Talks Enter Final Days: "It's Time to Get Serious"

As bargaining heads toward the deadline, there is no meaningful progress to report. At this late date, management has STILL not addressed the key issues that our members identified in their bargaining surveys. The CWA committee has told the company loud and clear that if there is to be any chance of getting a contract by the deadline, it's time to get serious about addressing the key issues.

Across the region, Locals picketed Verizon locations to send a message to management that we want them to get serious. In Lafayette, Indiana, the massive picket line by members of Local 4773 got coverage both on the radio and in the Journal & Courier Newspaper.

In Bryan, Ohio, members of Local 4378

showed their solidarity on the picket line.

In Marion, Ohio, members of Local 4371 made noise as they picketed that carried inside the building. Members of Local 4671 in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, continued to "stand up" on the job.

Let's hope all of this activity sends a clear and powerful message to management and causes them to get serious.

The next report will be on Saturday, January 29, 2005 or sooner should developments warrant.