, an asst. manager for a small store. He opt'd for job security this time around.
But if anyone out there needs an outstanding computer programmer......

Good luck and Bless you all.
\

And don't even get me started on the people that bring their kids to these picket lines.

I can't even IMAGINE putting my child in that position. The things that those kids witness, hear, etc. is absolutely uncalled for.

We teach our kids every day in school that swearing is bad, bullying is bad, and violence is never the answer.

Well kids...ignore everything I've told you because you're about to see your mom swear like a trucker, spit in people's face, chase people down in their cars, and use YOU as a roadblock to "get a fair contract". SHAMEFUL

BTW...the guy who put his daughter in front of the tech truck while he SCREAMED profanities at the workers now faces child endangerment charges.

Use your head people...

 

[akhenaten]

And don't even get me started on the people that bring their kids to these picket lines.

I can't even IMAGINE putting my child in that position. The things that those kids witness, hear, etc. is absolutely uncalled for.

We teach our kids every day in school that swearing is bad, bullying is bad, and violence is never the answer.

Well kids...ignore everything I've told you because you're about to see your mom swear like a trucker, spit in people's face, chase people down in their cars, and use YOU as a roadblock to "get a fair contract". SHAMEFUL

BTW...the guy who put his daughter in front of the tech truck while he SCREAMED profanities at the workers now faces child endangerment charges.

Use your head people...

I have walked several picket lines and have NEVER seen or heard behavior like you described!!! (And I have had my children there also... they learned about Democracy first hand... )
Can we stop citing extremes as norms on both side please!!!

 

[sam_gordon]

(And I have had my children there also... they learned about Democracy first hand... )

How does "union" = "Democracy"?

ETA: A business is not a democracy.

 

[akhenaten]

How does "union" = "Democracy"?

How does it not? Besides i did not say union = democracy

the right to protest... freedom of expression.... shall I go on...

 

[threecrazykids]

I have walked several picket lines and have NEVER seen or heard behavior like you described!!! (And I have had my children there also... they learned about Democracy first hand... )
Can we stop citing extremes as norms on both side please!!!

Google Verizon Strike on youtube...the guy made the national news this morning. The CWA/IBEW facebook page (the one for the Verizon strike) is FLOODED with these videos of people acting like this. And everyone on this page is cheering them on!

I have approx 15 co-workers who are out at MULTIPLE locations, different states and the behavior is the same at all of them! Throwing rocks at cars,spitting on them when they walk in, blowhorns directly in people's ears. One of the people sent to Boston got their jaw broke yesterday trying to get into the building! I sat at my desk and just cried. This isn't "citing extremes"...the reports coming back to our location and others (non-union) who I personally speak with all over the country who have co-workers out there are reporting back with the same stories.

I'm not sure if this is simply an overall extreme strike, that could be. But what I do know is my co-workers do NOT deserve to be treated this way.

 

[undertheradar]

Since compromise would be key, how much are the union employees willing to contribute towards medical plan? Next would be the question of 401k(if pensions are frozen. Then there is the issue of raises for a money losing division.

Let's leave the issues of kids on picket lines, who is doing what to whom, the idea of the union workers defending the American way of life and the middle class, out of the conversation. We have been able to work 10 pages on this thread and it would be nice to keep it civil so that it can continue to be a healthy, interactive conversation.

 

[akhenaten]

Google Verizon Strike on youtube...the guy made the national news this morning. The CWA/IBEW facebook page (the one for the Verizon strike) is FLOODED with these videos of people acting like this. And everyone on this page is cheering them on!

I have approx 15 co-workers who are out at MULTIPLE locations, different states and the behavior is the same at all of them! Throwing rocks at cars,spitting on them when they walk in, blowhorns directly in people's ears. One of the people sent to Boston got their jaw broke yesterday trying to get into the building! I sat at my desk and just cried. This isn't "citing extremes"...the reports coming back to our location and others (non-union) who I personally speak with all over the country who have co-workers out there are reporting back with the same stories.

I'm not sure if this is simply an overall extreme strike, that could be. But what I do know is my co-workers do NOT deserve to be treated this way.

I can only tell you my personal experience... I am not involved in this strike personally. (of course I would not have my children around anyone acting in the ways you describe...)

I don't believe in violence and obviously have not seen these reports about this strike.

Historically anyone crossing a picket line is taking a risk.

It is surprising that this strike came to this intensity so quickly... but the current Union busting climate is surely escalating the situation!

Personally I believe that the non-union verizon workers should be trying to join with the Union... not crossing lines...

ETA I also wanted to add that also throughout history companies or others against Unions have paid people to join picket lines and cause problems/incite violence

 

[Tink-aholic]

Tink... I think that is it sad that your union may not allow you to come in early etc. Have you tried to work with your union to get things that you find important included in the contract or increased??
Don't forget the same Union has negotiated the salary and benefits you enjoy... they depend on you also!

