How do you spell injustice? If you are a member of the MTD-affiliated unions CWA and IBEW, it goes something like this: V-E-R-I-Z-O-N.
CWA and IBEW members marked one year since they launched a three-week strike by holding demonstrations and protests outside Verizon facilities from New England to Virginia. One such action took place in Maryland where members and friends of CWA Local 2108 stood along a major commuter route with the above letters printed on the backs of shirts spelling out the name of the telecommunications giant while a large sign noted the one-year anniversary.
Despite returning to work under the previous contract, talks for a new agreement showed no progress. The unions are fighting Verizon’s attempts to cut pensions, health care, vacations and other benefits.
Several weeks ago, the unions – who represent 55,000 workers at Verizon – sought help from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The agency reported that as of August 9 “negotiations continue to be constructive and progress continues to be made, but, again, a number of core issues remain to be resolved.” The service added that both the unions and the company have agreed to continue negotiating.