Verizon, Union Each File Unfair Labor Charges As Strike Continues
BOSTON (CBS) - Verizon and the Communication Workers of America have filed unfair labor charges against one another as the strike by thousands of union workers heads into its second week.
Despite claims and counter-claims of refusing to bargain in good faith, Verizon and the IBEW continue to negotiate, according to company spokesman Phil Santoro.
"The important thing is that both sides continue to talk, and that's a good sign," said Santoro.
Santoro said the main sticking point continues to be healthcare.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports.
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"From the union's perspective, they don't want to pay anything for their healthcare. They haven't had to pay and they don't want to give anything back," said Santoro.
Verizon has accused the union of harassing its non-union workers and sabotaging phone lines. But Local 22-22 steward Tom Moses says that's par for the course for Verizon.
"They have a playbook they go to. I've been through four strikes. It all starts out the same way. The first week, the company paints the picture that the union is a bunch of greedy thugs. We're not," said Moses.
