Verizon striking

[undertheradar]

Shrug. What you see is that I have no need to do your bidding.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yeah, cuts suck. And I can understand it, when it's needed to save a business from going under; but when the company has record profits? That's just corporate greed.

Not necessarily. Should companies keep workers simply to keep them employed, regardless of whether that position is still needed?

Look at automation/technology in any number of industries. The newer technology made some jobs obsolete. Now, should a company keep the people who were doing those jobs out of the goodness of their heart? While it would be nice, I don't think so.

 

[wvjules]

IMO, there was a time and a place for Unions. 2011 isn't it.

I am not jealous of what unions may or may not get in benefits or pay. I am compensated extremely well in my non-union job. Additionally, I would turn down a job if I were required to be in a union. I don't believe in the "well if I don't get it then union members shouldn't get it either" mentality.

I see unions as big bullies. Sure the corporations are making money. That's what they are supposed to do; earn profits for their shareholders and compensate (and treat) their employees fairly. Each individual employee should be compensated on THEIR individual merit, not because the union forced the company to do it. Millions of American's go to work each day without the so-called 'protection' of a union and do very well. They are treated fairly and are compensated fairly. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours seems to work rather well in the workforce. If I do well for my employer they will do well by me. It's that simple. I don't need the big bad union boss to protect me by bullying my employer.

I worked temporarily for Comcast several years ago. While there the employees voted out the union. Guess what? Pay and benefits increased and there were no union dues to be paid. Other than that, nothing changed. Employees were't forced to work OT, they weren't being treated any differently than they were the day before when they were unionized.

 

[ccgirl]

IMO, there was a time and a place for Unions. 2011 isn't it.

I am not jealous of what unions may or may not get in benefits or pay. I am compensated extremely well in my non-union job. Additionally, I would turn down a job if I were required to be in a union. I don't believe in the "well if I don't get it then union members shouldn't get it either" mentality.

I see unions as big bullies. Sure the corporations are making money. That's what they are supposed to do; earn profits for their shareholders and compensate (and treat) their employees fairly. Each individual employee should be compensated on THEIR individual merit, not because the union forced the company to do it. Millions of American's go to work each day without the so-called 'protection' of a union and do very well. They are treated fairly and are compensated fairly. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours seems to work rather well in the workforce. If I do well for my employer they will do well by me. It's that simple. I don't need the big bad union boss to protect me by bullying my employer.

I worked temporarily for Comcast several years ago. While there the employees voted out the union. Guess what? Pay and benefits increased and there were no union dues to be paid. Other than that, nothing changed. Employees were't forced to work OT, they weren't being treated any differently than they were the day before when they were unionized.

Great post!

IMHO, the union "argument" of we have always have it, we shouldn't have to give back is like saying, I don't care if the price of food to feed cows or ship the milk is any higher, you are still making profits so I am going to keep paying the same as I always have for milk. It is like saying, I don't care if the oil companies are making profits, I am going to pay no more for the gasoline to run my car. As you said, the purpose of companies is to provide a service and return money to investors. It is not so the union employees can keep their "benefits" the same regardless of the economy. I just think some of us think the concessions the big wigs are asking for is fair. WHy is it so unreasonable for unions to have to pay some money into their healthcare? "Because we have never had to" is not a great argument.

 

[melmar136]

This thread has gotten really, really disheartening and should just be closed. I clicked on it when it was first started because my husband is on strike I wondered how other families affected by the strike were feeling. I thought the thread would be informational and supportive. Instead it is just pathetic and wrought with ugliness and jealousy.

I have to pay into health care, why don't Verizon workers? I don't get Veteran's day off so they should work too. My pension is gone, so I hope they lose theirs too. Why should they have all of those sick days? Why raises, why disability, why vacation, why job security, why, why....boo hoo hoo.

So nasty posters, what ever pay and benefits you currently have, if your employer came to you tomorrow and said, "okay, we're going to reduce EVERYTHING you currently have", you'd tell them that you understood perfectly you'd show up for work the next day and be happy you still had a job? Yeah, right! Or, you'd just quit if you didn't like it, right? Because you are just so darn employable, so, so superior to the 45,000 Verizon workers. Oh, you don't have a job at all? Yes, of course misery loves company and your life will be so much richer if the Verizon workers have crappy benefits.

