Bargaining Update for Monday, June 16, 2008
The CWA/IBEW 2213 Regional Bargaining Committee and the New England IBEW team resumed negotiations with Verizon today in Rye, New York. The two Unions presented the Company with a comprehensive proposal.
At the start of the session today, CWA Chief Negotiator Dennis Trainor strongly urged Verizon to join with CWA, other National Unions and Corporations to work for the enactment of a national health care program. This would save Verizon billions of dollars and remove the issue from the bargaining table in the future. Quoting CWA President Larry Cohen, Trainor told the Verizon representative to “get off our backs and get on our side” in this matter.
In the area of Medical and Prescription Drug benefits the Unions proposal recognizes the need for behavioral changes in the use of generic drugs and mail order prescriptions to ensure the present level of benefits. Other critical issues addressed today by the Unions included:
- Increase in wages, pensions and the Cost of Living formula
- Job Security to strengthen the bargaining unit
- Increase funding for the Dependent Care Reimbursement Fund
- Expanded Safety and Health programs and funding
- Insure that the same Health Benefits will apply to both active and retirees
- Eliminate sub-contracting
The Unions stressed the need for improvements in wages and job security. The Unions demanded that Verizon live up to their previous commitment that as the Company grows so does the Union. This ensures that the work of the future is performed by bargaining unit members.
Bargaining has recessed until June 30, 2008.
