typical response by MSM
A Virginian-Pilot investigation over the past six months has found that many workers on the Verizon project are in the country illegally, performing back-breaking work that most Americans simply won’t do.
An American wouldn’t be down in the ditch with a shovel, that’s true.
We’d use a backhoe or a ditch-witch, and with one man, one machine and a bit of diesel fuel, do the work of 20 to 40 men.
As much as I’m opposed to the invasion of illegals in VA and the US, the question is do you want your phone/internet/TV sooner or much later, and at a somewhat reasonable cost? Let’s face it union employees just don’t want to do the job they’ve signed on for, and they sure don’t want anyone else doing the job.
They have no regard for the customer, and none for the “evil company.” They mantra is victimization. Over worked and under paid - that is the union way.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/171761
Verizon strike called off for now
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Verizon Communications Inc. and two unions representing some 65,000 of its workers have agreed to “stop the clock” on contracts that were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
One of the unions, the Communications Workers of America, said a strike has been postponed “in light of progress that has been made” in the negotiations.
The CWA, which represents about 50,000 workers, said the current contracts remain in effect as talks continue.
The other union is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Major bargaining issues include health care coverage for employees and retirees, wages and union representation for new job areas.
Roanoke area members of Local 2204 of the CWA held an “informational practice picket” on Saturday afternoon outside the Verizon consumer sales and service center near Roanoke Regional Airport.
Chuck Simpson, Roanoke area vice president of the CWA’s 400 or so local members, said Saturday that while a strike today is possible, union officials will await word of contract negotiations.
Robert Hill, president of Local 2204, said early Sunday through the organization’s Web site that members will not set up picket lines this morning.
The Roanoke Times contributed to this report.