Verizon Southwest Tentative Agreement

Today, on February 19th, the Communications Workers of America and Verizon Southwest Incorporated have reached a tentative agreement. The following is a summary of some of the agreed upon changes:

After seven months of intense bargaining, CWA Local 6171’s Bargaining Committee, by a majority, presents the Company’s Last, Best and Final offer dated 2/18/13 to the membership for a vote. It is clear to your Bargaining Committee there are no other gains we can negotiate at the bargaining table. Verizon refused to accept CWA’s offer to mediate this contract after months of bargaining.

The Bargaining Committee, by a majority, will remain neutral on ratification of this package. THE COMMITTEE TAKES NO POSITION.

• Four year contract
• Wages 8.5% which compound to 8.774%
• Ratification Bonus $1100.00 (if ratified by March 14th)
• Pensions: Eliminate new hires, freeze the compensation component of the pension formula as of September 1st. Retained the lump sum option
• Healthcare Reimbursement $650.00 full time and $325.00 for part time
• Medical Plan: employee contributions begin on July 1, 2013
• New MOA on Work at Home trial to begin on January 1, 2014
• New MOA on Cross Functional Work Sharing
• Sickness and Disability: The two weeks and six month’s waivers have been eliminated
• On Call Premiums increased
• Personal Vehicle mileage increased
• Per Diem for meals increased
• BSW improved Workers’ Compensation

A complete and thorough package will be available to you shortly. Please review, study and evaluate the complete package and don’t forget to vote.
 
In Unity and Solidarity,
Your 2012/2013 Bargaining Committee