Upcoming Events:

Labor Parade, 9/9
Vigil at the capitol, 9/18


Membership Meetings:
Albany, 9/14, PACC @ 6pm
Glens Falls, 9/22, VFW @ 6pm
Plattsburgh, 9/28, VFW @6pm 

Links:
Verizon Strike: Media Coverage
Bargaining Updates
AFL-CIO
Communications Workers of America
CWA District One
Verizon-About You  (Instructions)
Verizon Benefits
NY/NE Dependent Care
 

Videos

Watch Our Videos on YouTube!



























                            

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Our next Rally will be Thursday December 8th from 5pm to 7pm at the VZ Wireless Store in the Greenbush Commons on route 4 in North Greenbush. (next to Home Depot) Please make every effort to attend.    

                                                                         

 

This holiday season CWA Local 1118 will be teaming up to help two charitable causes.  We will be helping our friend Pastor Charlie with his “toys 4 teens drive”.  Pastor Charlie has worked with the Marines and the toys for tots drive in the past.  But he does a lot of work with underprivileged teenagers who are not thought of as much as the smaller children at Christmas time.  So in order to have age appropriate gifts for the kids he is having his first “toys for teens drive”.

                              Children's Hospital Drive                            Toys 4 Teens Drive

 

Our other charity is the Toy Drive for the Children's Hospital at Albany Med.  This has been a success in the past and I know we can make this a success again. 

 

The drop boxes for Pastor Charlie are already at the garages and other work locations and they will be picked up on Thursday, December 22, 2011.  The toys for the Children's Hospital will need to be at the union hall by next Wednesday December 7th, when we will have volunteers from the Girl Scouts of America preparing the gifts for the children.  

 

In Unity

Len Welcome 

EVP CWA Local 1118

___________________________________________________________

Reminder: Informational Picketing tomorrow at work locations and we will gather at the Central Ave. Wireless store 5-7pm.

Regional Report #47
Regional Report #46
Regional Report #45
Regional Report #44 

Beauty and the Beast Raffle to Benefit Local 1118 Family

Brothers and Sisters,

 

I am asking you to help a CWA family.  Julia Rogers is the 4 year old daughter of our brother and sister Jack and Nina Rogers.  Julia has suffered from a seizure disorder her entire life.  After several attempts to end the disorder Julia is now scheduled for brain surgery.  Jack and Nina will be there for her, but it will come at an expense.  Therefore we want to help our brother and sister by having a fundraiser.  We are having a raffle to win 4 tickets to Disney's "Beauty and The Beast" at Proctors Theater on 5/19/11 at 2pm.  Please open the attached document to view the raffle's details. - In Unity, Len Welcome, EVP

Click Here for more information. 

Posted - October 13th, 2011

Raffle to Benefit Local 1118 Family

Brothers and Sisters,

 

I am forwarding you a message that was sent to me in the hopes that we may be able to help one of our sisters.  Melissa Vail is a CSA from 158 State St in Albany.  As you will see below Melissa and her family are doing everything within their power to provide the best quality of life for her daughter, but she could use a little help from her Union family.  I ask you to please read the message below and if its possible, please be generous.  Click Here to view Flyer.

 

In Unity,

Len Welcome

EVP CWA Local 1118

Raffle to Benefit Local 1118 Family

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Today was one of the sadest days in the history of CWA.  President Gil Carey and I have just returned from Staten Island where services were held for CWA Local 1109 brother Douglas Lalima.  As expected the Lalima family and their friends are completely devastated and I ask you to keep them in your prayers.  Many of you have asked about making a contribution to the Lalima family so Gil and I spoke with our friend Local 1109 President Rolando Scott and he told me that he will contact me when they have a plan to collect contributions for Doug's wife and children.  Today is a day I will never forget.  This terrible tragedy was the result of a freak accident, but I ask you to please be careful and always work safely.  I could never imagine the idea of losing any of you. 

 

In Solidarity and with Sympathy,

Len Welcome

EVP CWA Local 1118

 

 Local 1109 Mourns Loss of Brother

 

Today CWA Local 1109 mourns the loss of one of our members. Brother Doug Lalima perished in a freak accident on the job. While working aloft, Doug came in contact with an electrical line, and was electrocuted. Doug worked at Verizon as a lineman for fifteen years, the last eight at Ave H. He was only 37 years old. Doug was an extremely hard worker and a great friend to those who were lucky enough to know him. Doug had an infectious smile and his co-workers loved working with him. They said it best when they told us "When you were teamed up with Doug you knew it was going to be a great day. It didn't feel like work when you were with him. The day would go by so fast."

