(WRIC) — Thousands of Verizon workers across nine states – including right here in Virginia – could walk off the job tonight.
That’s if union negotiators don’t reach an agreement over benefits with the company’s landline division by midnight. And negotiations are likely to last until the last minute.
8News reporter Claudia Rupcich spoke with local works, who voiced their concerns.
“Really scary because we don’t really know what that proposal will be,” said union member Roger Wood.
A new contract between the Communications Workers of America Union and Verizon that covers union members like Martin Grubb.
“The company is making proposals that are outrageous, if you want to know the truth,” said Grubb.
Verizon is asking workers to pay more for healthcare costs, saying the company has been facing challenges with its landlines because more people are giving up home phones.
“The healthcare costs at this point, for what the company is asking, could increase significantly,” Grubb added. “They’re wanting to freeze the pension and offer a either or – keep your pension or keep your 401K. Right now we have both, so it can impact people that are close to retirement.”
Those already retired could also see cuts to benefits.
“”They were banking on the count of dollars that they anticipated getting from retirement,” said retired Verizon employee Roger Wood. “Banking on the health care. Any cut to any of that would cut into the way they plan their future.”
Especially for those who have been retired for 20 or 30 years.
“Can’t just go back tomorrow and get some additional dollars to get by on,” Wood added.
Union members say preserving jobs is the main priority and are asking Verizon to build new fiber-optic networks in areas that lack service.
The company has seven locations in Virginia it wants to close. We want those to stay open,” Grubb said. “We want them to increase the distribution of FIOS throughout the state, which will increase jobs and make a better broadband community.”
Union members had decided earlier in the week that if no deal was reached, they would most likely start picketing Monday morning.
Verizon officials say they are prepared for the strikes – saying they’ve been training thousands of employees just in case.
We’ll keep you updated on any new developments.
