Rep. Meeks Commends Verizon, CWA, and IBEW for Reaching Agreement

Rep. Meeks Commends Verizon, CWA, and IBEW for Reaching Agreement

Jamaica, NY—Over a week ago, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks sent a letter to the CEO of Verizon and the Presidents of CWA and IBEW regarding the strike. In the letter, Rep. Meeks reminded the parties that the strike was placing a strain on his constituents, many of whom are Verizon employees or count on Verizon’s services. He encouraged all of the parties to reach a fair solution that protects unionized American employees. Relating to the announcement that a final agreement has finally been reached, Congressman Meeks issued the following statement:

"After more than a month of striking, nearly 40,000 Verizon employees can finally return to work tomorrow on sure footing and with a fair contract. Reports of a final agreement come as a great relief to many of my constituents, some who were on the picket lines and others who relied on those hard-working employees to deliver Verizon’s services.

"The agreement reached offers many contractual improvements for Verizon employees that will have a positive effect on New York’s economy. New York’s middle-class will be strengthened by the addition of 1,300 new east coast call center jobs, a 25 percent increase in the number of unionized crews maintaining Verizon’s utility poles, employee raises of over 10 percent, and a first-ever contract for Verizon Wireless retail store employees.

"I’d like to thank Verizon, CWA, and IBEW for their efforts and also Secretary of Labor Tom Perez who personally oversaw the negotiations.”