RIP Brother Mark Laferriere

It is with great sorrow that I must announce the death of dearly departed Brother Mark Laferriere.  Mark’s passing last week at age 52 was very unexpected and a devastating shock to his family.  Mark was an Automotive Equipment Mechanic with Verizon’s Fleet department with 5 years as an IBEW Local 2321 member.  Everyone who knew him will remember his quick wit, his generosity, and his keen job skills.  Service will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kayleigh Laferriere Scholarship Fund, in care of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.  More information, and the address and account number for contributions, can be found in Mark’s obituary at currentobituary.com.  Family and friends will of course miss him, so please keep Mark and his family in your prayers.

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Updated Leave of Absence Information

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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.

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2.5% Raise Information

Look for your 2.5% raise to take effect on June 21st, and reflected in your paycheck paid to you at the end of that work week.

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Update On Workplace Safety

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  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

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A Message From Business Manager Craig Fields

A message from Craig Fields, Business Manager:


It is with a heavy heart and deep sympathy that I announce the loss of dearly departed Brother Joe Maroon. Joe was a 54 year old lineman from the Dracut garage with 34 years of service. He had been out of the office since April 30th, and last week tested positive for COVID-19; we were informed this morning of his passing, apparently of COVID-19 related illness. His mother also recently succumbed to COVID-19. Joe leaves behind a wife and daughter. Please keep Joe and his family in your thoughts and prayers. If there are any arrangements, we will announce them on the tape and our social media sites.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has been very real to all of us, especially for those on the front line. This loss amplifies that reality. Please, make sure your safety is always your priority, and take as many precautions necessary to ensure the safety of your family. Joe’s passing is a terrible tragedy, and I pray this is the only such announcement I will need to make before this crisis is over.

Take care of yourself and your family.
In Solidarity,

Craig Fields – Business Manager, IBEW Local 2321

Joseph Maroon’s obituary

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