 

Off the job Doug was a loving husband to his wife Vienna and devoted father to his four daughters Victoria 12, Olivia 10, Sophia 6, and Julia 3. Doug grew up in Marine Park and moved to Staten Island after he got married. His daughters were his life. He loved to talk about his girls, and watching them at their cheerleading competitions. Doug cherished every day with his family and couldn't wait to get home to them. He always had a smile on his face when talking about them.

 

 What happened to Doug could have happened to any one of us on any given day. Local 1109 has received many phone calls from members, unions, and other community organizations asking how they can help or where can they make a donation. We are in the process of working out details and as soon as we finalize them we will make them public. This will probably take a week to set up. In the mean time we ask that everyone keep the Lalima family in your prayers.

Posted - September 19th, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,

I want to remind you that this Sunday September 18, 2011 there will be a Vigil for the Middle Class at the NYS Capital from 5pm to 8pm.  Our friend Kevin Eitzmann from the Capital District Area Labor Federation has been able the coordinate this event with several Labor organizations and community groups.  This vigil was originally organized to support us during our strike against Verliezon, but since we’ve returned to work it was decided that it would be to recognize the struggles of the Middle Class.  And we are now taking this as an opportunity to raise money for flood victims, which I believe is fitting because the people who were devastated from the recent floods are the Middle Class. 

  

Now is the time to join together and fight back. We can’t sit back and allow the middle class to be erased from American history. We must come together to fight for a community where we can all share in security and prosperity, and where people come before corporate profits.

Right now, we are witnessing an attack on working families here in New York and all across America. Corporate greed has taken a stranglehold on our economy and it’s up to us to fight back.

Click Here to view the flyer for the event.

In Unity,
LEn Welcome
EVP CWA Local 1118

Regional Report #43

Posted - September 15th, 2011

Reminders:

- Albany Area General Membership Meeting @6pm, Polish American Citizens Club, Commerce Ave. in Albany. The election committee will also be there to take nominations for all Local positions.  Many of you will be working late so nominations will be last on the agenda to allow more time for members to attend.  

- We are still taking collections each week for our two brothers, Hal Warner and Roy Radford, who are still unable to return to work.Let’s be generous and show our support for them. Thank You to those who have contributed.

- Albany Area General Membership Meeting @6pm, Polish American Citizens Club, Commerce Ave. in Albany. The election committee will also be there to take nominations for all Local positions.  Many of you will be working late so nominations will be last on the agenda to allow more time for members to attend.  - We are still taking collections each week for our two brothers, Hal Warner and Roy Radford, who are still unable to return to work.Let’s be generous and show our support for them. Thank You to those who have contributed.

Posted - September 13th, 2011

Regional Report #42

Posted - September 9th, 2011

We would like to thank those that have contributed to the collection for our two brothers, Hal Warner and Roy Radford, who were suspended and not able to return to work after the strike.  We will continue to take up a collection each week while we fight for our brothers.  Let’s be generous and show our support for them.

Regional Report #41

Regional Report #40 

 

Posted - September 8th, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Gil went back to Rye today to resume bargaining and as soon as we have an update I will get that out to you.  But I wanted to remind you of the Labor day Parade in Albany this Friday evening.  You can park your car at the corning Preserve and a shuttle bus will take everyone to the start of the parade route.  Then after the parade there will be free food, live band, giveaways, a clown, a magician, a bouncy bounce and Fireworks.  We will also have new shirts for our members.  I know that most of you will probably be working because of mandatory OT but please try to attend even if you can't make it in time to march at 6pm.  All of the Union's that will be there were extremly supportive of us during our strike and are still wanting to help us with our mobilization until we have a contract.  I have been invited to speak to almost all of these groups and I want you to know that you should be very proud of yourselves.  You have shown a whole new generation of union members what it means to be a union and how to fight.  Some unions are now wearing RED on thursday's and are saying "Fear the RED Storm".  So please come out to this event and listen to our brothers and sisters from the labor movement and see for yourself the movement which we have sparked.  

In Unity,
Len Welcome 
EVP CWA Local 1118 EVP

Labor Parade Info.

