The System Council T6 passed a proposal yesterday to Verizon for a permanent Work-at-Home agreement.  The existing temporary agreement runs through the end of June.  This new proposal offers comprehensive language that would address the needs of a long-term agreement.  The IBEW in New England is committed to trying to reach an agreement to continue Work-at-Home, and awaits the company’s response to the proposal.

It’s with a heavy hearty and deepest sympathy that I announce the death of Sister Cathy Tibbetts. Cathy was a service rep in the enterprise group who succumbed to Covid 19 today at the age of 55. Her loss is devastating for her family and friends and she will be missed. We will post details of services as soon as they are available.

Members may be eligible for a LOA related to COVID-19 for up to 26 weeks. There are 4 scenarios for this leave:

  1. For those medically diagnosed with COVID-19
  2. For those with an underlying condition (their own or a household member) who are unable to work from home.
  3. For those with childcare or eldercare issues
  4. For those caring for a person diagnosed with COVID-19

Please CLICK HERE to read the agreement.

How to Apply for a Covid-19 LOA

To apply for a Leave of Absence from a company computer, tablet or phone,
access the COVID-19 Resource Page on the VZ E-Web.

If you are unable to access the VZ E-Web use one the links below:

Effective April 16, 2020 – COVID-19 – Community Medical Support Leave

  • In light of federal, state, and municipal calls for medically-trained individuals to support in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Company will enable medically-trained associates (e.g., doctors, nurses, EMT’s) providing such medical support to take a leave of absence in one week intervals of up to 8 weeks with pay at their basic hourly rate and up to 18 weeks with pay at 60% of their basic hourly rate (subject to termination at any time during the 26 week period if/when the associate ceases or curtails work supporting the COVID-19 response effort.)
  1. Gather the necessary documents to support your application. You will need to upload documents verifying the following with your request for leave: 
    1. Your medical certification
    2. Call for Community Medical Support (advertisement, letter, etc.)
    3. Confirmation of acceptance at a facility in alignment with the Call for Community Medical Support
    4. Name and location of the facility where you will be providing medical services
    5. Description of medical services you will be providing while on leave
    6. Confirmation of pay/non-pay 
  2. Complete the COVID-19 Community Medical Support Leave Request form and attach the above documentation.
  3. You and your supervisor will be notified within 24 hours of decision.  

If approved and once you complete your assignment providing COVID-19 Community Medical Support, Verizon will require that you work from home for 14 days before returning to Verizon facilities. If you are unable to work from home, please notify your HR Business Partner, and they can work with you to implement a 14-day quarantine leave.

Please CLICK HERE to read the agreement.

  1. All customers will be required to wear a mask
  2. Members (2321 Members) will make the decision on the safety of the location. If a member feels the location is unsafe or they are uncomfortable with a group of people in a home that is NOT social distancing, they should contact their supervisor and make other arrangements with the cent.
  3. The ‘hotspots’ throughout Massachusetts will be treated more carefully. The installation requests are not high in those areas and up to today, the techs have been able to complete all repairs. Again, the tech should make a visit and assess the situation. The company does NOT want techs to outright refuse to go to the location, they want a visit made before the tech “JEPS” the job.
  4. If a member gets contacted by the State as part of their ‘tracing’ – that member is to contact their supervisor IMMEDIATELY, and go tested.

If you have ANY questions, feel free to call the hall at 978.683.2321

In this webinar, Steve Raymond, Regional Manager with Scarborough Alliance Group provides important information to help navigate these turbulent times.

This webinar reviews timely information, such as:

  • Understanding Market Downturns
  • Common Investor Mistakes
  • Smart Things to Do During the Downturn

Access the webinar HERE