A Message From Myles Calvey

We're ready.  Now take action to make us stronger!

By Myles Calvey, July 18, 2008

Myles Calvey

In just two weeks the Verizon union contract will expire. Management is finally starting to pay attention to issues that have basically been ignored for five (very long) years.

The main reason management has been forced to deal with our issues is because the membership has shown them that we are UNITED and determined to win yet another contract that takes us into the future.

How has the membership shown unity?  By wearing union t-shirts and stickers on Thursdays. By showing up for rallies. By practice picketing. By "talking union" and participating in the strike authorization vote. And most importantly, by attending union meetings or visiting our website to stay well informed.

It all adds up to Verizon management knowing that we are willing to strike if we have to. We are mobilized and ready!

But being prepared internally isn't enough. Over the next two weeks, every member can help strengthen our union negotiating team by reaching out to your family and friends. Explain to them what's going on with Verizon. How management is trying to divide employees and confine union jobs to an even smaller part of the business. How it is avoiding its responsibility to provide good jobs with health care benefits by subcontracting work to low pay and no benefits companies. How it wants to betray our parents and grandparents who build this great company by forcing them to fight for retiree health care.

By taking the initiative to talk to your family and friends about these issues, you'll build understanding and support for our cause -- should a strike become necessary. And believe it or not, it makes our committee all the more powerful at the bargaining table NOW.

One step better is when members talk with the community organizations, fraternal societies and religious groups that many already actively participate in. These groups are the backbone of our society. They instinctively know that union jobs provide good pay and secure benefits. And that without these good jobs, our communities face a difficult future providing quality public services and security that all Americans want. Explain to them what is at stake on August 2.

Finally, the most powerful action you can take is to contact your elected representatives at every level of government. Explain to them that through your union, we are trying to achieve a good contract that will secure good jobs and our livelihoods for the future.  Verizon is still a regulated company. As an elected official, their support is critical. Get them on our side now!

A reminder: The T6 Council is hiring buses to go to New York City on July 26 for the huge rally in front of Verizon's headquarters. If you would like to go down on the bus, contact your local union. We will have an important rally at 185 Franklin Street in Boston on July 31. Be sure to listen to the union tape or check the Local 2222 website (http://www.ibew2222.org/).

Myles Calvey is the Business Manager of IBEW Local 2222 and chair of the IBEW telephone workers' bargaining committee.