Posted - September 6th, 2011

Regional Report 39

Posted - September 1st, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Below is the latest bargaining note.  We need to keep mobilizing during negotiations, so we will continue to distribute leaflets at the VZ wireless stores.  Your business agent or area VP will be around to all work locations to coordinate the leafleting of the wireless stores.  And you may or may not have heard that we had two members that were suspended for alleged misconduct during the strike.  We need to be there for our brothers while we fight these ridiculous charges so the board will be around to collect donations for our two brothers.

 

And I want to inform you that Verizon has now officially declared a state of emergency covering all job titles due to damage caused by hurricane Irene. 

Regional Report 38

Posted - August 31st, 2011

Regional Report 36

Posted - August 20th, 2011

Important Updates:

Brothers and Sisters,

 

As of right now the company and Union bargaining teams have been meeting separately, when they resume negotiations next week we will have a bargaining report for you.  For right now there is just have a few notes to pass along:
 

·    The Vigil for the middle class that was scheduled for Sunday has been postponed until Sunday September 18, 2011.

·    The 2011 Labor Day Celebration and Picnic will be at Cook Park in the Village of Colonies from Noon to 5pm on Monday, September 5, 2011.

·    We will be marching in the Capital District Labor Parade on Friday, September 9, 2011.  The parade route ends at the Corning Preserve where there will be free food, live band, fireworks and giveaways.  And for the kids there will be a clown, a magician, a bouncy bounce, and Pony rides.  Last year some members made it out and it was a really good time, hopefully more of you will make it out this year.

And finally we have our General membership meetings coming up when we will also hold nominations for all Local positions.  Please click here to read the notice.

The Fight is Not Over

Brothers and Sisters,

 

You should be very proud of yourself today.  For the first time in over 12 years a Union fought back against an evil corporation hell bent on destroying the middle class, and that Union is YOUR UNION!!  The picket lines were the strongest they have ever been.  You energized the community and sent a clear message to Verizon that we will never give in to greed.  But our fight is not over.  We will continue mobilization, we will continue hand-billing wireless stores and community events until we have a contract.  We are coming back to work, but we are coming back on OUR terms not Verizon's.  We will stay together and support each other always. 

 

This Sunday come to the steps of the State Capitol in Albany from 6pm to 9pm and join your brothers and sisters in a vigil for the middle class.  There will be a bouncy bounce, free hot dogs, and music for families.  This event was originally planned to support our strike so please make every attempt to attend to show our gratitude to our supporters.  Click Here to view the flyer for this event. 

 

I am proud of being a member of CWA but particularly a member of Local 1118, and I am honored to be able serve you.  Remember even though we are back to work we need to keep fighting for a good contract.

Posted - August 23rd, 2011

Strike Over: Time to Return to Work!
 

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Verizon has said "Yes We Can Hear You Now".  The company has now agreed to bargain in good faith and so we will return to work on Tuesday.  We do not have a contract yet and if the circumstances call for it we could strike again, but for now we will return to work.  You should be very proud of yourself we stood together at a time when nobody believed a strike could work but you showed the world it still does and being union is the way to go. 

 

Click Here to view the return to work message sent from our bargaining team.

Posted - August 20th, 2011

CWA Local 9588 President Carlos Castillon from Southern California and CWA Local 9421 VP Mike Bell from Sacramento have been rallying their members to support us here on the east coast.  Below are 3 photos of our brothers and sisters from local 9421 in Sacramento who are picketing wireless stores to support us.  I also want to remind you that our brothers and sisters from local 1101 who work at Conifer Park will be having a rally tomorrow. Click Here for Details

          

CWA Local 9421 was out AGAIN today in Sacramento, this time at the Verizon Wireless store on Sunrise Blvd. across from the Mall.  Nice chat with the cops.  Nope, we're not leaving.  And yes, this is your fight, too. - Mike Bell, EVP

Regional Report 35

Brothers and Sisters,

You are doing great!  Today we had Workers United local 471 and the Firefighters union join the fight and walk the line with us,  adding to the support we have already received from our brothers and sisters in the labor community.  And I have met with several community groups and other unions who want to help us in our fight.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are leading a movement for the middle class.  There are protests in front of wireless stores in States across the country.  We stand against corporate greed, we fight to keep good jobs here in the U.S.,  we fight for our right to support our families, and we will stand together as ONE until Verizon, and every other evil corporation understands that we will tolerate nothing less.


