Verizon workers stay on job as contract expires

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Verizon and unions representing workers in nine states said employees will work without a contract as more negotiations are scheduled.

The wireless carrier and leaders of the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers announced the decision early Sunday, shortly after a contract covering 39,000 workers expired.

The unions said they are prepared to schedule regular bargaining sessions but that they will leave the sites of their round-the-clock negotiations in Philadelphia and Rye, N.Y.

Marc Reed, Verizon’s chief administrative officer, said the company is “disappointed” it was unable to reach an agreement with the unions despite “six weeks of good-faith bargaining and a very strong effort by the company.” However, he said Verizon representatives will continue to meet with union leaders.

The unions say the telecom giant is demanding that workers sharply increase their health care contributions and make concession on pensions.