The 45-day strike by union workers at Verizon is over.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez says the telecommunications giant has reached a tentative deal with union leaders that will send more than 35,000 people back to work, including hundreds of Verizon workers in Western New York.
"Today I am pleased to announce that the parties have reached an agreement in principal on a four-year contract, resolving the open issues in the ongoing labor dispute between Verizon's workers, union and management," Perez said. "The parties are now working to reduce the agreement in writing, after which the proposal will be submitted to CWA and IBEW union members for ratification."
Union members represented by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers walked off the job on April 13th, citing unfair wages, benefits and concerns about job security.
“CWA appreciates the persistence and dedication of Secretary Perez, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director Allison Beck and their entire teams. The addition of new, middle-class jobs at Verizon is a huge win not just for striking workers, but for our communities and our country as a whole. The agreement in principle at Verizon is a victory for working families across the country and an affirmation of the power of working people,” said Chris Shelton, President of the Communications Workers of America. “This proves that when we stand together we can raise up working families, improve our communities and protect the American middle class.”
Details of the tentative contract agreement are unknown at this time.