Verizon workers, management dig in for decisive labor battle
 'This is no ordinary strike'. Read the full article at NY Daily News

"The most important labor fight in America"

New York Daily News columnist Juan Gonzalez called our strike “the most important labor fight in America.” He challenged his readers to, “ask yourself: Why would so many workers risk their livelihood in the midst of a stubborn recession, with more than 9 million unemployed? Because Verizon has left them no choice, the workers say.”   Read more
 

Messages of Solidarity

"From MadCity, Wisconsin: keep strong and don't give up. We can't give up. CWA was my Dad's union for 40 years. He started with Ma Bell in Arizona and strung telephone lines across the desert. Dad is walking with you in spirit, and I stand by you with all my heart. Thank you for taking up the good fight."  —Dorothy Mickleburg      Read more Messages

Unity@Verizon Newsletter

Posted - August 19th, 2011

Regional Report #34

Posted - August 18th, 2011

 

Verizon Strike Rocks Albany: Is this our Wisconsin?

Regional Report #33

  - Audio Clip Mentioned in Report #33  

verygreedyverizon.com    - Website Mentioned in Audio Clip

Unity@Verizon Newsletter


Click Here to view the Guidelines that should be followed in regards to Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media concerning this Strike.


Rally to Support CWA 1101 at Conifer Park

They are currently engaged in a bitter contract dispute with Liberty Health Care. This corporation owns Arm Acres and Conifer Park. These two Behavioral Health Care facilities deal with substance abuse and addiction.

 

CWA, Local 1101 has represented these two facilities since 1996 and they have successfully negotiated five contracts over the last fifteen years. Verizon and Liberty Health Care are two corporations which share one common goal: to destroy our members’ collective bargaining rights. Reduced Wages, diminished health care and elimination of pension benefits are the key sticking points in both negotiations.  Our current struggle is about bargaining rights and maintaining our negotiated benefits.

 

This Saturday there will be two rallies to support our members at Arms Acres and Conifer Park but also to show the public our solidarity within CWA. We are asking all of CWA to support their members; we all must stand together against the corporate plan to destroy collective bargaining rights and our way of life.

 

Date: Saturday August 20, 2011

Time: 12:30pm

Place: KMART Plaza              
           Saratoga Road and Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY 12302

             

Posted - August 17th, 2011

Unemployment Benefits

The link below is the directions we have recieved from Dennis Trainor, the assistant to District 1 VP Chris Shelton, in regards to filing for unemployment benefits. 

I suggest you use the on-line sign up method as it will probably take less time to complete.  And yes, you should sign up now.

Unemployment Instructions

Coast to Coast Support

The link below shows that we are being supported from Coast to Coast.  We are not alone!!

Words of Encouragement From our Brother Carlos on the West Coast:
 
Can you hear them now? God bless you guys! Standing strong for everyone! Every labor union can learn from you all!

Vz East Work Stoppage

Keep Up the Fight

This is a reminder to make sure everyone realizes how important it is to follow the guidelines that have been made in the injunction we received a few days ago.   

The company has notified us that we have been violating the injunction. If they go into court and prove that we have violated the injunction, there will be consequences. These consequences will make it harder for us to picket the wireless stores in the days and weeks ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We need to be able to picket these stores to keep the pressure on Verizon. So, we must make sure we have no more that 15 picketers at least 15ft away from of the front door.  And make sure that any loitering, grouping or congregating is ATLEAST 15 YARDS AWAY from any Verizon premises or worksite, we don't want to take away a valuable tool we have in this war against the Middle Class.

So, please make every effort to get the word out. Remember that the police may say everything is ok at the site but we could still be violating the injunction if the company has video. If the police are telling our members that we are complying with the injunction, make sure we get his/her name so we can use it, if we have to defend our position.

And Please, Please be careful about what you post on youtube or your facebook or twitter or anything like that because the company will use it against you.

 

Keep up the fight - but be smart.

DON’T MISS THE NEXT VERIZON UPDATE CALL

The next Verizon update call with national and district leadership will be Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 7 pm EDT. Click for more information.

