CWA Local 1106

E-Activist Alert

Local 1106 News:

T-Mobile, RCA Join Forces to Stop Verizon's Cable Deals

T-Mobile USA, the Rural Cellular Association and public interest group Public Knowledge are joining together to formally oppose Verizon Wireless1 (NYSE:VZ) planned $3.9 billion purchase of AWS spectrum from cable companies.

The three will forge a new group, dubbed the Alliance for Broadband Competition, which describes itself as a "collection of like-minded businesses, trade associations, and public interest groups who are concerned about the ability for the current marketplace to sustain a competitive broadband landscape." Representatives from the American Antitrust Institute and Free Press are scheduled to make an appearance during the group's introductory conference call with media.

Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S), which has urged the FCC to examine the Verizon deal closely but has not formally asked the FCC to block the transaction, supports the new coalition but is not participating in the call.

A Verizon spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

T-Mobile, the RCA and Public Knowledge have made no secret of their opposition to the deal, with RCA accusing Verizon of warehousing it spectrum and T-Mobile arguing that it uses spectrum 50 percent more efficiently than Verizon in top markets. Verizon has rebutted these claims repeatedly in its FCC filings, and has said it needs the spectrum to keep pace with growing data demands. Moreover, Verizon has argued that it will put to good use spectrum that the cable companies are not using and that it will sell its Lower 700 MHz A and B Block spectrum if it receives regulatory approval for the cable deals.

T-Mobile, meanwhile, has a clear interest in ensuring that as much AWS spectrum remains on the market as possible. The company is using AWS spectrum to deploy LTE, and despite the spectrum it received from AT&T (NYSE:T) as a result of AT&T's failed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile, T-Mobile has said it will need more spectrum.

In December Verizon agreed to pay $3.6 billion for the nationwide AWS spectrum licenses held by SpectrumCo, a joint venture of cable companies Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Separately, Verizon said it will buy Cox Communication's 20 MHz of AWS spectrum covering 28 million POPs for $315 million. All of the deals include the option of Verizon reselling cable services and cable companies reselling Verizon service. The cable companies can also become MVNOs of Verizon.

Sprint, T-Mobile and the public interest groups have argued that Verizon and the cable companies have been too secretive about the details of the commercial arrangements they have struck. Verizon and the cable companies have said the deals are outside of the FCC's purview.

Added: May 14th, 2012 12:38PM |

FCC "Stops the Clock" on Verizon Wireless/Big Cable Proposal

CWA Applauds FCC Decision to "Stop the Clock" on Verizon/Big Cable Proposal

May 1, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. --The Communications Workers of America supports the decision by the Federal Communications Commission to "stop the clock" on its review of a proposed deal between Verizon Wireless and large cable operators, noting the action is an important step forward in assuring full disclosure of the potential impact on consumers and the prices they would pay.

"Today's FCC decision simply shows that as federal regulators look more closely at this proposal, the more they are seeing the potential problems," said CWA Telecommunications Policy Director Debbie Goldman. "CWA and many other national groups are saying it's important that all the facts regarding the impact of this proposed merger - particularly ones concerning pricing and competition - see the light of day."

On April 20, the CWA wrote a letter on the FCC to stop the 180-day clock in its review of the Verizon Wireless/Cable transaction that would allow Verizon, Comcast, Bright House, Cox and Time Warner to market each other's products and services. CWA asserted in the filing that the parties to the transaction have failed to provide requested data in a manner that allows for meaningful review. CWA also urged the FCC to follow the precedent it used in prior transaction reviews in which it stopped the clock until the agency and outside parties received requested documents in an accessible format and had a chance to review their content.

Meanwhile, public concern about the implications of the deal has mounted, with growing numbers of elected officials, consumer advocacy organizations, civil rights organizations, smaller cable providers, telecom workers, and individual consumers voicing their opposition to the venture. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino commissioned a study detailing the economic dangers of the deal for urban areas and the Maryland Chapter of the NAACP filed comments to the FCC explaining how concentrated power in the industry would put poor and minority communities at further economic disadvantage.

