On Sunday, dozens of Verizon wire line employees line airport road outside of the company's call center. Chris Criscione is fighting to keep benefits he says he deserves, and needs.
"We are regular folk like most other folk out here trying to pay our mortgages, pay our bills and survive and we don't think that is a lot to ask when the company is making billions of dollars in profits,” says Criscione.
Some of the benefits these Verizon employees are fighting for are in regards to health care, pensions, and work rules.
Reports show Verizon’s revenue rose 2.8 percent in the second quarter, however, they attribute it to the wireless business.
We spoke over the phone to Verizon’s spokesperson Peter Thonis in New Jersey. He says landline services are declining, and are now having to address operating costs; which includes benefits for those employees.
"We have done a lot to offset that decline, but we really need meaningful change on the part of employees in terms of the benefits,” says Thonis.
Thonis hopes to get back to the bargaining table with employees to come to a fair contract.
"We will continue to do our part to reach new contract but it has to reflect today's economic realities,” says Thonis.
Both parties say they see no immediate end in sight. Criscione says he is prepared for a long battle.
"One day more. We are willing to be out here one day more than the company is willing to let us be out here until we get a good contract,” says Criscione.
Even if it means standing on this road for hours at a time.
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