Militant AFL-CIO response to the Verizon strike

I got this from the AFL-CIO today.  It has been my experience that when a contract is up and you sit down at the negotiating table, the prior contract is still in effect.  I was not aware that this strike was to extend a contract during negotiations.  After two weeks of lost pay the folks that pay the dues can feel secure that their sacrifice wasn't in vain as the process of negotiations is "more focused" and the issues are more "narrowed" which means that the leadership are clearer about the level of their members' wages benefits and working conditions they are to hand over to the boss. Brothers and Sisters, it's time to rid yourselves of these traitors.

This is not a Sesame Street episode, it's real life. Thanks to Manny Herman for the information. He must feel real proud about the job he's doing defending workers' rights.

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When 45,000 Verizon workers went on strike, working families showed incredible solidarity. Now, these workers-represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Electrical Workers (IBEW)-will return to work tonight.

Thanks to the support of working families, the real collective bargaining process can begin for Verizon workers. And as bargaining continues, both parties have agreed to extend the existing collective bargaining agreement.

As Verizon workers return to work, they need to know we continue to support them. Sign our solidarity statement, and we'll deliver your comments to the workers as they resume negotiations  http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2663

Work will resume tonight because there is an agreement with Verizon on how bargaining will proceed and how it will be restructured. Major issues remain to be discussed but, overall, the process is more focused-and the issues more narrowed.

CWA and IBEW members appreciate the support they've received from all of us. Now that the focus shifts to bargaining fairly and moving forward, let's make sure Verizon workers still know we have their backs.

In Solidarity,
Manny Herrmann
Online Mobilization Coordinator, AFL-CIO