Further, residents of Syracuse, N.Y., protested the partnership, and over 145,000 consumers nationwide have signed an online petition against the deal. Last week, Rep. Henry Waxman and Rep. Anna Eshoo added their voices to the dissent by urging the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to hold public hearings on the deal.

Added: May 3rd, 2012 2:03PM |

NYS Attorney General Files Against Verizon At PSC

NYS Attorney General Schneiderman Files Against Verizon at PSC

The AG's Intervention with the PSC Confirms CWA's Arguments on Service Quality and Workforce Cuts

NYS Attorney General Schneiderman just intervened in the PSC's Verizon Service Quality proceeding. The filing details Verizon's service quality failings and recommends actions to the PSC, including ending workforce reductions. The Attorney General's intervention at the PSC confirms everything you have been lobbying and telling legislators for years.

Here's a representative quote from the beginning of the report: "Rather than meet its obligations to provide wireline telephone customers with minimally adequate telephone service, Verizon is continuing to drastically reduce its workforce with the result that the company cannot meet its customers repair needs in a timely manner."

The filing and the AG's second information request to Verizon is attached to this memo. You can also find it on the PSC website at:
http://documents.dps.ny.gov/publ idMatterManag ement/CaseMas ter. aspx? MatterCaseNo=10-C¬0202&submit.Search+by+Case+Number

The Attorney General's filing enormously amplifies our arguments on service quality, confirming that workforce reductions and capital dis-investment are destroying customer service quality. Your support on this issue was crucial to get the AG to intervene so forcefully. Although the filing is long, it is well worth reading.

Verizon Wireless/Cable Deal Update

We are also campaigning against the Verizon/Cable deal, focusing on the marketing agreement between Verizon and the Big Cable companies. One of our tactics is to delay the spectrum deal. Recently, CWA filed objections to Verizon Wireless and the cable companies' obstruction of the FCC and the public's review of the deal.

Here is a Bloomberg/BusinessWeek story about our filing:
Union Asks FCC to Slow Review of Verizon, Cable Deal littp://www.bloombeis.com/news/2012-04-20/union-asks-fcc-to-slow-review-of-verizon-cable-deal.html

Here is a link to our release and the letter we filed:
http://www.cwa-union.org/news/entry/cwa calls on fcc to stop the clock on review of anti-competitive verizon wi#.T5jYINXhdj4

Consumer groups, as well as Sprint, T-Mobile, and other companies followed our lead, generating more pressure and headlines. There are many more additional stories, here are two:
Reuters: Rivals seek delay of Verizon Cable deal review http://vvww.reuters.com/article/2012/04/24/us-verizon-cable-fcc-idUSBRE83N1F720120424

The Hill: Groups balk at paying Verizon $2K for FCC paper http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technologv/223417-groups-balk-at-paving-verizon-2k-for-fcc-paper

Added: May 1st, 2012 4:38PM |

Ready To Strike Campaign

People are in a state of shock. It's like a death - people are going through blame, denial, resignation ... but not looking reality in the face. The more initiative we can take, the more people will be forced to come to terms with the stakes of this fight. People are avoiding thinking about it, so we need to prepare for a worse-case scenario, and assume a fighting stance. Even if the Company backs down (unlikely) we will have mobilized and engaged a bigger swath of the members.

Remember who Enemy #1 is - Verizon!

Written by Amy Muldoon (Local 1106 Mobilization Liaison)

Added: April 25th, 2012 12:43PM |

Verizon to auction spectrum worth billions

Verizon Wireless to auction spectrum worth billions contingent on controversial deals

New York (AP) -- Verizon Wireless on Wednesday said it will auction a parcel of radio frequencies, which could be worth billions of dollars in an industry scrambling to offer consumers more cellular broadband.

The offer is contingent on Verizon getting government approval for three deals to buy spectrum from cable companies and Leap Wireless for a total of about $4 billion. Those deals were struck in November and December, but have met resistance from public-interest groups who say the cellphone company, already the nation's largest, doesn't need more spectrum and shouldn't be cozying up to competitors such as the cable companies.

