Union Strikers Take to Bethlehem Streets

Local Communications Workers of America (CWA) union members were seen on strike this week in Bethlehem, joining 35,000 other union members nationally after contract negotiations stalled with Verizon late last week.

Unlike reports in other locations, the scene was quiet and peaceful Tuesday, where local strikers took a position in the shade at the corner of New and Walnut streets.

On Thursday, the fourth day of the picket, both sides appealed to Congress to take up the matter on their behalf.

Verizon says it needs landline workers to take concessions because losses in that sector of its business are offsetting gains made by its wireless sector. Overall, the company has maintained a profit, though Verizon stock was down 63 cents or 1.6 percent at close on Thursday.