Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Why telephone workers are fighting for the good jobs our communities’ need

By

For example, thousands of Verizon Wireless and Business employees want the benefits and protections of a union contract, yet management is opposing their efforts to unite in the IBEW and CWA. 

Employees and customers in Northern New England are facing a company intent on destroying jobs and quality service by spinning off less profitable parts of its business to a shaky company called FairPoint that doesn’t have the same capacity to expand high speed Internet service throughout the region.

Finally, even here in Massachusetts, Verizon has yet to offer its high-speed fiber optic Internet services to many working class communities, opting instead to focus on high-income cities and towns, only increasing the digital divide. 

Next year’s negotiations for a new agreement will be critical to everyone’s future.  On August 2, Verizon workers and many of our community allies will rally in a show of unity.  But telephone workers can’t stop Verizon’s low-road strategy by ourselves.  That will take much broader support from customers, regulators and our elected officials.

Please share widely!
fb-share-icon
Tweet
0

Comments

  1. Employees and customers in Northern New England are facing a company intent on destroying jobs and quality service by spinning off less profitable parts of its business to a shaky company called FairPoint that doesn’t have the same capacity to expand high speed Internet service throughout the region.

    Finally, even here in Massachusetts, Verizon has yet to offer its high-speed fiber optic Internet services to many working class communities, opting instead to focus on high-income cities and towns, only increasing the digital divide. 

    • (Sorry for the double post accidentally clicked post rather than preview)

      <

      p>

      <

      blockquote>Employees and customers in Northern New England are facing a company intent on destroying jobs and quality service by spinning off less profitable parts of its business to a shaky company called FairPoint that doesn’t have the same capacity to expand high speed Internet service throughout the region.

      <

      p>
      Finally, even here in Massachusetts, Verizon has yet to offer its high-speed fiber optic Internet services to many working class communities, opting instead to focus on high-income cities and towns, only increasing the digital divide. 

      <

      blockquote>

      <

      p>
      I just have a few issues wih these comments and their implications.

      <

      p>
      Is Verizon a profit making business or a charity?

      <

      p>
      Since if it is a charity I am shocked that it is firing people that could use its money and assistance or that its ignoring communities that really need the internet.

      <

      p>
      Now if its a profit making business then I am perfectly comfortable with it spinning off unprofitable sectors to cut costs or not providing internet in areas where it will not make a profit. If it is a corporation rather than a charity it has an obligation to its shareholders to make a consistent quarterly profit because thats how capitalism works. If your problem is with Verizon being unfair in contract negotiations thats fine and not willing to compromise than I am with you and your fight, but these comments make it seem that you are anti capitalist and are unwilling to compromise, but please correct me if I am mistaken.

Archives