Spectrum rights are the lifeblood of the wireless industry, since they're necessary to operate wireless networks. In recent years, growing demand for wireless data service has prompted cellphone companies to search for more spectrum, which would allow them to offer higher download speeds.

The spectrum Verizon proposes to auction has been called the "beachfront property" of the airwaves because it makes it easy to build a wireless broadband network with good coverage.

Verizon bought the rights to use the frequencies from the government for $4.4 billion in 2008. They were formerly used by UHF TV stations and cover areas like New York City, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami.

Verizon is keeping a larger, nationwide swatch of spectrum it bought in the same auction. It's using that for its "4G LTE" network, which went live a year and a half ago.

Verizon spokeswoman Robin Nicole denied that the auction is designed to get regulators at the Federal Communications Commission and Justice Department to approve the spectrum deals with the cable companies and Leap. If those transactions go through, Verizon doesn't need the licenses it plans to auction, she said.

"We wanted to put these licenses in the hands of other carriers who could use them, for the benefit of their customers," she said.

One of the companies that might be interested in the spectrum is No. 2 carrier AT&T Inc., which has been building its own LTE network in adjacent bands.

An AT&T spokesman said the company has no comment on Verizon's proposal.

Verizon Wireless is a joint venture controlled by Verizon Communications Inc., the New York-based company. Vodafone Group PLC, a British cellphone company, owns the 45 percent Verizon doesn't own.

Verizon shares fell 10 cents to $37.63 in midday trading. The company is set to report first-quarter results on Thursday morning.

Added: April 19th, 2012 12:32PM |

Verizon, Time Warner Push Ahead with Cross-Selling

Maisie Ramsey
Wireless Week

Verizon Wireless and Time Warner have begun cross-selling each other's products in Ohio, Kansas and North Carolina even though the government has yet to close its review of the marketing arrangement and a multi-billion dollar spectrum sale associated with it.

The companies said yesterday that customers in Kansas City, Kan Raleigh, N.C. and Columbus, Toledo and areas of southwest Ohio would be able to purchase Time Warner's video, Internet and voice services and Verizon's smartphones and tablets from both companies. Customers who sign up for the bundled services may be eligible for a $200 prepaid debit card.

Verizon is buying $3.9 billion worth of AWS spectrum from Time Warner Cable, BrightHouse Networks, Comcast and Cox Communications. Along with the spectrum deal, the five companies also agreed to market and cross-sell each other's products.

The FCC is still reviewing the spectrum transaction and has asked the five companies for information about the marketing arrangement. The Justice Department is also said to be looking into the marketing deals.

Verizon and its cable partners insist that the cross-selling deal and spectrum sale are unrelated despite being forged at the same time, a claim that has been repeatedly called into question by opponents to the deal.

"They're two separate issues," Verizon spokesman Paul Macchia says. "The spectrum has nothing to do with the agreement between Time Warner Cable and Verizon Wireless."

A spokesman for the FCC could not be immediately reached for comment.

Verizon has said the FCC has no jurisdiction over the marketing arrangement and has also pushed ahead with cross-selling Comcast's products in Seattle, Wash. Portland, Ore., and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The cross-selling agreements came under intense scrutiny during a recent congressional hearing, when lawmakers asked whether the deal amounted to a non-compete clause between Verizon's FiOS service and its partners' cable offerings.

Added: April 18th, 2012 12:25PM |

Verizon 2012 Dependent Verification Request

We have been notified by the Company that they will be conducting a Dependent Verification process and will be sending a Dependent Verification Communication package to all their employees and retirees who have a dependent on record. It is extremely important that every member take the time to review the entire package. The material is time sensitive and if ignored your dependent's coverage will be terminated. Action is required by everyone.