So 45,000 middle class families are on strike right now. Worried about the uncertainty of their future and about providing for their families. Worried about how long the strike will go on and how they will pay mortgages and car payments if weeks stretch into months...THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!

I haven't been on here in days, because it really does bring me down even more.

I wake up everyday that this strike continues, feeling sick to my stomach. I wonder how I am going to pay the bills on NOTHING, since I am a single mom and there is no one else making anything to contribute to the household.
I go to bed every night practically in tears, trying to hide the fact from my daughter, who at 12 shouldn't need to worry about if/when we will have any money coming in.

I have a trip to Disney coming up in a few days that I should be excited for. I started planning for it over a year ago, and now just feel dread because I shouldn't be spending the money. Sure, it's all paid for, and I'd lose that money if I was to cancel now, but who can go away happy, not knowing if they'll be back to work at the end of it?

And then I come here, and every time, I have to defend my position, because I am in a union. But, I don't feel that just the Verizon union employees should be getting things like affordable, good health care, or a pension, or no raise. I think that this is something that we, as Americans should be getting. All of us. Maybe that is unrealistic. But, in America, the world’s richest, most powerful country, the health care delivery system ranks 37th in the world, below countries like Costa Rica, Chile, Cyprus, and Iceland. That is sure not something to be proud of, or feel ok about!

But, it seems like there are an awful lot of people who seem to be ok with the fact their company takes, takes, takes and then ships away their job to another country. It is not ok. And if more people were willing to stand up and say it is not ok, maybe things would change.


I look in the paper and there is a full page ad by Verizon claiming all they want is for the union members to contribute to health insurance. Why do you think they put that in there? Maybe because the response they get from the public will be very similar to many of the posts on here? "well, I pay X amount for health insurance, so I don't see a problem with that. What are all these union members complaining about?" It's a distraction from the real issues.

What Verizon wants to do is right there on trend with other companies: benefit reductions, outsourcing, and lower wages. It’s contagious. Verizon isn’t the first "sick" company, nor will it be the last. This is exactly why we have to show solidarity and defend hard-working people.

What I do know is that with all of the concessions Verizon wants to take, it has been said to equal $20,000 out of each one of the union members paychecks. Let me tell you, I really couldn't afford that, and I'm sure many of you couldn't either.

 

[melmar136]

13 and 1/2 hours later and this still isn't answered. There have been lots of posts about how all of us not on strike don't care about the workers. Much earlier in the thread the accusation that anyone who didn't support the strikers was somehow unAmerican. Now that is plain crazy.

well, let me try to answer your question. This is a fight for the middle class because whatever happens here will be what will most likely happen with other companies/unions down the line. I know that in other parts of VZ, their contracts are not up until next year. They were worried before this strike, because they know what is done to us, will most likely be done to them. If Verizon "wins" and we lose x,y, and z, don't you think others will follow suit and at least try to do the same to their employees? I do.

 

[moepanz]

well, let me try to answer your question. This is a fight for the middle class because whatever happens here will be what will most likely happen with other companies/unions down the line. I know that in other parts of VZ, their contracts are not up until next year. They were worried before this strike, because they know what is done to us, will most likely be done to them. If Verizon "wins" and we lose x,y, and z, don't you think others will follow suit and at least try to do the same to their employees? I do.

It still amazes me that more people do not see this. Once the union was weakened at my old job. The benefits for the non-union employees went down hill and fast. It was very funny to watch all of the managers who were so anti union get screwed by their own actions when they saw all of there so called "perks" go away with the union.

 

[Judyat]

The Verizon strike is another example of a big corporation wanting control of everything. It's very sad to see how people have to strike to make a decent living while the ceos of the company rake in millions.

 

[lisaross]

First of all, I have never had job security. As a matter of fact, I was laid off twice within 3 years. As for too much time off, I got 18 days a year and 5 paid holidays prior to my company getting bought out. I have always contributed into a health plan and, up until now, have never had a 401K match. In my previous job, some people were union. They still had layoffs but they were based on seniority only. I watched many great workers get laid off while the lazy people got to stay. Sorry, but that to me is unfair.

I'm not saying I want anyone to make less money or have less time off. I think it is a compromise but I'm not hearing the union want to compromise on anything. The economy is tanking, healthcare costs are rising, but the union doesn't want to seem to pay any more for anything.

