Verizon, Unions Reach Agreement, Strike May Be Over: News Update 2016

May 27, 2016 - Verizon and the unions representing almost 40,000 of its striking workers have reached a tentative agreement to end one of the largest labor disputes in modern American history, according to a high-ranking federal official.

Verizon's striking employees are expected to be back on the job next week, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez said in a statement Friday.

The affected workers, members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), have been striking since April 13.

• See related article: Verizon Strike 2016: What Are The Issues Dividing Company, Unions?

“I am pleased to announce that the parties have reached an agreement in principle on a four-year contract, resolving the open issues in the ongoing labor dispute between Verizon’s workers, unions, and management. The parties are now working to reduce the agreement to writing, after which the proposal will be submitted to CWA and IBEW union members for ratification," Perez said on Friday.

“Throughout the past 13 days of negotiations at the Department of Labor, I have observed firsthand the parties’ good faith commitment to narrowing differences and forging an agreement that helps workers and the company," Perez added. "The parties have a shared interest in the success of Verizon and its dedicated workforce. Indeed, these two interests are inextricably intertwined.”

Contracts talks between Verizon and union leaders had been largely stagnant until the DOL announced on May 17 that it was sending in a federal mediator to help restart negotiations.

• See related article: Feds Send In Mediator: Verizon Strike of 2016 Update

In a Friday news release, CWA spokespeople said that the tentative agreement achieved the union's goals of improving working families’ standard of living, creating "good union jobs" and achieving a first contract for wireless retail store workers.

“The CWA appreciates the persistence and dedication of Secretary Perez, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director Allison Beck and their entire teams,"  said Chris Shelton, President of the Communications Workers of America. "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. This proves that when we stand together we can raise up working families, improve our communities and protect the American middle class.” 

News of the tentative agreement filtered down to the picket lines on Friday afternoon via text messages.

• See related article: Striking Verizon Employees Stood Firm As Tentative Agreement Reached

Verizon referred to the DOL's announcement on their online strike update website, adding one precautionary piece of advice to its replacement workers:

"Employees with an Emergency Work Assignment should remain on their assignment until further notice."

ONLINE REACTION

Early reaction to the DOL announcement on social media was generally optimistic:

• “Keeping you guys in my prayers. I hope this contract is what you fought for. God bless.”
• “This is big! Let’s hope the offer is decent.”
• “The power of solidarity, and unity.”
• “Congratulations to all the men and women who fought for this FOUR year contract. Let's hope it's reasonable, it's more than well deserved.”
• “Brought to you by each and everyone's solidarity and efforts on the lines.”

However, several people expressed a “wait and see” attitude towards the DOL’s announcement:

• “Not until we vote on it, no more good faith, they pulled that last time and we got screwed.”
• “Always read the small print before you sign at the dotted line... I bet the first big concession Verizon wants is a strike moratorium for the next eleventy billion years.”
• “Devil is in the details! Guess we shall see soon enough.”

Editor's Note: This article is part of a series. Catch up on the latest news and history of the Verizon strike here.

Send news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo courtesy of Stand Up to Verizon, Facebook