4/17/2012 - Packages Mailed to Home Address on file
5/15/2012 - Reminder Mailed
6/15/2012 - Communications End Date
6/20 - 6/25/2012 - Coverage Termination Notices Sent
7/13/2012 - Grace Period Ends
7/31/2012 - Termination of Benefits for Unverified Dependents

The first action that must be taken by our members is for everyone to review the list of dependents they have enrolled as of March 6, 2012. They should note that dependents who are certified as disabled or are covered under a QMCSO are not subject to this verification process. Dependents who fall into these categories are pre-populated with a verified date and no further action is required.

If you have an ineligible dependent on your list, you must remove that dependent from coverage by accessing the website at www.verizon.com/benefits or by calling the Dependent Verification Center at 1-877-489-2367. They should follow the instructions that are provided in the package under Verification Request Notice - in section - Your Action is Required - Dependent Verification. The Company has agreed that they will not be looking back on any of the changes that we make during the first phase of the verification process. The time for us to drop a dependent that does not meet the qualifications for coverage is as soon as you receive the Dependent Verification Communications.

Everyone must follow the instructions to verify your dependents. Everyone MUST verify their dependents. There are documents that are needed for every dependent on the list that you have enrolled as your dependents. Please follow the instructions that are outlined in the "Eligibility Rules and Documentations Required" section in the package. If you are having trouble obtaining any document birth certificate, marriage license, or whatever document you need to verify eligibility, you should call the "Dependent Verification" representative at 1-877-489-2367 to inform them. All members should make sure they have received the Dependent Verification Communications and they know how important it is to follow the instructions provided.

Everyone must receive a confirmation notice when the process is completed. The Union will be working with the Company during this process to ensure that members are given enough time if they encounter a problem. We need to know the specifics of those problems in the early stages of the process to avoid any coverage being terminated.

Added: April 17th, 2012 11:08AM |

Cuomo's Internet phone deregulation bill dead

ALBANY, Mar 23, 2012 (Times Union - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has removed legislation from his executive budget that would have protected telecommunications companies offering Internet phone service from regulation.

Unions and consumer advocacy groups had opposed the bill, which had support of companies like Verizon and Time Warner Cable that argued the absence of the law provided an uncertain regulatory environment.

New York state currently doesn't regulate Internet phone service, although it heavily regulates traditional wire line phone service. Verizon is the largest provider in the state.

Over recent years, the telecommunications industry has pushed legislation across the country to prevent states from regulating Internet phone service. They argue such regulation would stifle innovation and competition and would be nearly impossible because of the wide array of players such as Vonage and Skype that don't have a physical network in the state like Verizon and Time Warner Cable.

Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto confirmed that the bill was no longer included in the budget, but he said the governor did not immediately have a comment on why the legislation did not survive.

Verizon still gets a significant amount of its revenues from its traditional phone service, but it has increased the amount of alternative phone offerings it sells to customers as it seeks to compete with cell phone and cable companies.

"Verizon is very disappointed that New York's lawmakers, who want the public to believe that 'New York is open for business,' will not be acting on this important measure to modernize the state's outdated telecommunications laws in this year's budget," said Verizon spokesman John Bonomo. "New York has fallen behind 21 other states in taking this step, losing its leadership position in terms of promoting business and consumer-friendly telcom reforms. If New York wants to maintain its key role in the global economy, it needs telcom laws that reflect 21st century realities." ___ (c)2012 Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) Visit Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

Added: March 29th, 2012 8:26PM |

Proxies

We're all receiving proxies solicited by the Board of Directors of Verizon Communications Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, taking place on Thursday, May 3, 2012. Please give them to your District Steward or either of the two Division Stewards of the Local, to be forwarded to the District 1 mobilizers.

Added: March 27th, 2012 1:40PM |

Verizon Wireless Call Center Closures to Affect More Than 3,000 Jobs

More than 3,000 Verizon Wireless workers will need to find new jobs over the next few months. The company will close or consolidate several call centers in the U.S. where it handles customer complaints and questions. The non-union employees were informed of the decision March 8th and are being given one of three different options, Verizon explained in a statement sent to CNET.

Workers can apply for a different job elsewhere in the company (if there are any, which is doubtful). They can try to find a similar job in another Verizon call center with relocation assistance in the form of $10,000 in after-tax dollars. Or they can opt for a severance package.