I agree that compromise is good... but it takes two to compromise...and two to have confrontation...

It's funny, akhenaten, that our union uses people like me as an example of a bad union member. They say that I make the rest of them look bad because I show up early, stay late, and work extra for my kids. The union leadership is very vocal about the fact that we are "only paid until 2:00."

I feel that I am far overpaid for what I do, and I would do my job for half of what I am being paid. Because of that, I feel that the school should get every nickel out of me that they are paying for...so, I create engaging lesson plans, I stay late every day, I volunteer to manage after-school activities and chaperone dances, etc. I don't work for the union.

 

[Muushka]

This would take more time than I have now and would probably have to cross too far into the political , which we are not supposed to do.

( this thread is probably already leaning too far into that territory)

It is common knowledge that GS sponsors Move On...

I wonder how many members know that Koch Bros sponsor the Tea Party and Americans For Prosperity.... etc. ???

I learned what the Koch brothers supported in my search, not that difficult to figure out.

OK. So we have established that both Soros and Koch brothers have their favorite things that they support. So?

And for the record, Soros supports a whole lot more than MoveOn.

 

[akhenaten]

I learned what the Koch brothers supported in my search, not that difficult to figure out.

OK. So we have established that both Soros and Koch brothers have their favorite things that they support. So?

And for the record, Soros supports a whole lot more than MoveOn.

As I said... not going to discuss... there is a reason politics was banned on this board...

 

[Free4Life11]

Well, my previous comments only applied to the classy strikers , not the trash depicted here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uix0-BlGnjg

Yikes

I wonder who pays for the 3-4 police standing around?

 

[Muushka]

As I said... not going to discuss... there is a reason politics was banned on this board...

I understand what you mean. I just wanted to understand why the Koch brothers, being 'haves' were laughing at us any more than any of the elitists out there, regardless of who they support.

Mum's the word.

 

[akhenaten]

Well, my previous comments only applied to the classy strikers , not the trash depicted here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uix0-BlGnjg

Yikes

I wonder who pays for the 3-4 police standing around?

You have not been to many hockey games have you??? and at the games peoples livelihoods are not on the line (well the fans anyway..LOL)

 

[tar heel]

If that's the language at a hockey game, I'm happy to say I've never been to one and will keep it that way. I'm guessing, though, that a hockey game is just like that video in that a handful of loud-mouths do most of the spewing of F and M words.

 

[akhenaten]

If that's the language at a hockey game, I'm happy to say I've never been to one and will keep it that way. I'm guessing, though, that a hockey game is just like that video in that a handful of loud-mouths do most of the spewing of F and M words.

Thankfully it is not always Tar heel... but it depends on who you are sittiing near and some teams are known to have more "enthusiastic "fans... I have left my dd home from those games.

and don't let me get started on some of the stuff I have seen from parents at kids games...

I have seen worse there than at any picket line I have been on...

ETA So you don't think I am a professional picketer... LOL I supported my DH Union many years ago (about 20) and my DSis Union two summers ago...

 

[undertheradar]

I can only tell you my personal experience... I am not involved in this strike personally. (of course I would not have my children around anyone acting in the ways you describe...)

I don't believe in violence and obviously have not seen these reports about this strike.

Historically anyone crossing a picket line is taking a risk.

It is surprising that this strike came to this intensity so quickly... but the current Union busting climate is surely escalating the situation!

Personally I believe that the non-union verizon workers should be trying to join with the Union... not crossing lines...

ETA I also wanted to add that also throughout history companies or others against Unions have paid people to join picket lines and cause problems/incite violence

Reading these comments is quite troubling. Anyone crossing a picket line is taking a risk? Aren't the union members aware that this is threatening to anyone who isn't involved in the strike? Just as you state that companies or others against unions have paid people to join picket lines and cause problems/incite violence, the same can be said for the unions themselves. Afterall, when are the union workers eligible for strike pay and how many hours are required on the picket lines to be paid? You did state how you supported both you husband's and sister's strikes. Here's hoping common sense will prevail and both sides can realize compromise.

 

[akhenaten]

Reading these comments is quite troubling. Anyone crossing a picket line is taking a risk? Aren't the union members aware that this is threatening to anyone who isn't involved in the strike? Just as you state that companies or others against unions have paid people to join picket lines and cause problems/incite violence, the same can be said for the unions themselves. Afterall, when are the union workers eligible for strike pay and how many hours are required on the picket lines to be paid? You did state how you supported both you husband's and sister's strikes. Here's hoping common sense will prevail and both sides can realize compromise.

I said historically..... gheesh... My mother remembers hearing shouts and running in the streets when the coal mines were on strike in the 30's...

No one in my family was ever paid during a strike...

Did you have a specific question about my support of DH/DSIS?? I did not get what you wrote.