After Verizon threatens health benefits, CWA steps up for strikers

Saying that “It is unconscionable for a company that made more than $4 billion dollars in profits in the first quarter of 2016 alone to cut off health care benefits for the workers who created those profits,” CWA yesterday pledged that “no striking member or family member will go without medically necessary health care, no matter what Verizon chooses to do.” Each local has a relief fund coordinator and a community service committee that works with CWA union members to ensure that all workers get the care they need throughout the strike. “This heartless move by Verizon shows why the strike is so important,” said CWA District 2-13 Vice President Ed Mooney and CWA District One Vice President Dennis Trainor in a statement. “Workers are taking a stand against Verizon's corporate greed and fighting to protect middle class jobs.” As the strike by nearly 40,000 CWA and IBEW members stretched into its third week, AFGE Local 12 voted to donate $1,500 to the CWA strike fund; Contributions can also be made through the Community Services Agency; click here to donate securely online. photo: CWA president Chris Shelton (right) & AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka at K Street picket Tuesday; photo by Chris Garlock/Union City

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