Verizon striking

[undertheradar]

Is the healthcare being offered the same as what you previously had, just with workers contributing towards cost?

 

[sam_gordon]

Job security/no transfer is a HUGE issue on the table.

And yes, we would be willing to pay a portion of health care costs for a decent plan. The union has already stated that. A decent plan wasn't offered for a reasonable amount of money.

I believe neither side should get EVERYTHING they want. Bargaining is all about give and take.

I agree with you. But that wasn't the impression I got on this thread from union members/supporters. It was "we deserve what we've always had!" Doesn't sound like someone willing to compromise.

As far as the health care plan, I'm not going to judge what's "decent". All I've been saying from the start is the union (and members & supporters) needed to give more details about what they don't like about the plan. Instead, we've gotten "they want to freeze our pensions/make us pay for healthcare/take away vacation days/the CEO makes SO much money".

I agree BOTH sides are putting out spin. I just think the union needs to do a better job of THEIR spin because they are coming off as greedy and entitled as VZ.

 

[lisaross]

Why is that insulting? It is true. When I was unemployed I worked for Comcast temporarily. I think training was 3 days. (There was union there then.) I worked the phones, set up installs and trouble calls, troubleshot modem and internet issues, worked the front counter, etc. Everything except working out in the field doing repairs and installs. Being a CSR didn't require much skill. I came in off the street and did it.

Well then maybe you should come to work for Verizon. We could use Supermen/Superwomen like you.

 

[wvjules]

Well then maybe you should come to work for Verizon. We could use Supermen/Superwomen like you.

Do you really think it is difficult being a CSR? It doesn't take a genius, or much skill, to do that kind of job. Installing cables and fiber optics and doing field work is more of a skilled job. Answering phones and being a CSR is not. That is not insulting anyone. That is fact. Do you know anyone that thinks that it takes specialized skills and extensive training to do that job? Most anyone off the street can do it, barring any handicap or learning diability of course.

Besides I wouldn't work for Verizon. I don't want to be in a union.

 

[lisaross]

I think we agree on aspects of this strike! Those who are skilled, in demand, experienced, and difficult to replace have much more bargaining power then those who are trying to reap the skilled workers benefits all while doing a job that does not require an excessive amount of knowledge and training.

All I ask is that you at least have an "understanding" that SOME of these workers (meaning the people who HAVE full time jobs at VZ...not contracted out or hired by temp agencies) would have given up their job within VZ if they refused to go on this temp assignment. They don't WANT your job, they have a job...it's not like my co-workers gain anything by going. By NOT going, they were going to be terminated immediately. Sure, they MAY lose their job down the road but if they were fired, they wouldn't be eligible for some of the programs the striking workers are able to get.

And asking one of my co-workers to not take a job and give up their income in the hope that Verizon would give the union everything they want simply isn't reality. Whether VZ sent existing workers, or they hired outside the company they were going to bring someone in to do the work.

I don't ask that you have "sympathy" for these people...or to coddle them etc. Please just understand that, yes, they may have had a choice in the matter...but that choice was to be fired, or not. Provide for their family, or not.

Of course I understand that. That is not what I have been attacking. I have many friends who are managers. I know the awful position that they have been thrust into. We hate it and they hate, but they are not the enenmy, and I let them know this every day I go out to picket for my paycheck.
The unfortunate managers that seem to attract the negative attention are the vicious ones who enjoy giving workers a bad time while we are at work. The workers find this to be their turn to retaliate. Wheather I agree with this or not, you can't deny human personalities. The other unfortunate targets of negative vibes seem to go to managers that these frightened workers don't know. They have been sent from out of town to help clear the load. The strikers fear that they must be hired scabs, and will obviously not be pleasant.
I still speak with my management friends. They know that we are not enemies, and both sides are simply doing what they must to survive.

 

[lisaross]

Is the healthcare being offered the same as what you previously had, just with workers contributing towards cost?

No they are now requiring a 3000 deductable as well. And inferior dental.

 

[lisaross]

Do you really think it is difficult being a CSR? It doesn't take a genius, or much skill, to do that kind of job. Installing cables and fiber optics and doing field work is more of a skilled job. Answering phones and being a CSR is not. That is not insulting anyone. That is fact. Do you know anyone that thinks that it takes specialized skills and extensive training to do that job? Most anyone off the street can do it, barring any handicap or learning diability of course.

Besides I wouldn't work for Verizon. I don't want to be in a union.

Just as well for that. We have something that we agree on.

 

[sam_gordon]

No they are now requiring a 3000 deductable as well. And inferior dental.

As I tried to explain MANY pages ago, *I've* had a 3000 deductible for YEARS. I've NEVER come close to paying it all. Just because there is a $3k deductible does not automatically mean a worker has to pay $3K more. It depends on how the plan is laid out. When we go to the doctor (sick or well visit), we pay $25. That's a co-pay. Insurance covers the rest. The deductible doesn't come into play until we do certain medical things (a hospital stay comes to mind).

 

[wvjules]

Just as well for that. We have something that we agree on.

Honestly, why the personal insults towards me? I am stating my opinion and not personally insulting anyone, including you.

 

[undertheradar]

No they are now requiring a 3000 deductable as well. And inferior dental.

You would have the same carrier, just the added paycheck deductions and the $3000. deductable? Dental appears to cover les every year for our plans.

 

[S. C.]

