Negotiations began Wednesday between the Communications Workers of America and Verizon Communications covering about 35,000 CWA telecommunications workers from Virginia to New England.

Bargaining is led by CWA District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton in the metro New York area and in Philadelphia by CWA Vice Presidents Ron Collins, District 2, and Ed Mooney, District 13. Key issues include quality jobs and health care.  The current contract expires at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 7. 

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers also is bargaining with CWA for a new contract for Verizon members.

As talks got underway, CWA members were mobilizing and holding mass rallies across Verizon East territory.  

CWA 1101 held a Rally at Verizon Headquarters, located at 140 West Street.

We have added a Bargaining link on the home page; we will post bargaining updates and related news there.