Strike Looms as Verizon, Union Negotiations Struggle -

Verizon and its union employees don't appear to be making much headway in negotiations over a new contract, and a strike may be unavoidable if a new deal can't be hashed out by month's end. Verizon's currently training around 15,000 potential replacements should the company not be able to reach a deal with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which includes around 38,000 Verizon workers.

The latest CWA bargaining update makes it clear that pension plans remain a sticking point in negotiations.

"After listening to 5 minutes worth of their retrogressive and insulting pension presentation/proposal, the Union made it clear to the Company that we are looking for improvements to the Pension Plans not diminishments to our retirement security," said the union.

"This Corporation has no respect for the members of our Union who have built this Company," the post continues. "All members should be as angry as the Bargaining Team. It is time for every member to make it clear to management that we are not going to accept these retrogressive demands."

The CWA plans to hold a rally on July 25 in Rye, New York. Health care, pension and sick-time benefits appear to be the key issues keeping the Verizon and the CWA apart in stalled union contract negotiations.
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