Unity@Verizon Newsletter

Regional Report #32

Posted - August 16th, 2011

Regional Report #31

Posted - August 15th, 2011

Regional Report #30

Sunday Service

Pastor Charlie gave a great service this morning at 158 State St.  The community support has been overwhelming.  People both Union and non-union are supporting us because they realize that we are fighting to set the standard for the middle class.  And now this afternoon at 3pm Pastor Charlie is leading a march to the picket line at 158 State St to show community support for us.  Please make every attempt to come to 158 State St today at 3pm to show our gratitude towards those who support us.

 
New Injuctions

Brothers and Sisters,

Below are the new injunctions which are in effect immediately. All Chief Stewards and picket captains should be aware of their requirements and abide by them.  Please read the entire document so that you are familiar with the agreement.  But real quickly the injunction is almost the same as it was yesterday except the number of picketers has changed.  The amount of members that can be on the picket line is layed out in the injunction.  Please note that the total number of picketers permitted to walk the line is not per door but rather per building.

 

As for mobile picketing we can have only 5 picketers instead of 6 following scabs.  We need to be behind the trucks by more than 15 yards, no tailgating.  And you must remain at least 15 feet away from a Verizon work site. 

 

For the wireless stores we cannot picket closer than 15 feet from any entrance or exit.  We can only have 15 picketers and 1 person who can stand at the store entrance and handbill. And just like the other agreement we cannot be loitering within 15 yards of a Verizon wireless facility. 

 

Remember we are winning this fight so Verizon will be looking to take some hostages. Be smart out there lets not beat ourselves.

Communications Agreement               Wireless Agreement


Regional Report #29

Posted - August 14th, 2011

WAMC: Verizon Strike Goes On……… 
 
Mobilization Update

Another day longer another day stronger.  You are doing great holding the line and the community support continues to pour in.  You're inspiring people, you're showing them that every American deserves the right to a good job. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We would love it if everyone would come out with their kids tomorrow from 12-1pm and let the children take over the picket line at 158 state st in Albany.  We will have face painting for them afterwards.  Hope too see you there!      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for the first time we will have a Sunday morning service on the picket line. Pastor Charlie from Victory Christian Church in Albany and Colonie will preach at the service on the picket line at 158 State St. from 9:00 to 9:30. Pastor Charlie has been at our picket line serving our members from 7 a.m. til 7 p.m. every day since the strike started. He feels that what Verizon is doing is wrong and he wants to help us to victory. He is very committed to our situation.  After the service at our picket line he will go to his church for service which will last until 12:30 and directly following he will bring his congregation in red shirts to march and join our picket line. Everyone is called to show Pastor Charlie our gratitude for his dedication to our cause. Please be there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Unity,
Len Welcome
EVP CWA Local 1118

Strike Support

I have recieved many letters, calls, and text's of encouragement since we've gone out on strike so I would like to share one note that was sent to us from Patti Cumo a CF retiree.  Patti retired from our local but has never stopped organizing, fighting, or educating our members.  She is a devoted unionist and we are fortunate to have her in our fight.     
Click Here to read Patti Cumo's Letter

In Unity,
Len Welcome
EVP CWA Local 1118

Regional Report #28

Posted - August 12th, 2011

TOGETHER WE CANNOT LOSE!

Brothers and Sisters,

 

Today was a great day for Local 1118, You should all be very proud of yourself.  Today's display of solidarity and strength has been inspirational to not only Union folks but non Union folks as well.  I just spoke with our President and Gil said that he has been recieving your text and photos and he has never felt as proud of Local 1118 as he does today.  I want to thank all of you for making today the success that it was.  The community is behind us, the labor unions are behind us, and even Pastor Charlie is behind us, we are on the road to victory.

 

In Unity,

Len Welcome

Posted - August 12th, 2011

Regional Report #27
 

Posted - August 11th, 2011

 
Attached is the injunction and the summary that was prepared by Amy
Young. The injunction is for NY State. Amy did a great job pushing the
judge on the number of picketers per entryway.
 
The Company is already telling our people that there is an
injunction.  Gay got a call from Len Welcome,EVP Local 1118 that a
manager told him that she was going to be handing it out to the line at
State Street in Albany, so Gay discussed it with Lenny Welcome .  In
that discussion, Gay realized there are some overarching points you
could make.  In the last day or two the cops have been increasingly
aggressive, even challenging our right to engage in mobile picketing in
some places.  Although this stipulated order puts some limits on us, it
also guarantees our rights.  Cops can not stop us from mobile
picketing, not can they tell the driver that s/he can't stay, nor can
the cop tell us we can't do mobile picketing.  The order guarantees our
right to picket in good numbers and guarantees our right to engage in
mobile picketing. 
 
