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On June 22, 2011 Regional Bargaining began between Verizon CWA Districts 1, 2, and 13, as well as IBEW New York, New England, and New Jersey opened negotiations with Verizon today. CWA District 1 and IBEW NY and NE are negotiating for new contract at the Rye Town Hilton in Westchester County, CWA Districts 2, 12, as well as IBEW NJ are negotiating in Philidelphia. Chris Shelton District 1 gave an opening statement to the company at the Regional table. He closed by stating "So we come here today to negotiate a contract that is fair to the company, one that protects good Union jobs and gives our membership the opportunity to grow along with the company." After some discussions that first week Verizon then made it clear they want to take away almost every protection we have as Union members. Here are some:
WAGES: Both annual and progression increases will be tied to your yearly evaluation. If you receive a "Does Not Meet Position Requirements" you will not receive an increase. Eliminate Night and Saturday Differential. Eliminate Sunday premium pay.
PENSIONS: FROZEN as of December 31, 2011
BENEFITS: Eliminate the current health care, prescription, dental and vision plans and offer plans with high deductibles and contributions. Eliminate accident disability benefits. Cut in half sickness disablilty benefits. Reduce sick days to five (5) days. Reduce Paid Holidays to seven (7).
JOB SECURITY: Eliminate Job Security Provisions, movement of work protection, 35 mile transfer provision, Force Adjustment Plan, New Contracting Initiatives agreement.
OTHER: Eliminate Next Step Program, 1/2 day off Christmas Eve, Dependent Care Fund.
As all of you know this is not a company facing a financial crisis. They are extremely profitable. This is not a company coming to its Union employees seeking ways to work together to face the challenges of the future. Their proposals seek to destroy our future. And our FAMILIES FUTURES.
Please stay informed by calling the tape, checking Face Book at IBEW 2213, and our website ibew2213.org. Please support your bargaining committee by voting YES on your strike ballot. This is our way of showing Verizon our members stand behind their committee. Bargaining will resume for both the Regional and Local tables on July 18.
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