FAQs

  1. Why are Verizon workers striking?

    • Verizon’s tough negotiating tactics, including proposals to ease firing, tie pay increases to performance, halt pension accruals, and require union workers to contribute to health premiums.
  2. What impact will the strike have on Verizon customers?

    • The strike is primarily affecting Verizon’s landline customers, as it may cause delays in customer support and halt the expansion of its FiOS television service.
  3. How many workers are participating in the strike?

    • 45,000 Verizon workers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
  4. When did the strike begin?

    • 12:01 a.m. ET today.
  5. What are the main issues of contention between Verizon and its workers?

    • Job security, pay increases, pensions, and health insurance contributions.
  6. Has Verizon taken steps to mitigate the impact of the strike?

    • Yes, Verizon has trained management employees, retirees, and others to fill the roles of union workers.
  7. What is Verizon’s rationale for the proposed contract changes?

    • To reduce costs and maintain their competitiveness in the face of declining landline revenue.
  8. What have the unions accused Verizon of doing?

    • Taking a “Wisconsin-style” hard line and not taking the bargaining process seriously.
  9. Has Verizon experienced any strikes in recent years?

    • No, this is the first strike at Verizon in 11 years.
  10. What happened during the last Verizon strike in 2000?

    • Over 86,000 workers walked out for 18 days.
  11. Is Verizon’s FiOS business still growing?

    • Yes, FiOS offers faster Internet and television services and has been a source of growth for Verizon.
  12. What is Verizon’s stock price doing today?

    • This question requires real-time data, which cannot be provided in this summary. Please consult a financial news source for the current stock price.

Summary

Verizon Communications’ first strike in 11 years has begun, affecting 45,000 workers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. The strike stems from Verizon’s efforts to extract concessions from its workers, including changes that would ease firing, tie pay increases to performance, and halt pension accruals.

Verizon’s argument is that these changes are necessary due to declining landline revenue. However, the unions representing the workers accuse Verizon of taking a hard line and not taking the bargaining process seriously. The strike may impact Verizon’s customer support and halt the expansion of its FiOS television service.

Verizon has activated a contingency plan to mitigate the impact of the strike, training management employees and retirees to fill the roles of striking workers. The company claims it has the necessary resources to meet customer demands.

It remains to be seen how long the strike will last and what the ultimate outcome will be. In the meantime, customers may experience delays in service and FiOS expansion may be affected. For the latest updates and information, please refer to Verizon’s official website or contact the company’s customer service.