Verizon Strike: 45,000 union workers take battle to the streets

Verizon customers who have land line phones, internet, and FiOS television services will be affected by the strike of 45,000 phone technicians, customer service representatives, and cable installation representatives. Verizon Wireless customers will not be affected.

The strike, which began this morning, centers around failed contract negotiations between the tech firm and the two unions representing the strikers: Communication Workers of America (CWA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Both unions are rallying on the streets as well online with their websites boldly declaring their actions:

“Verizon has refused to move from a long list of concession demands,” the CWA website reports. “We are taking the unprecedented step of striking until Verizon starts bargaining seriously.”

A decline in wireless business and stagnant land-line revenues have forced the company to ask for over 100 union concessions, including employee contributions to health plans, according to Verizon.

“We’ve put important issues on the table and we’re willing to negotiate,” Verizon spokesman Richard Young said. “However, the unions were unwilling to negotiate on anything that’s critical.”