Government agency said it held ‘open, frank and constructive’ meetings with involved parties as it looks to bring resolution to ongoing Verizon strike
The ongoing strike by Verizon Communications workers received federal attention over the weekend, with U.S. Labor Department Secretary Thomas Perez speaking with both sides about possible resolution.
The Department of Labor noted meetings took place over the weekend between Perez and Verizon Chairman and CEO Lowell McAdam; Chris Shelton, president of the Communications Workers of America; and with Lonnie Stephenson, president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The government agency said the meetings were “open, frank and constructive,” with the parties agreeing to reignite discussions on the issue this week.
“The best way to resolve this labor dispute is at the bargaining table, and I am heartened by the parties’ mutual commitment to get back to immediate discussions and work toward a new contract,” said Perez. “I was singularly impressed by the parties’ appreciation that time is of the essence, and their strong commitment to use the collective bargaining process to reach a mutually beneficial resolution.”
The strike, which began April 13, includes nearly 40,000 Verizon employees represented by the CWA and IBEW. Reports earlier this month noted the striking workers were expected to begin receiving financial compensation from a $400 million union fund to offset wages lost since the strike began.
Verizon in late April presented what it said was the “last, best, final” offer to union representatives, which was not warmly received. Verizon said the offer was put in front of CWA and IBEW leaders, and included a number of details, including a 7.5% increase in wages over the contract term, increased health care expense contributions and the continuation of current 401(k) contributions.
The carrier has since moved forward with brining in thousands of temporary workers, which Verizon said have installed thousands of new orders for the telecom giant. The carrier has also said it does not expect the ongoing strike to impact company financials at least through the second quarter.
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