Verizon and the System Council T6 reached agreement to extend the Home Garaging Agreement through July 31st. This is a win for our members, who are most at risk for exposure to COVID-19, by providing reduced contact with co-workers at work locations.
The IBEW & CWA have been working hard with Verizon to reach agreements to protect our members, while at the same time maintaining our network. We have made the following agreements:
Work from Home:
Members who work an inside desk job, who have the required broadband service at their residence, who requests to work at home, have been allowed to do so. At this time, more than 90% of eligible employees have chosen to work from home. If you have any issues, please call the Union office.
Today, the System Council T6 has agreed to extend the Work at Home agreement until September 30, 2021. Both CWA and Mid-Atlantic have also agreed to the extension. Continuing this option will help keep people safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 until there is more information about the progress of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
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.
Dear Union Brothers and Sisters,
Less than 2 weeks ago my cousin ,Mark “Birdman” Bertrand, died suddenly and was laid to rest. While still in disbelief , I just wanted to let you know how your actions help with the healing of this tragedy. The outpouring of support from his coworkers was overwhelming and extremely appreciated. Mark’s wife , Marybeth and his sons Joe, Daniel and Michael as well as everyone else were profoundly touched by your presence at the wake and powerful display at the Blessed
Sacrament Church. Beyond immediate family, Mark’s death had a far-reaching impact on his community and obviously within his work family. Times such as these make me proud to say I was and always will be part of this family as well.
Mark loved being a phone guy and I have to think he would have loved this display of support. While individual thanks to all would be ideal, unfortunately that’s not possible in today’s
environment.
Again, my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible and to all who participated. You can know that Birdman feels the same.
Neil Spencer
Ret. 2015