BTW, what is overtime? I am salary, have always been so I have never gotten paid overtime. If you really look, I bet those manager's that got the "bonus" were probably working over 50 hours every week but 10 of those could be considered "unpaid" since they don't get overtime.

In the last 19 years I have never made as much as a manager, with or without benefits.

 

[lisaross]

The Mrs. here LOL - i just want to wish u a GREAT disney trip! I've been when things were going really bad for us, but we went anyway because like u said its paid for etc. Have to tell u it was the best trip ever - the kids loved it - we spend so little their and still loved it. Go try and enjoy by looking at your daughter - what a great age to both enjoy disney together. I hope when u get back home this will all be behind us...

I haven't been on here in days, because it really does bring me down even more.

I wake up everyday that this strike continues, feeling sick to my stomach. I wonder how I am going to pay the bills on NOTHING, since I am a single mom and there is no one else making anything to contribute to the household.
I go to bed every night practically in tears, trying to hide the fact from my daughter, who at 12 shouldn't need to worry about if/when we will have any money coming in.

I have a trip to Disney coming up in a few days that I should be excited for. I started planning for it over a year ago, and now just feel dread because I shouldn't be spending the money. Sure, it's all paid for, and I'd lose that money if I was to cancel now, but who can go away happy, not knowing if they'll be back to work at the end of it?

And then I come here, and every time, I have to defend my position, because I am in a union. But, I don't feel that just the Verizon union employees should be getting things like affordable, good health care, or a pension, or no raise. I think that this is something that we, as Americans should be getting. All of us. Maybe that is unrealistic. But, in America, the world’s richest, most powerful country, the health care delivery system ranks 37th in the world, below countries like Costa Rica, Chile, Cyprus, and Iceland. That is sure not something to be proud of, or feel ok about!

But, it seems like there are an awful lot of people who seem to be ok with the fact their company takes, takes, takes and then ships away their job to another country. It is not ok. And if more people were willing to stand up and say it is not ok, maybe things would change.


I look in the paper and there is a full page ad by Verizon claiming all they want is for the union members to contribute to health insurance. Why do you think they put that in there? Maybe because the response they get from the public will be very similar to many of the posts on here? "well, I pay X amount for health insurance, so I don't see a problem with that. What are all these union members complaining about?" It's a distraction from the real issues.

What Verizon wants to do is right there on trend with other companies: benefit reductions, outsourcing, and lower wages. It’s contagious. Verizon isn’t the first "sick" company, nor will it be the last. This is exactly why we have to show solidarity and defend hard-working people.

What I do know is that with all of the concessions Verizon wants to take, it has been said to equal $20,000 out of each one of the union members paychecks. Let me tell you, I really couldn't afford that, and I'm sure many of you couldn't either.

 

[lisaross]

Lisa's husband again. After a week and half on strike, I feel the pressure mounting already. I am the primary breadwinner and feel like I’m failing. On the picket line I see and hear things that makes me sick. Thank g-d I have the solace of my family to come home to.
Then I check out this board… I have heard the arguments from both sides. The Vz people are afraid and threatened, and may not have a job to go back to. They simply want support or a pat on the back.
The other side is a mix between some that just want to understand, and some people who just don’t care. For some reason I have been forced to be on the defensive, and I don’t understand how that happened. My wife loves this board, and always talks about it so highly like you are her favorite people in the world.
This strike turned ugly, and in turn this long long argument has been ugly. I still can’t believe that I was coerced to share my personal business and finances with strangers who apparently have no problem with the inevitability of my family taking home less, and me having less time to spend with the family I cherish.
I’m pretty sure that somewhere along the line I mentioned that I’m a soccer coach and scout leader. I teach my kids to never want others to do worse or have less. That is simply hurtful, jealous and ugly. If those of you are, for some reason against us, simply keep it to yourselves. We are going through this and you are not. We don’t need the added stress.
I’m pretty much done. The people on this board have been too insensitive, and have delved too deep into my personal life.

 

[fastergoofy]

Hey! Some of us have your back! I fully support the right of workers to unionize. Unions are the only way to have any leverage at all when negotiating with big money. Fight, fight!

