After months at the bargaining table with Verizon Communications, the System Council T-6 and the CWA have reached a tentative agreement with Verizon.  Throughout this process, the bargaining committees focused on ensuring our place in the work of the future, as well as healthcare, retirement security and a fair wage increase.  We have succeeded in these goals.  We have brought new work into the bargaining units, secured health care for active members as well as retirees and achieved fair wage increases.  We welcome our brothers and sisters from Verizon Business into the IBEW and the CWA.  These members have fought long and hard to be unionized and it is their efforts and determination that made that happen.  This contract is yours.  The involvement and mobilization by the members of Local 2325 was incredible and it was your efforts that brought home this agreement.  From practice picketing, Red on Thursdays and your involvement in our rallies, it put this company on notice, that you would make the ultimate sacrifice.  It wasn’t until the final hour on August 2^nd when the Company realized that you were ready to go, did they get serious.  Serious enough that it kept us, at the table and prompted an extension.  It was the efforts of this membership that made that happen.  I would like to thank the stewards, picket captains and everyone who donated time at the office.  All of you kept this Local running and ready for any action needed.  I have received calls of congratulations and thank yous and they are extremely appreciated but the truth is, those statements should be reserved for you, the membership.  This agreement comes on the heels of your hard work.  So I say thank you and congratulations.

 

Some highlights of the new agreement are:  A three year agreement ending on August 6, 2011, a 10.87% wage increase over the three years, 3.25% in 2008, 3.5% in 2009 and 3.75% in 2010 with cost of living in year 3.  Pension Band increases to be the same as wage increases, CPS Awards of $700 for each year, Active Health Care coverage paid fully by Verizon, Retiree Health Benefits to remain the same and fully paid, Pension Lump Sum cashout remains with no change in the Language, Temporary employees made permanent and Verizon Business techs added to the Union.  These are some key items with more included in the summary.  We will have informational meetings and a ratification vote starting next week. Monday August 18 at Doubletree Hotel, 5400 Computer Dr, Westboro starting at 5:30 and Tuesday August 19, Crown Plaza 10 Lincoln St, Worcester starting at 5:30. I would also like to thank the following elected officials for their support through this bargaining process:  Representative John Binienda, Sheriff Guy Glodis, Congressman Jim McGovern, Representative Harold Naughton, Representative Angelo Puppolo, Representative Bob Spellane and Congressman Niki Tsongas.  These are true friends of Labor and Local 2325.  We thank them and please remember to support them as they did us.

 

Once again, your support, perseverance and dedication brought home this Agreement.  Congratulate yourselves, you succeeded once again.

 

Remember to think and act like a Union Member.