We will have a downloadable copy of the new 2008-2011 contract posted here as soon as we can.  In the mean time, here is the previous 2003-2008 Verizon contract for reference purposes.

The file is zipped.  Windows XP and Vista have built-in functionality to unzip the file.  If you're using a different operating system, you'll need an unzip utility such as Winzip.  To view the unzipped file, you'll need a .doc program such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice.

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June 11, 2010

CWA Local 1400 Verizon Brothers and Sisters,

On Wednesday, June 9, 2010, Verizon unilaterally changed the way calls are disbursed among Service Representatives in the CSSC's.  The Company advised us in May that they would be implementing a new phone system and skills/performance based call routing, but never gave us the contractual 6 month notification.  The Local has filed grievances and will be filling charges with the National Labor Relations Board.

This system has also been implemented in New York and New Jersey.  The National Union is fighting this technology change.  There was a letter included in our 2008 Contract that is supposed to give Campaign calls to all 1400 members, however, by implementing skills/performance based routing, not all members would be receiving these calls equally. 

Sales objectives are not negotiated by the Union, however, by using skills based routing Verizon says it will change each representative’s sales objectives, depending on what calls are taken.  We feel by fluctuating objectives, some representatives will have more opportunity to make higher commission bonuses.  How can Verizon say this is fair and equitable?  The first (2) days are showing how disparaging this system is.  Representatives in the "capable" queue are getting back-to-back calls, while representatives in the "served" queue are waiting 4 to 9 minutes in between calls!  

We advised Labor Relations "Not only will this affect sales opportunities, but it will also affect morale."  They don't agree.

CWA 1400 MEMBERS, YOU ARE OUR EYES AND EARS.

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT DIFFERENCES YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SO WE CAN ADDRESS THESE ISSUES!

 

In Solidarity,

CWA Local 1400 Executive Board

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April 23, 2010

CWA 1400 Brothers and Sisters,

 

Your Executive Board would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for sticking together and participating in our mobilization efforts. Because of our Unity CWA has been successful in making the following agreements with Verizon: *There is a no layoff clause through May 1, 2011 in CWA 1400. Employees with a NCS after 2003 will be safe! *Because of our mobilizations we have negotiated some TP positions in the SRC and CSSC to be bargaining unit work that will be rotated. *We are still going over guidelines for the 4 day work week - the Department has agreed to maintain it and not eliminate it. Your CWA Executive Board will be having further discussions with the department regarding the 4DWW, TP and Offline Functions (projects) in May. Because of 1400's solidarity we are going back to "BAU" (Business As Usual). We have had a very successful mobilization because of everyone's participation. We appreciate all the help and support from our members! Thank you to all the TP's that have stepped down! If you choose to take a TP'd position at this point, keep in mind you are not protected by the contract while you are TP'd. Please continue to WEAR RED on Thursdays and wear your "Honor Our Contract" buttons. Continue the Solidarity, we have a big fight ahead of us in 2011!

In Unity,

CWA Local 1400 Executive Board

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"Informational Picketing in Andover" April 9th, 2010

April 5, 2010

CWA’s response to Verizon’s (Good Friday) Holiday Message

After reading Verizon’s Good Friday message, it would appear that the leadership of CWA and IBEW is just dead set on denying its members Verizon’s generosity.  Can the Union s be so heartless? 

Well, nothing can be further from the truth.  The Unions are willing and even anxious to help reduce Verizon’s so-called “surplus” by financially assisting those who, for whatever reason, wish to leave the payroll.  However, we cannot agree to leave 15% of the work groups out of this special offer.  Nor, can we agree to assist Verizon in its attempt to eliminate such a large number of employees while the Company continues to contract work in violation of our contract. 

Over the past month CWA and IBEW met several times with Verizon to discuss what appears to the Unions as a “headcount reduction scheme”.  In fact, confirming the Unions’ suspicion, Verizon’s spokesperson told the Unions “even if we brought all contracted work back in house, we still need to cut 12,000 employees”. 

CWA and IBEW met with Verizon with the hopes of finding a way to accomplish three things:

1.      Reduce the amount of outside contracting by bringing that work back to the core employees, and thereby reducing the surplus,

2.      Finding a way to safeguard the jobs of those hired after 8/3/03, and

3.      Offering all employees the best opportunity to leave the payroll with an expectation of financial security.

It was the Unions that proposed raising or eliminating the 30-year cap on calculating the IPP/ISP payments (Verizon’s final proposal raised the cap to 40 years) and providing the additional bonus ($40,000) to all employees accepting the IPP/ISP, not just those hired before August 2003 as Verizon’s original proposal called for.

