PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Verizon Workers Ready to Call-Out Boss
by Rovin' Workman, for Pittsburgh IMC Saturday August 02, 2003 at 03:02 AM

Update on Verizon's latest effort to screw workers.

Come Saturday morning, Pittsburghers may see the beginning of a long strike at Verizon. Workers have been trying to negotiate a new contract, but management wants significant concessions from the workforce. Workers struck for 18 days in 2000 before the last contract agreement, which is set to expire Saturday, August 2, 2003.

Many workers think that Verizon is bargaining in bad faith in an attempt to break the unions. It has resisted unionization of its cellular workers, and wants to unload more jobs, and move even more to cheaper locations. Workers have answered these proposals with a resounding "no," as CWA members voted overwhelmingly (92% of ballots cast) to authorize a strike if an agreement could not be reached by Saturday.

Both the CWA and IBEW have contracts up for renewal, and these contracts cover roughly 80,000 workers concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

In the last month, Verizon has been training managers to take over the jobs of unionized workers, and has been soliciting a steady supply of replacement workers (scabs) from temp agencies downtown, including Volt Information Sciences, Inc.

The company has also been waging a public relations war, running ads in many media outlets, explaing how good workers have it under their current contract. Of course, the irony is that Verizon is trying to change whatever was "good" about the past contract.

Verizon wants to be able to lay-off thousands of workers (including those with many years seniority) as well as transfer others to different parts of the US. The company also wants to increase health care contributions and cut-down on sick leave for workers who are already overworked and exhausted from previous rounds of cuts.

The unions say it's management pay which should be cut, where high-level officials pull in way over $5 to 15 million a year, not including their generous stock options.

If Verizon succeeds in busting the unions, organized labor will be weaker as a whole, and workers in the telecommunications industry will be the unwilling participants in a "race to the bottom" for labor standards.

Help workers on the picket line! The next job you save might be your own.

add your comments

Call Volt
by R. Workman Saturday August 02, 2003 at 03:09 AM

Tell the scum-suckers at Volt that Pittsburghers hate scabs!! Here is some info on Volt and a "special project" they are offering to temp employees:

Location:
Pittsburgh, PA

Description:
Immediate need exists for 45 CSR's for a special project to start for an Inbound Call Center located in downtown Pittsburgh. Will work up to 72 hours a week with overtime paid daily. All shifts available. If interested, please call us at 412 434-7675, respond by e-mail to Pittsburgh@volt.com, or fax your resume to 412 434-7676.

Requirements:
Prior customer service experience, accurate data entry, & good communication skills

Type:
CONTRACT

Duration:
60 - 90 Days

Payrate:
10.00 - 10.01 Hourly DOE

Contact:
Volt Services Group
355 Fifth Ave., Ste. 719
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412/434-7675
Fax: 412/434-7676
pittsburgh053499@volt.com

---
Keep in mind that some of these poor souls probably have no idea they are being called-in to break a strike, or, have been told lies about the union workers.

TRY TO REASON BEFORE IT IS OPEN SEASON!!

add your comments

latest
by rw Saturday August 02, 2003 at 03:37 AM

union officials calling for "shock and awe" in mid-atlantic region. I hope this means a large, strong picket line. here is a site with the latest info:

http://www.cwa-union.org/verizon/mid-atlantic

add your comments