"We value the employees at these centers," Verizon further said in its statement. "They are highly trained, highly skilled, and experienced - and they will be encouraged to stay with the company.

Though this sounds like a cost-cutting move on Verizon's part, Verizon spokesperson, Tom Pica, insisted to CNET that it's not.

We are moving all the jobs to other call centers," Pica said. We will relocate as many employees as we can. We are investing in new technologies and training in the new core company centers." But the company also acknowledged that the move is designed to maximize the assets of the company and its real estate.

Added: March 20th, 2012 1:44PM |

Union's Response to Verizon General Counsel's Message Regarding Strike Disciplinary Action

Verizon recently distributed a message from its General Counsel, Randy Milch, setting out the Company's position on disciplinary actions taken by Verizon following the strike after the old contracts expired. This message does not give an accurate picture of what happened or of the legal proceedings that are now going on as a result of unfair labor practice charges filed against the Company by CWA. CWA wants to set the record straight.

The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint against Verizon on January 31, 2012 involving the suspension and termination of 13 IBEW-represented employees in New Jersey for actions that took place during the strike. The NLRB's complaint states that Verizon's actions were intended to "discourage employees from engaging in [protected] activities" in violation of the law. The NLRB is actively investigating Verizon's suspension and discharge of other individuals in Districts 1 and 2-13 and in New England and we believe that the NLRB will soon be issuing more complaints against Verizon in these cases as well.

The issuance of a complaint means that the NLRB has cause to believe that an employer has violated the National Labor relations Act. This is far more than simply a routine decision to hold an "administrative hearing" as Verizon's General Counsel well knows - this means that the federal agency charged with upholding the law that governs your workplace has concluded that is more likely than not that what Verizon did in these cases was unlawful.

Verizon's disciplinary process here was profoundly unfair. First, it made decisions to discipline employees before interviewing them or getting the full facts about what actually happened. Second, the discipline imposed was very different and far more severe than in past contract disputes and earlier strikes. The NLRB is taking these charges very seriously because it has concluded that Verizon's actions were intended to discourage employees from engaging in conduct that is protected by law. We will keep you posted about future developments as these proceedings go forward.

Added: March 6th, 2012 12:28PM |

To All CWA and TWU Local Unions

We are pleased to announce that our two unions have signed an affiliation agreement that creates exciting opportunities for us to build power for our combined 850,000 members and to grow our unions through new organizing. This alliance will enhance our efforts to build a strong progressive movement for change in this country.

Our goals as trade unionists are to enhance the job security, working conditions, and bargaining power of our members and grow through organizing and political engagement. We are stronger as a movement when we work together. This partnership enhances both of our unions' capacity to wage these battles on behalf of all workers.

Members of our unions often live and work in the same communities. Some of us share the same employers. This alliance will build on those synergies, allowing us to take on strategic campaigns and win.

By forming this alliance, we agree to develop a closer relationship between our unions, to launch joint projects, and share information. In the coming months, we will evaluate areas of shared strength and identify opportunities to work together.

This agreement is a positive step for both our organizations, and we are excited about the future as we move ahead together. We believe this is a movement-building opportunity let us seize it. We encourage each of you to get involved in strengthening our alliance and continuing our efforts on behalf of working people.

The agreement:

The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) and the Communications Workers Union of America CWA agree to enter into an Alliance/Affiliation for the purpose of strengthening the collective interests of our combined or respective memberships.

The goal of both Unions is to enhance the job security, working conditions, bargaining and organizing capacity, necessary ti insure economic prosperity for our members, while preserving and building upon the proud history and accomplishments attributed to both Unions. It is further expected that both Unions will begin to act and work together in the following areas:

Develop a closer relationship in order to maximize our efforts where we have common interests and issues

Facilitate joint efforts, both Domestic and Internationally in order to achieve specific goals and objectives

Develop coordinated and innovative Legislative and Political campaign and corporate strategies

Evaluate areas of shared density for future growth and support with major emphasis on organizing

Create information sharing mechanisms including research, education, training, health & safety, communications, legal, etc.

