Our informational tape system here at the Hall has encountered significant issues. This past Saturday, the Hall experienced a power surge that appears to have damaged the motherboard. The device that operates the tape is extremely old, and as we work to either repair it or identify a reasonable replacement, we will provide regular updates via email to ensure the membership remains informed.

As the season of giving continues, toy collection boxes have been placed in all work locations. Donated toys will support the Planting the Seed Foundation, now in its 52nd year of helping struggling families throughout Central Massachusetts. Collection boxes will remain in place until December 10th.
For members who prefer to donate financially, contributions may be given to a steward. Members working from home may donate via Venmo at IBEW 2325 Helping Hands.

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Award Program is now open. Key details include:

Registration deadline: December 19, 2025

Testing window: February 2–6, 2026 (administered at the student’s school)

Eligibility: Graduating seniors or students eligible to participate in training

Application: massaflcio.org/scholarships

Study resources: learnlaborhistory.com

Number of scholarships: Three

Please encourage all eligible students to apply—last year, we had only two applicants.

As many of you are aware, Verizon has laid off nearly 15,000 Verizon Wireless employees and managers, leading to organizational changes that will directly affect our local. The updated leadership assignments are as follows:

VP of the Northeast and Metro: Gene Behrens

Third-Level Director, Ader and Lunenburg: Marc Durocher

Second-Level: Scott Wilson

Third-Level, Remaining Local: Paul McManus

Second-Level, Remaining Local: Peter Birch

Unity T-Shirts will be distributed during the second week of December. Members are encouraged to wear them every Thursday. If you do not receive one, please contact the union hall so we can ensure you are provided with a shirt.

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Deductions for 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, your contributions toward Massachusetts Paid Family Leave will remain unchanged at 0.18% of your wages, up to a maximum annual contribution of $332.10, which is equivalent to the contribution required of employees participating in the state plan. Verizon will continue to cover the full cost of the medical leave portion.

A comparison between 2025 and 2026 is shown below:

Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML)
Effective: January 1, 2026

Benefit Year 2025 2026
Tax Percentage 0.18% 0.18%
Max. Annual Contribution $316.98 $332.10
Where applicable, contributions to MA PFML will be subject to taxes and withholdings.

For more information regarding MA PFML, including the effective 2026 rates, please visit the State Notices page on Inside Verizon.

Fraternally,

Jamie