 

[JVelasquez]

I haven't been on here in days, because it really does bring me down even more.

I wake up everyday that this strike continues, feeling sick to my stomach. I wonder how I am going to pay the bills on NOTHING, since I am a single mom and there is no one else making anything to contribute to the household.
I go to bed every night practically in tears, trying to hide the fact from my daughter, who at 12 shouldn't need to worry about if/when we will have any money coming in.

I have a trip to Disney coming up in a few days that I should be excited for. I started planning for it over a year ago, and now just feel dread because I shouldn't be spending the money. Sure, it's all paid for, and I'd lose that money if I was to cancel now, but who can go away happy, not knowing if they'll be back to work at the end of it?

And then I come here, and every time, I have to defend my position, because I am in a union. But, I don't feel that just the Verizon union employees should be getting things like affordable, good health care, or a pension, or no raise. I think that this is something that we, as Americans should be getting. All of us. Maybe that is unrealistic. But, in America, the world’s richest, most powerful country, the health care delivery system ranks 37th in the world, below countries like Costa Rica, Chile, Cyprus, and Iceland. That is sure not something to be proud of, or feel ok about!

But, it seems like there are an awful lot of people who seem to be ok with the fact their company takes, takes, takes and then ships away their job to another country. It is not ok. And if more people were willing to stand up and say it is not ok, maybe things would change.


I look in the paper and there is a full page ad by Verizon claiming all they want is for the union members to contribute to health insurance. Why do you think they put that in there? Maybe because the response they get from the public will be very similar to many of the posts on here? "well, I pay X amount for health insurance, so I don't see a problem with that. What are all these union members complaining about?" It's a distraction from the real issues.

What Verizon wants to do is right there on trend with other companies: benefit reductions, outsourcing, and lower wages. It’s contagious. Verizon isn’t the first "sick" company, nor will it be the last. This is exactly why we have to show solidarity and defend hard-working people.

What I do know is that with all of the concessions Verizon wants to take, it has been said to equal $20,000 out of each one of the union members paychecks. Let me tell you, I really couldn't afford that, and I'm sure many of you couldn't either.

I know that it may be hard but I truly hope that you enjoy your Disney trip!

 

[JVelasquez]

well, let me try to answer your question. This is a fight for the middle class because whatever happens here will be what will most likely happen with other companies/unions down the line. I know that in other parts of VZ, their contracts are not up until next year. They were worried before this strike, because they know what is done to us, will most likely be done to them. If Verizon "wins" and we lose x,y, and z, don't you think others will follow suit and at least try to do the same to their employees? I do.

You don't need to answer any of his/hers questions! I hope that VZ doesn't win!!!

 

[undertheradar]

well, let me try to answer your question. This is a fight for the middle class because whatever happens here will be what will most likely happen with other companies/unions down the line. I know that in other parts of VZ, their contracts are not up until next year. They were worried before this strike, because they know what is done to us, will most likely be done to them. If Verizon "wins" and we lose x,y, and z, don't you think others will follow suit and at least try to do the same to their employees? I do.

So, since I have decent benefits without union representation, exactly how will your continuing to receive "what you have always had" benefit myself and others like me? This isn't you defending the entire American middle class, this is your union striking to defend the survival of its union workforce.

 

[undertheradar]

You don't need to answer any of his/hers questions! I hope that VZ doesn't win!!!

How sick that the union websites proudly display photos of children being involved in the picket lines. Isn't your union against the exploitation of children? I can remember when my father's union was on strike against the railroads, we were never present at a picket line or a union assembly. What parent would willingly subject a child to the dangers of a picket line? Union posters stated that people were taking a personal risk by crossing picket lines, does that somehow not apply to the children of the striking employees?

