Verizon rally may preview possible Sunday strike

Verizon workers rallied on Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers Friday, previewing what could happen if a deal isn't set by Sunday's strike deadline. "Hopefully, we'll get a contract soon so we don't have to

News 12 Staff

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Aug 8, 2008, 6:19 PM

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Updated 5,988 days ago

Verizon workers rallied on Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers Friday, previewing what could happen if a deal isn't set by Sunday's strike deadline.

"Hopefully, we'll get a contract soon so we don't have to walk out," says Peter Scala, of C.W.A. Local 1103.

Verizon and the union have come to agreements on a number of demands, such as salary, health care and pensions. The sticking point revolves around future jobs.

C.W.A. leaders want the majority, if not all, Internet telephone and FiOS jobs to go to their members. Verizon has not yet been willing to promise that.

According to CWA officials, it is a non-negotiable issue. The union has been authorized by its 65,000 members to call a strike if needed.

"We just want to be able to support our families and send our kids to college or whatever it takes," says Scala. "If we don't have a job in the future ? then that's not good for anybody."

A lunch meeting between Verizon and union officials was scheduled for Friday.