Dennis G. Trainor
Assistant to Vice President

Order Summary                      Injunction VZ locations   

Posted - August 11th, 2011

CWA President Larry Cohen will be a guest on tonight's Ed Schultz Show on MSNBC. Tune in at 10:35 pm (EDT) as Larry talks about our fight for middle-class jobs and a better standard of living for everyone.

Posted - August 10th, 2011

The link below was sent by our brother President Carlos Castillon from Southern California.  It shows that we are recieving support from across the country.  Keep up the good work.

                               UNITED WE STAND FROM EAST TO WEST!!!

Posted - August 10th, 2011

 
We are showing Verizon and the rest of the country that the Union is alive and well.  You are inspiring the public and Verion is taking notice.  Gil and the rest of the bargaining team have been called back to Rye so we will see if Verizon is ready to get down to real bargaining.  But until they have proven that to us we remain on strike.  

Posted - August 10th, 2011

 

Brothers and Sisters,

You are doing great.  We are mobilized and we are making it very clear to Verizon that we will keep up this fight for as long as they want.  We are recieving enormous support from the community and this is just the beginning. 

 

I want to make sure we are all clear for this Thursday.  We will have a Mass Picketing Rally from 11am to 2pm on Thursday at 158 State St in Albany.  We want all members and any friends or family to attend so we will be leaving the other picket lines to get to State St by 11am. We will have 3 pick up locations to shuttle picketers to the line.  We will have a shuttle pick up at Spare Time Bowling at 166 Saratoga Road in South Glens Falls.  There will also be a shuttle pick up in the Target parking lot at the Northway Mall on Central Ave in Albany.  And the third pick up location will be at 11 Wards Ln in Menands.  The shuttles will start picking up at 10am at all locations.  Please spread the word and lets get as many people out as possible.  And please bring an American Flag with you if you can. 

 

On Saturday we will have "Kids Picket" from noon to 1pm at 158 State St.  Bring your children down and we will let them take over the picket line to show Verizon and the community who we are fighting for. 

 

Don't let up, you are a part of something special.  We are gaining more support because we are fighting a fight that many wish they had a chance to. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CWA President Larry Cohen will be a guest on tonight's on MSNBC. Tune in at as Larry talks about our fight for middle-class jobs and a better standard of living for everyone.The link below was sent by our brother President Carlos Castillon from .  It shows that we are recieving support from across the country.  Keep up the good work. 

Posted - August 10th, 2011

Picket Line Schedule:

We have picket lines up at our 3rd St. garage in Albany from 6am to 10am.  At that point we are following the scabs to mobile picket and the rest of the guys are going to the Verizon Wireless store on Central Ave to picket from 10am to 4p or later.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Schenectady garage is at 2401 Watt St and the guys are there from 6am to 11am and than those who are not following scabs are going to the Wireless store at Mohawk Mall on State St in Schenectady.  And they will be at the Mohawk mall till 6:30pm.  But the Mohawk Mall will have a line up from 8:30am to 6:30pm.  

 

There will be a picket line at the Wireless store in Clifton Park at the shoppers world plaza on rte 146 from 8:30 to 6:30pm

 

We have a line up at our TRG dock on Post Rd in Albany from 6am to 4pm. 

 

We have a line at 94 4th St in Troy from 7:30a to 4:30p. 

 

We have a line at the Wireless store on Rte 7 in Latham from 7:30a to 4pm.

 

We have a line at the wireless store on Rte 4 in East Greenbush from noon to 4:30pm.

 

We have the Hoosick St garage between 7:30 to 4:30.

 

We have a line at 208 Dix Ave in Glens Falls from 6a to 10:30 and than we are in the Queensbury Plaza in Queensbury from 10:30 to 2:30.

 

We have a line at the Central Office in downtown Saratoga on Phila St from 6am to 4pm.

 

And there are 24/7 picket lines at 158 State St in Albany and 314 Glen St in Glens Falls.

Posted - August 9th, 2011

Listen to Our Union Brother, Mike Carmel's interview on NPR.

Posted - August 8th, 2011

Bargaining Updates

First day of strike has been great.  Every location was picketed today and together we are showing Verizon that we will win.  We have recieved alot of local media coverage and Tonight the local news wants to go live from our picket line at 158 State St.  I am asking any member who gets this notice to try your best to get down to 158 State St before the local news goes live at 11pm. 

