CWA/IBEW Verizon Bargaining Report: Monday, 8-4-08

The Unions and the Company have met throughout the day and into the evening and will be working throughout the night in an attempt to reach an agreement.  Slow but significant progress is being made and the clock remains stopped at 11:59 pm August 2nd.

What is clear to the bargaining committee is that it is the unity in the field that is forcing the Company to move.  Our members are the most important part of this bargaining effort and we realize the issues around maintaining a highly charged mobilization and readiness when members have so little specifics about the table.  We also appreciate the patience it takes when so many of these reports seem almost the same.

This bargaining has been like no other in any one's memory.  There have been fewer issues and yet never have the issues been more important.  While we would like to give details, we hope everyone understands why we can't report specifics on a situation that is in motion and changing every hour.  We also cannot let the Company try to bargain past the bargaining committee to our members in an attempt to weaken or divide us.

Our issues are the same everyday.  We want a fair contract that protects jobs, secures the future, and provides good wages.  So sometimes these reports will be to say we know you are there, we appreciate everything you are doing and we will stay in this together until this job is finished.

Members should report to work for their regular scheduled tour on Tuesday August 4.  Should it become necessary to start the clock causing our current agreement to expire, a strike could still be authorized.  We will keep you posted.