Verizon Reaches Deal With Striking CWA Workers

New York-based Verizon Communications Inc., reached a deal with the Communications Workers of America and affiliated unions to end a nearly 45-day strike that started in April. As a part of the deal, Verizon agreed to add new jobs, give raises and take back some of the proposed cuts to benefits. The strike affected operations primarily on the East Coast which included New York City. The striking workers agreed to return to work on June 1.

“After more than six weeks on the picket line, Verizon workers won an excellent new contract that will protect good jobs and preserve our standard of living. The members’ unity and determination defeated company proposals to outsource and contract out work, and the new agreement will create 1,500 new union jobs up and down the East Coast,” Dennis G. Trainor, Vice President of CWA District One said in a statement. “Together, we are turning the tide from cutbacks against working people to building a stronger labor movement and strengthening the power of working Americans. And, for the first time in history, Verizon Wireless retail employees in Brooklyn, NY and Everett, MA will have a union contract that improves working conditions and gives workers a united voice on the job.”

Verizon is also relieved to leave the strike behind.

“The tentative agreements reached today are good for our employees, good for our customers and will be good for our business,” Marc Reed, Verizon’s chief administrative officer said in a statement.  “The new contracts will help ensure that Verizon employees continue to receive solid wages and excellent healthcare and retirement benefits.  They also include key changes sought by the company to better position our wireline business for success in the digital world.”

The long strike drew support for the CWA from celebrities and political figures.

Democratic Presidential hopeful Senator Bernie Sanders joined strikers on the picket line to encourage them to stand up for their demands in the strike. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave words of encouragement for strikers from the campaign trail.

Over the past five years, Verizon has invested billions in infrastructure upgrades in New York City and along the east coast. The company recently announced a plan to improve critical wiring and infrastructure to help improve service in Boston.