Picketing at all garages from 6am thru ?.  Main garage locations for Albany are 3rd St across from the Labor Temple, 2401 & 2405 Watt St garagein Schenectady, 11 Wards lane from 8am thru ?, and 158 State St is 24/7.  Any support would be greatly appreciated. 

WEAR YOUR RED! 

45,000 Workers on Strike at Verizon  

 Company Refuses to Bargain Seriously,

Verizon Proposals Would Take Workers Back Decades
 

CWA Press Release


We Are On Strike!

Regional Report #24

Posted - August 7th, 2011

Regional Report #23

Regional Report #22

Regional Report #21 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted - August 6th, 2011

Regional Report #20

Posted - August 5th, 2011

We are inviting everyone to the union hall this Saturday for a BBQ. We are also changing the date of the drawing for the Yankee Red Sox tickets from 8/4/11 to this Saturday.

 

Time: 5 PM to contract expiration.....

If you still want Raffle tickets please call the Hall or get in contact with your local Union Rep

 

 

Yankees vs. Red Sox

 

Sunday 9/25/11 @ 1:05 PM

 

4 Field Level Seats + $100 cash

 

New Drawing Date 8/6/11

 

$10

Regional Report #19

Posted - August 4th, 2011

Video of Bill de Blasio speaking at NYC Rally

Posted - August 3rd, 2011

Regional Report #18

Posted - August 3rd, 2011

Regional Report #17

Posted - August 2nd, 2011

NYC Fox News Coverage of Rally on July 30th

Posted - August 1st, 2011

Regional Report #16

Posted - August 1st, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,

Regional Report #15

Posted - July 28th, 2011

Sign up with Unity@Verizon to recieve bargaining developments and mobilization actions.   

To sign up just text MOBILIZE to 69866  
  
Or you can sign up at www.cwa-union.org/verizon

Posted - July 27th, 2011

Regional Report #14

Posted - July 27th, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am sad to report the passing of Jack Clark.  Jack was a strong union brother who served on our local executive board for 31 years.  Jack never backed away from a fight.  He was a proud leader of this union who cared for each members needs before his own. 

 

In lieu of flowers please join us in sending memorial contributions to:

 

The Community Hospice of Schenectady
1411 Union Street

Schenectady, NY  12308

 

Please keep in mind Verizon will match our contributions, up to $1,000 per member.  Use the Optional Designation field to post "in memory of John Clark"  If you have questions or troubles with the Verizon match, please call the Union Hall @ 518-862-0095 for assistance.

Thank You!

 
Please Click Here to view Obituary

Posted - July 26th, 2011

Regional Report #13
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Posted - July 26th, 2011

Regional Report #12

Posted - July 25th, 2011

You Broke My Heart on the Picket Line - A song written by an annonymous member.

Posted - July 22nd, 2011

Regional Report #11

Posted - July 22nd, 2011

Regional Report #10

Posted - July 21st, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,

 

The company has chosen to disrespect all of our Veterans by deciding to no longer recognize Veterans day as a holiday.  To show the great respect that we hold towards our Veterans, today we will display the stars and stripes to honor them. 

 

The executive board members will be distributing flags for you to display.  And remember the Rally is July 30th and all members who can should attend.

 

In Unity

Posted - July 21st, 2011

Regional Report #9

Posted - July 20th, 2011

Regional Report #8

Posted - July 19th, 2011

Mobilize, Mobilize, Mobilize

I would like to take a moment to thank those of you who have been wearing red, practice picketing, and leafleting at Verizon Wireless stores.  You have been sending a message to the company's bargaining unit that the members of CWA will not accept these outrageous proposals.  But I ask you to please reach out to those members who have not been participating.  They need to understand that Verizon will not negotiate in good faith until the membership has proven its support of the bargaining committee.  And with having our President at the bargaining table we should be leading the charge to support Gil and the rest of the bargaining team. [....]

Posted - July 18th, 2011

Regional Report #7

Posted - July 1st, 2011

Regional Report #6
 

Posted - June 30th, 2011

Verizon Wants to end the major health benefit plans that CWA has negotiated over decades.

 

There's only one way to respond this outrageous proposal:

 

MOBILIZE MOBILIZE MOBILIZE!

