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Verizon Strike Goes On...

By Dave Lucas

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-981737.mp3

Albany, NY – Going on their 6th day now, Verizon workers are still on strike; and with disgruntled workers hitting the picket lines while management keeps operations running. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

Up and down the East Coast, managers in Verizon Communications landline division have been filling the gap left by 45,000 striking union workers, members of the Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They're protesting the company's proposed plan to outsource jobs and cut healthcare. Spokesman John Bonomo says despite the fact Verizon has experienced more than 90 cases of sabotage since the strike began last weekend, landline operations are performing solidly. The FBI is looking into the alleged incidents of sabotage. Len Welcome, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 1118, is urging Americans to support the unions. One of the sticking points has been that Verizon wants to eliminate the Veteran's Day holiday. But now, officials say Verizon will give workers additional personal days so if they want to take Veteran's Day off they can. Both sides are back at the table negotiating and remain optimistic a deal can soon be reached.