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Communications Workers of America Hails Ruling that Backs Job Security Pact at Verizon: Decision Ord
Following is a statement by CWA on the decision released today by arbitrator Shyam Das, sustaining negotiated job security provisions for workers at Verizon-New York.
The decision by Arbitrator Shyam Das to uphold existing job security safeguards for Verizon Communications workers in New York is very welcome news for thousands of workers and their families. This decision means that 2,400 union-represented workers who wrongfully lost their jobs last December, and hundreds of others who were involuntarily transferred in that process, must be reinstated to their positions.
Contract language negotiated by CWA and Nynex, now part of Verizon, in 1994 stipulates that the company can't lay off workers for reasons of "process change" having to do with technology or various business changes, and that layoffs can only take place as a result of special conditions caused by "external events." The arbitrator backed CWA's position that the economic reasons cited by Verizon for the layoffs did not meet the definition of external events as negotiated by the parties.
This decision also is very good news for customers who deserve high quality telecom services and for shareholders who want their investment to grow through growing the business and generating revenues – not just slashing costs at the expense of service quality. Verizon's success depends on a reputation for quality service provided by skilled workers – all the more important in an increasingly competitive telecom industry
Verizon's service quality recently has been the focus of scathing reports by New York regulators and elected officials who have questioned Verizon's job cuts and its reduction in needed investment in network equipment and maintenance. Throughout the 12 Verizon East states, some 17,000 union jobs have been eliminated in just the past two years.
CWA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are now in contract negotiations with Verizon on behalf of 75,000 employees. We are committed to Verizon's success as well as fair treatment of the skilled and dedicated employees we represent. We hope to reach a settlement that enables Verizon to continue to be the leader it is in the worldwide telecommunications industry, recognizing that its success depends on the skills and superior productivity of its frontline workforce.
The decision by Arbitrator Shyam Das to uphold existing job security safeguards for Verizon Communications workers in New York is very welcome news for thousands of workers and their families. This decision means that 2,400 union-represented workers who wrongfully lost their jobs last December, and hundreds of others who were involuntarily transferred in that process, must be reinstated to their positions.
Contract language negotiated by CWA and Nynex, now part of Verizon, in 1994 stipulates that the company can't lay off workers for reasons of "process change" having to do with technology or various business changes, and that layoffs can only take place as a result of special conditions caused by "external events." The arbitrator backed CWA's position that the economic reasons cited by Verizon for the layoffs did not meet the definition of external events as negotiated by the parties.
This decision also is very good news for customers who deserve high quality telecom services and for shareholders who want their investment to grow through growing the business and generating revenues – not just slashing costs at the expense of service quality. Verizon's success depends on a reputation for quality service provided by skilled workers – all the more important in an increasingly competitive telecom industry
Verizon's service quality recently has been the focus of scathing reports by New York regulators and elected officials who have questioned Verizon's job cuts and its reduction in needed investment in network equipment and maintenance. Throughout the 12 Verizon East states, some 17,000 union jobs have been eliminated in just the past two years.
CWA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are now in contract negotiations with Verizon on behalf of 75,000 employees. We are committed to Verizon's success as well as fair treatment of the skilled and dedicated employees we represent. We hope to reach a settlement that enables Verizon to continue to be the leader it is in the worldwide telecommunications industry, recognizing that its success depends on the skills and superior productivity of its frontline workforce.