Verizon job cuts: "How can this happen?"

On July 24, 2009 Verizon announced a massive surplus that, "may necessitate involuntary permanent reassignment … and may lead to layoffs of some employees."  The company said that about 8,000 employees would be affected nationally.  How can this happen?
 
Three days later Verizon issued a press release boasting strong profits, mainly through growth in its wireless division and continued success in gaining new customers for its high speed FiOS services.
 
Yet Verizon scoffs at the idea that it ONLY made a billion dollars in the last quarter.  Apparently, that's not enough to satisfy Wall Street.  So despite huge profits, management threatens its hard working employees with coerced early retirements and forced layoffs!  How can this happen? 
 
The answer is that Verizon has little or no commitment to its workforce or to the communities we serve.  A committed company would expand its services and allow members an opportunity to work in Verizon's fast growing wireless business.  Instead, Verizon has "put up a wall" between its divisions and it uses that wall to discriminate against the organized members working on the copper side.  Management regards union employees only with suspicion and scorn.  They try to eliminate us -- or if that's not possible -- then cut our hard-won wages and benefits to levels below wireless.  
 
Then they wonder why so many employees are discouraged and concerned?  
 
Fortunately we have the protection of our union contract.  It has job security language that brought back 600 members in 2003 who would otherwise not be working today without it.  It also has limits on contractors, who must be laid off before any full-timers.  Some of these jobs should become available for our surplus members. 
 
This year the company is cutting so deep -- and so many high seniority employees have already retired -- that we are becoming obsolete.  Just by attrition.  It's all part of Verizon's big game plan while its non-union subsidiaries thrive. 
 
We need to send Verizon a message: "Now is not the time to cut anyone's job."  Especially in this economy, a profitable corporation like Verizon should not be allowed to lay off anyone. 
 
All of us need to make a pledge -- and put this company on notice.  If and when one telephone worker is laid off, our union will organize and turnout for a statewide march and rally for jobs.  And it won't just be Local 2222 or the IBEW T6 System Council marching.  It will be the whole labor movement protesting the corporate greed that is rampant at Verizon and at far too many other large corporations in America.  It's time to get it on!
 

Michael Flaherty for Mayor of Boston

IBEW Local 2222 is looking for volunteers to help with phone banks for the Michael Flaherty for Mayor Campaign.

We will be having phone banks every Tuesday evening 5 PM - 7 PM from now until Election Day (9/22/09). The phone banks will be held at the Local 2222 offices, 1137 Washington St, Dorchester, MA 02122.

Any time you can offer will be greatly appreciated. It is imperative that we get our friends, labor friendly candidates, elected.

Thank you for your cooperation and help in supporting this crucial campaign. For more information please call 617-929-6014.

 IBEW Local 2222 has proudly endorsed Michael Flaherty for Mayor of Boston

We need your help to get our friend elected

Click Here & Tell Us How You Can Help

Thank You! 

3rd Annual Bucky's Family Fun Day

Bucky's Family Fun Day has been scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 10 AM - 2 PM. The 3rd Annual Steve Buckman Family Fun Day event to remember our friend Steve Buckman and to continue a scholarship fund in his memory will be a great event for all ages again this year. Steve was a Verizon lineman killed on the job on April 6^th, 2006.

Andrew Kenneally for Boston City Council - at Large Seat

IBEW Local 2222 is looking for volunteers to help with phone banks & standouts for the Andrew Kenneally for Boston City Council Campaign.

We will be having a phone bank Monday, August 10th 6 PM - 8 PM at the Local 2222 offices, 1137 Washington St, Dorchester, MA 02122.

There will also be standouts on Tuesday, August 11th at Central Sq. East Boston from 6 PM - 7:30 PM, and on Wednesday, August 12th at Roslindale Sq. from 5:30 PM - 7 PM.

Any time you can offer will be greatly appreciated. It is imperative that we get our friends, labor friendly candidates, elected.

Thank you for your cooperation and help in supporting this crucial campaign. For more information please call 617-929-6014.

 IBEW Local 2222 has proudly endorsed Andrew Kenneally for Boston City Council 

We need your help to get our friend elected

Thank You! 

Local 2222 Monthly Meeting

The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 beginning at 7 PM at The Boston Teachers Union Hall, Bayside Mall, Dorchester.

The C.O.P.E. Committee meets before the regular monthly meeting beginning at 6 PM, also at The Boston Teachers Union Hall, Bayside Mall, Dorchester.  Consider getting involved - we need you! 

Labor Quote

"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those that prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

-Barack Obama