 

[JVelasquez]

Lisa's husband again. After a week and half on strike, I feel the pressure mounting already. I am the primary breadwinner and feel like I’m failing. On the picket line I see and hear things that makes me sick. Thank g-d I have the solace of my family to come home to.
Then I check out this board… I have heard the arguments from both sides. The Vz people are afraid and threatened, and may not have a job to go back to. They simply want support or a pat on the back.
The other side is a mix between some that just want to understand, and some people who just don’t care. For some reason I have been forced to be on the defensive, and I don’t understand how that happened. My wife loves this board, and always talks about it so highly like you are her favorite people in the world.
This strike turned ugly, and in turn this long long argument has been ugly. I still can’t believe that I was coerced to share my personal business and finances with strangers who apparently have no problem with the inevitability of my family taking home less, and me having less time to spend with the family I cherish.
I’m pretty sure that somewhere along the line I mentioned that I’m a soccer coach and scout leader. I teach my kids to never want others to do worse or have less. That is simply hurtful, jealous and ugly. If those of you are, for some reason against us, simply keep it to yourselves. We are going through this and you are not. We don’t need the added stress.
I’m pretty much done. The people on this board have been too insensitive, and have delved too deep into my personal life.

I wish you, your family and all of the other families affected by this strike all the best. I'm also sad that there are so many rude and inconsiderate people on here.

 

[undertheradar]

I haven't been on here in days, because it really does bring me down even more.

I wake up everyday that this strike continues, feeling sick to my stomach. I wonder how I am going to pay the bills on NOTHING, since I am a single mom and there is no one else making anything to contribute to the household.
I go to bed every night practically in tears, trying to hide the fact from my daughter, who at 12 shouldn't need to worry about if/when we will have any money coming in.

I have a trip to Disney coming up in a few days that I should be excited for. I started planning for it over a year ago, and now just feel dread because I shouldn't be spending the money. Sure, it's all paid for, and I'd lose that money if I was to cancel now, but who can go away happy, not knowing if they'll be back to work at the end of it?

And then I come here, and every time, I have to defend my position, because I am in a union. But, I don't feel that just the Verizon union employees should be getting things like affordable, good health care, or a pension, or no raise. I think that this is something that we, as Americans should be getting. All of us. Maybe that is unrealistic. But, in America, the world’s richest, most powerful country, the health care delivery system ranks 37th in the world, below countries like Costa Rica, Chile, Cyprus, and Iceland. That is sure not something to be proud of, or feel ok about!

But, it seems like there are an awful lot of people who seem to be ok with the fact their company takes, takes, takes and then ships away their job to another country. It is not ok. And if more people were willing to stand up and say it is not ok, maybe things would change.


I look in the paper and there is a full page ad by Verizon claiming all they want is for the union members to contribute to health insurance. Why do you think they put that in there? Maybe because the response they get from the public will be very similar to many of the posts on here? "well, I pay X amount for health insurance, so I don't see a problem with that. What are all these union members complaining about?" It's a distraction from the real issues.

What Verizon wants to do is right there on trend with other companies: benefit reductions, outsourcing, and lower wages. It’s contagious. Verizon isn’t the first "sick" company, nor will it be the last. This is exactly why we have to show solidarity and defend hard-working people.

What I do know is that with all of the concessions Verizon wants to take, it has been said to equal $20,000 out of each one of the union members paychecks. Let me tell you, I really couldn't afford that, and I'm sure many of you couldn't either.

So you are stating that you are being asked to give up $20,000 per year from your paychecks for this contract? Exactly how do you come up with this figure? For the record, it matches what Verizon claims that the combined reduction in sick time, holidays, end of pension, end of 401k match and your contribution into medical premiums and dental coverage will reduce to their costs. Odd how each side now has that dollar figure when your union claimed it was $50,000 per employee before. Your show of solidarity is for your jobs, not for anyone else.

 

[JVelasquez]

How sick that the union websites proudly display photos of children being involved in the picket lines. Isn't your union against the exploitation of children? I can remember when my father's union was on strike against the railroads, we were never present at a picket line or a union assembly. What parent would willingly subject a child to the dangers of a picket line? Union posters stated that people were taking a personal risk by crossing picket lines, does that somehow not apply to the children of the striking employees?

I personally would not take my child to the picket line but as a grown woman I am more than willing and proud to stand up there with my mom! I hope that you never have to face anything like this in your life.

 

[DVCKev]

Verizon is making more than ever and now they are trying to take stuff from people needlessly. More corporate greed! How bout we take some of their corporate loopholes away, I'm sure they get some like every other big business! This is the result of de-regulation, push the small guy down and stomp on him, while we make millions. Let me tell you if this keeps continuing then your gonna see those riots in England right here in the USA. The rich get richer and the poor and middle class get stomped further into the ground. What has happened to this country? One word greed....I hope the union wins!!!