Can't believe this debate is still going on. The nay sayers can disagree with it all they want! All of the bickering by the anti-union people here is not going to change the minds of us union people. Bottom line is the strike is going on.

I hope the union gets a fair contract. If they do not, then all of our verizon phones (wireless and home) will change to a different company.

 

[wvjules]

Can't believe this debate is still going on. The nay sayers can disagree with it all they want! All of the bickering by the anti-union people here is not going to change the minds of us union people. Bottom line is the strike is going on.

I hope the union gets a fair contract. If they do not, then all of our verizon phones (wireless and home) will change to a different company.

And vice-versa.

The big issue is what is a "fair contract". Isn't that the crux of the strike?

 

[luvestodizz]

Why do some people want to know the specific details of the health plan that in being offered? If the company want to make that public, they will. Familyoffive, can you post your health insurance plan details and include a recent EOB as well?

 

[S. C.]

And vice-versa.

The big issue is what is a "fair contract". Isn't that the crux of the strike?

I never thought it would change your mind.



Fair contract ..... my idea i'm sure is a whole lot different than yours. Nope, not getting into that one. have a good day.

 

[undertheradar]

Why do some people want to know the specific details of the health plan that in being offered? If the company want to make that public, they will. Familyoffive, can you post your health insurance plan details and include a recent EOB as well?

Why don't you post your holidays, pto, healthcare premiums, dental premiums, vacation days, incentives? I have.

 

[wvjules]

I never thought it would change your mind.



Fair contract ..... my idea i'm sure is a whole lot different than yours. Nope, not getting into that one. have a good day.

1. I didn't think you were trying to change my mind with that post nor was I yours.

2. I'm not asking you to define a fair contract. I'm just stating that that is the issue of the strike, a fair contract, is it not?

 

[sam_gordon]

Why do some people want to know the specific details of the health plan that in being offered? If the company want to make that public, they will. Familyoffive, can you post your health insurance plan details and include a recent EOB as well?

I'll answer that. So we can judge if, IN OUR OPINIONS, the health plan is reasonable. Union members are coming on saying 'this plan is inferior'. Should we take their words for it? What about when Verizon says 'this plan is fair'? We should ASSUME VZ is wrong?

 

[ilovemk76]

They deserve to not have jobs sent overseas. American people need jobs and sending them to other countries is not right!!!

I think the union is standing up for what they believe and is willing to compromise with Verizon.

Those people in the other countries also deserve to earn a living just as much as Americans do. There are just not enough jobs for our world population. Unless we go back to non-automation with brain numbing jobs I don't think we will ever have enough jobs. If the population were less there were be less customers thus less products and workers needed.

A few year back I saw an article that stated if you took all of the income of all workers and divided it by all the families in the world the result would be 100% poverty.

As a result I am so thankful to have been born an American, even to a teen mom without a high school education than other parts of the world.

Are you serious??? They are going without pay for uncertain amount of time because they are fighting for what they deserve!!!! If Verizon wasn't being such a horrible company theses people would not be on strike! Blame Verizon for the long wait time and slow service bc if they weren't so greedy and selfish these people would be back at work today!

Verizon sees the union as greedy and the union sees Verizon as greedy. This is why there is compromise.

If is was really a horrible company then why are they fighting so hard to stay?

Thank you for clarifying your statement. Unfortunately, we are at a time when employers hold even more power than usual. Yes, employers can offer anything down to minimum wage and the employee has to choose whether to accept that wage for the job or not. The employee is free to turn the rate (and job) down and try to find employment somewhere else. If enough "good" workers turn down the job the employer will be forced to either increase pay or benefits.

I'd like to know how anyone thinks companies can be FORCED to pay a certain amount (other than minimum wage) or provide certain benefits.

When the employer holds more power wages go down. When there are more openings than qualified applicants then the wages go up. Simple economics.

You have that prerogative. For that matter I kind of hope that you do. You may get a good long relationship with your “skilled” technician every time he comes back. I’ve seen it. Our competition is called clecs. I deal with them all the time. I always get amused when they ask me how to do stuff. Or what things mean. These are “skilled non-union techs”. They’re fantastic. I hope you have a good long relationship with them. My customers usually thank me for cleaning up their mess when they come back to Verizon.

We have DirecTV. The installer was very nice and it was horrible weather the day he did the install. I could have done the job if I had the "tools" to aim the dish. I can and have wired home for electrical and cable. This was no harder or no different.

No they are now requiring a 3000 deductable as well. And inferior dental.

This is not inferior insurance but one that may cost you more OOP. Inferior would be not covering what you were already being treated for. High deductible plans are becoming the norm. With them you can also have an HSA and save tax free money that you can use this year to pay your high deductible or save for the future and use it to pay your healthcare premiiums when you are retired. It is another tax savings vehicle.

It appears that you could have a company qualified HSA account. Some companies even make a contribution to that plan. Is the union looking at this angle or is Verizon offering this?




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[lisaross]

You would have the same carrier, just the added paycheck deductions and the $3000. deductable? Dental appears to cover les every year for our plans.

No I think that I would lose my carrier. And quite honestly I'm not thrilled with them either. Because of the raising rates, I switched plans a few times to keep it more afordable.

 

[Beezle2]

Those people in the other countries also deserve to earn a living just as much as Americans do. There are just not enough jobs for our world population. >>>>.



Are you kidding?!! Can we just worry about American families and American jobs?!! Jeez,