At the final meeting between the Unions and Verizon, the Company representatives sat there empty handed and closed mouth when it came to addressing alternative ways to reduce their (real or inflated) surplus.   When the Unions raised concerns about the potential for increased contracting with a reduced employee base, they were met with silence.  When the Unions raised concerns about increased customer complaints over long intervals for service repairs and installation, we were met with silence.  When the Union raised concerns about offering a “one-time” enhanced voluntary leave package to only 85% of the unionized work groups, they were met with silence.

Verizon claims that its $23 billion investment in FiOS was to “lay the foundation for future success and employment.”  How does eliminating 12,000 jobs translate into future employment?  It is this and similar confusing statements that have left the Unions wondering what is truly going on here.  CWA and IBEW entered these discussions in earnest; trying to find a way to relieve a declared surplus.  The Unions’ proposals were intended to provide financial incentives to employees who wished to leave the payroll, especially more senior employees.  This, we believed, would help secure employment opportunities for less senior employees.  The Unions also proposed ways to insure future job security by eliminating dependence on contract labor.  Verizon was not interested in any work returning to core employees.

The whole-sale elimination of 12,000 jobs, as proposed by Verizon, appears to leave one key element in a prosperous company out of the equation - the customer.  Only by increasing the number of satisfied customers will our jobs truly remain secure today and in the future. 

CWA remains open to improvements in the IPP/ISP and Pension Plan.  But, Verizon must demonstrate its intention to secure future employment for its employees and not just make empty statements about it.

March 26th, 2010

"If there were no TP's, managers would have to do their own work and not put their nose in our work!"

Attention Verizon CWA Local 1400 Brothers & Sisters:

We want to thank all of the members who have stepped down from performing management functions! On Day 1 - ALL of the TP's in the Taunton SRC stepped down! Everyone is, once again, showing our Union brothers and sisters that we are united! **There are still a number of Union members that are refusing to step down.** We are mobilizing and asking ALL TP's in CWA 1400 to return to their bargained for job functions and DO NOT perform ANY management work! Some TP's have asked for a "personal request" to step down - Please note: ANY Union Brother or Sister asking you to step down IS a "personal request!" Help your Union Brothers and Sisters: STAND UNITED - STEP DOWN!

We need everyone's participation to ensure that all the contract violations are righted. These are VERY serious issues that we are fighting for! If you have any questions, please see your Union Representatives or call your Local Officers at the Union Hall.

In Solidarity,

CWA Local 1400 Executive Board

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March 22, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the past year the CWA and the IBEW have been under attack by Verizon. Verizon notified District 1 they want to change the Attendance Control Plan and Safety Plan. Verizon notified District 1 and unilaterally implemented a Dress Code and changes to Medical Plans other than those bargained in 2008. Hundreds of members in New York and New England have been laid off and Verizon has notified the unions of yet another surplus to eliminate another 12,000 union jobs across the country.

In Local 1400 we are still fighting the unilateral changes to long standing practices regarding the SA escalations and Care of Newborn Child policy. We are fighting the implementation of systems and tech changes without notification. Sales and COBC discipline are out of control and completely subjective. Local 1400, as well as the National Unions, have filed grievances, arbitrations, National Labor Board Charges and a lawsuit regarding, what we believe to be, the companies unfair FMLA practices. All of this is not enough for Verizon!

They have not given written notification to District 1 and verbally gave us notice of the closure of the Worcester and Pleasant Street offices as well as the consolidation of Andover Reps to just one floor. This past Thursday Verizon advised us of a decision to change a long standing practice of offering at least 10% of members the four day work week in the CSSC. Currently, 68 of our members (11%) are taking advantage of the schedule. Verizon is unilaterally reducing this number to 25 and then reevaluate whether to remove the option completely in four weeks, just in time for the spring and summer seasons. How can they say there are not enough CSSC reps to cover DU’s for both Saturday and Four Day Work Weeks or give closed time and there are not enough SRC employees to cross train to prepare for the consolidation with the MAC Center ? Yet there is a surplus in EVERY job title in every department?

Next year our contract expires. We didn’t start this war but it’s time we started fighting back! In locations nationally, including Local 1400, Verizon has been attacking the membership! Effective immediately we are asking all TP’s, ACTING and LOANS to STEP DOWN and return to the side of your brothers and sisters in the fight to protect our contract, our future and each other. Remember to wear red on Thursday!

In Solidarity,

Donald Trementozzi

President

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