It is the TWU's and CWA's intent to maintain their respective identities, brands, logos, autonomy, etc., consistent with similar Union Alliances and Partnerships.

Added: March 2nd, 2012 10:58AM |

Communications Workers Seeks Conditions on Verizon Bid for Cable Spectrum

Washington, D.C. -- In a filing to the Federal Communications Commission, the Communication Workers of America called for specific conditions on the application by Verizon Wireless to purchase additional spectrum from four cable providers.

CWA does not oppose the sale of spectrum. We believe that spectrum should be used and that additional spectrum is necessary to expand connectivity. However, to ensure competition, protect consumer choice, and promote job-creating investment, the FCC should set specific conditions on this application.

The FCC stated and CWA agrees that competition among network operators is critical to ensure that broadband is affordable & accessible. The proposed transaction, without conditions, would eliminate the historic competition between FiOS and cable company services through joint marketing arrangements. The result: reduced investment in infrastructure, job loss and higher prices for consumers. Millions of consumers in Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo and other cities in the Verizon footprint where the company has not yet built FiOS will never have access to the advanced fiber network.

The joint marketing agreements will give Verizon and the cable companies -- through their ability to offer a quad play of voice, video, data and wireless from the top video, broadband, and wireless providers -- the market power to harm competition, raise cable and broadband rates and reduce incentives for new video entrants to invest in their networks, leading to significant job loss.

CWA is calling for specific conditions on this transaction.

First, consistent with past transactions, the FCC should require that Verizon continue to offer FiOS broadband Internet access service, expand its in-region deployment to cover at least 95 percent of residences and, following the merger, continue to deploy a set percentage of broadband to rural and and low income areas, with timetables, data reporting and penalties for non-compliance.

Second, the joint marketing arrangements should not be permitted to put other marketers of Verizon Wireless service at a disadvantage. Comparable conditions and terms for the marketing of Verizon Wireless service should be available to all wireline competitors in a market. This will even the playing field among competitors.

CWA urges the FCC carefully to review this proposed transaction and address the effect on competition, consumers and jobs by setting conditions to ensure the deal is in the public interest.

Added: February 23rd, 2012 9:53AM |

Verizon Wireless' Partnership With Comcast Sets Up Potential Conflicts With FiOS

A few weeks ago, Verizon Wireless and Comcast took the first steps toward a partnership involving spectrum deals and an agreement to sell each others' services. The wireless giant started offering Comcast's Xfinity internet TV, and home phone services in Portland and Seattle, but there's a few potential conflicts that could crop up - specifically the fact that Verizon is also heavily invested in its FiOS services which compete directly with Comcast. While Portland and Seattle are both markets where FiOS is unavailable, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that as the Verizon Wireless/Comcast partnership expands, it could start encroaching upon FiOS areas, setting up a potentially awkward conflict between Verizon's wireless and telecommunications arms.

There's already some oddity on display: a page on Verizon Wireless' website claims Comcast offers "the fastest Internet service in the nation," while the Verizon FiOS page simultaneously claims it "beats every other cable provider in speed reliability." Comcast is even expecting to use this disconnect to weaken the position of FiOS going forward: last month, Comcast Cheif Executive Neil Smit, indicated that his company will work with Verizon Wireless to develop new products with the goal of giving Comcast "a very important strategic competitive advantage." Smit then confirmed that Comcast would be able to use that advantage." Smit then confirmed that Comcast would be able to use that advantage against Verizon in areas where FiOS and Comcast compete.

All this action comes even though Verizon hasn't managed to wrap up its $3.6 billion spectrum purchase from Comcast and Time Warner, a deal that's still under investigation by the FCC. We're still waiting to hear from the Department of Justice and the FCC, but it's clear both companies are taking this partnership seriously and hope to have joint services available as soon as possible.