Outrageous Healthcare Proposal

Posted - June 30th, 2011

Regional Report #5 

Posted - June 29th, 2011

Regional Report #4      

Posted - June 28th, 2011

Regional Report #3 

Posted - June 27th, 2011

Regional Report #2 

Posted - June 25th, 2011

Regional Report #1

Chris Shelton's Opening Statement

Verizon's Opening Statment

Posted - June 24th, 2011

Union Picnic

Unfortunaley due to lack of interest, the Picnic that was scheduled for July 10th has been cancelled.  But all other social committee events are still on as planned so check your union board or the event calendar here on the website. 

Posted - June 24th, 2011

  
Important Notice on Dependent Verification Process 

Verizon presented this earlier and is moving forward on this. The  
International has been working with the Company to resolve and to get 
amnesty for our members. They will be addressing it at the upcoming 
Coordinating Council Meeting in Rye Town on Thursday.

Please Click Here to view the PowerPoint Presentation.

Posted - June 22nd, 2011

Brothers and Sisters,

On May 26, 2011 two members from IUE-CWA local 81359 were severely injured during an explosion at the Momentive Plant in Waterford.  The two men were airlifted to the Westchester burn unit that morning and are still there receiving treatment.  The labor community wants to assist these men and their families thru this difficult time so with the help of the Capital District Area Labor Federation there will be a solidarity fundraiser on June 30, 2011 at the Albany Labor Temple.  The fundraiser is from 5 - 7pm at 890 Third St.,  Albany NY.  Click Here to view the flier, but please contact me if you have any questions and I hope to see you there.

Len Welcome
EVP CWA Local 1118

Posted - June 13th, 2011

REMINDER:
 

This Wednesday June 15, at 6pm, Polish American Citizens Club will be the last General membership Meeting before bargaining begins. Don't depend on having somebody tell you whats going on, come out and hear for yourself.  We will also have some members from local 1113, 1104, IBEW local 2213 and some members of the bargaining team as guests. 

    

Posted - June 13th, 2011

 

 Verizon Bargaining Survey .......What do you want?

Posted - June 10th, 2011

CTS Awareness

Verizon has notified the Union that their intentions are to contract out Corporate Telecom Services (CTS) and other departments.  Unless you are a CTS Technician it is NOT your job to move, unpack, install or repair your computer, printer, desk phone or any related components!

This is the work of fellow Local 1118 members in CTS.

For “All” repairs, installations, and moves on computers, printers and phones please use the following address:

http://ects.verizon.com/etickets/direct

You will need to enter your VzID to submit a work request or report a trouble and you will receive a ticket number. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted - May 9th, 2011

Winner of Yankee Tickets to Benefit Frank Anastaio is Michelle Casavant!

Posted - May 6th, 2011

National Call to Action Day:

In February 1968, 1,300 sanitation workers went on strike in Memphis, Tennnessee.

Their demands were basic: a living wage, the right to organize, dignity and respect at work.

After two months walking the picket line, these workers were joined by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who gave a rousing speech in support of their struggle and vowed to continue marching until they secured basic workers' rights.

The next day, April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated.

Decades later, the struggle for workers' rights continues, and we mark this day -- April 4 -- with a show of strength and solidarity with all workers still striving to secure their basic rights at work. Across the country, our brothers and sisters will unite for a nationwide Day of Action.

On March 29 at 7:30 pm Eastern we will be having a national call to discuss our plans for April 4 and to hear from workers and allies on the front lines of the fight.

Sign up to participate in the national call.

The demands made 43 years ago by those 1,300 Memphis sanitation workers are the same demands made today by thousands of public workers whose bargaining rights are being attacked by corporate-backed politicians in legislatures throughout the nation.

The fight that began in Wisconsin has spread to Ohio and New Jersey, to Missouri and New Hampshire, and to many other states where governors and corporations are denying workers the right to organize.

In response, CWA is joining with our brothers and sisters across the labor movement to send a clear message: We will not be silenced.

We will rally, we will march, we will host teach-ins and vigils. We will do whatever it takes to show the nation that the struggle for workers' rights carries on -- and that it's a struggle we will win.

Join us on March 29 to learn more about our movement and find out how you can get involved:

http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/cwa_call

In unity,

Larry Cohen

Posted - April 6th, 2011

Proxy Collection for Verizon: Click Here for Instructions. Return completed proxy to your Chief Steward.

Posted - April 4th, 2011