Added: February 10th, 2012 2:54PM |

Farewell to Tommy O

The Executive Board of Local 1106 wants to wish congratulations and good luck to Inside Delegate Tom Occhiogrosso on his retirement.
Tom started with New York Telephone in 1966. Early on he became a Shop Steward, and then went on to become the District Steward for the Newtown/Corona inside district. He served on the Executive Board as a Delegate representing Inside crafts for 18 years. During that time Tom also served on the Training Advisory Committee for the National Union as well as representing 1106 on the Next Step Committee. He was one of the two trainers who prepared many of you for the UTP/SPV tests. He is to thank for many of your upgrades.
Tom also served on the Inside Safety Committee and was instrumental in the many successes of that committee. He was the co-editor of the quarterly Safety Newsletter, published through this committee, besides being the editor of the Local 1106 News Letter.
Tom was a committed Delegate and all those members who had the opportunity to work with him recognized his dedication. He will be sorely missed.
The entire Executive Board will feel his absence, as he could always be counted on. He will especially be missed by Inside Vice President Hondo DeStefano and Inside Delegate Eileen Flannery who worked closely with him for 18 and 15 years, respectively. They both know that Tom started and retired as a true union labor leader.
From the entire Executive Board, we wish Tom well in his retirement and feel grateful we had the opportunity to work with him.

Added: January 6th, 2012 11:24AM |

1106 Speaks Out Against Verigreedy

On December14th approximately 200 Local 1106 members joined the CWA & Occupy Wall Street Labor Outreach Committee for a march & general assembly in Forest Hills, Queens. We met at the Verizon Multi-Lingual Center and Central Office on 70th Rd. We were lead by our District 1 Occupy Wall Street liaison, Amy Muldoon, who had contacted the NYPD Community Affairs liaison & arranged to close off the streets to traffic as we marched. We went up 70th Rd. to Austin St., passing the Verizon Wireless Store, down to Continental Ave., then back to the Verizon building.

The energy was high and positive. We chanted as we marched and carried signs identifying ourselves as part of the 99% and calling out to the Verigreedy Company for a fair contract. We were joined by a few members of Local 1105, several members of our sister unions TWU, Local 100 and, SEIU, Local 1199, as well as Occupy Wall Street activists . Even some pedestrians who identified with our cause picked up signs and marched right along with us. It was a powerful feeling to be part of this very important march. There was a strong sense of unity and purpose.

When we completed the march we assembled in front of the Verizon building, around the large rat, supplied to us by the Teamsters, Local 814. There, Amy conducted an "open mic" session, which allowed anyone who wished to speak to do so. Many of our members, including President Elect, Jerry Bulzomi, got up to speak their minds. Members of the other unions spoke, too, sharing stories of their own struggles and pledging their support to us. One of the most moving stories came from a member of CWA Local 1101 whose employment was recently terminated due to "strike related activities." He told us how afraid his family is for the future, but how he, himself, felt no fear while he attended our rally because it gave him hope.

Being part of events like this gives everyone there hope and a sense of empowerment. We are strong and we are right! We encourage all members to participate in any future events that are scheduled. We will keep the tape and our steward body updated with that information as it becomes available. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to our Bargaining Teams to conduct mobilization activities. So, get involved! Get off the sidelines! And thank you to all of you who did participate.

Added: December 22nd, 2011 3:51PM |

Added: May 1st, 2012 4:31PM |

NY State Unemployment
ui.labor.state.ny.us/UBC/home.do

CWA National Home Page
www.cwa-union.org

CWA National Political Page
www.cwa-legislative.org

CWA District 1
district1.cwa-union.org

CWA Retired Members Council
www.cwa-union.org/rmc

CWA Credit Union
www.cwacreditunion.com

AFL-CIO
www.aflcio.org

FOA Law
www.foalaw.com

Union Plus
www.unionplus.org

Verizon Benefits Resources
resources.hewitt.com/verizon

Medco Prescription Drug Plan
www.merck-medco.com

MetLife
www.metlife.com/mybenefits

Next Step Program
www.nspinfo.com

Verizon Foundation
www.verizon.com/foundation

National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.ndvh.org

National Child Care Information Center
nccic.org

Seniors-Site.com
seniors-site.com