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It is with my deepest sympathy that I announce the passing of former Local 2321 Business Manager, Brother Francis J. McKenney.


Frank was a giant in this local who will be remembered as a legend. With just a year under his belt as Business Manager, he guided this local through the ’89 Strike, and continued to fight for our members for over 18 years.

Under his leadership, this local saw the creation of the centralized repair service bureau, which created 2 huge centers in local 2321, where I started my phone company career, as well as the massive MAC center that still resides at Crosspoint Towers in Lowell.

Many people owe their careers to Frank, either through his shrewd negotiating, or his ferocious advocacy for his members. And Frank personally offered his guidance to me when I first became an assistant Business Manager. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Please keep his family, including 2321 members Kathleen and Shelagh, in your prayers. We will share any service arrangements that are made available.

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.

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.

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.

V Team,

We continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) developments and address every matter that touches upon the well-being of our employees and customers, while delivering uninterrupted network services and connectivity to our customers. We’re constantly evaluating our policies to make sure they are responsive and sensitive to our employees’ needs.

Today, we reached an agreement with the East unions regarding temporary work-at-home arrangements in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak. Under the agreement, we will determine when it is practical to allow associates in a title and workgroup to work from home. When we conclude we can do so within a workgroup, we’ll make work-at-home available on a voluntary basis, potentially through the end of April.

We recognize that many of our jobs require our associates to be at our workplaces to serve our customers. For associates in those positions, work-at-home will not be an option. Our facilities remain open and for those who come to our workplaces, we will keep all spaces safe and clean. We’re adhering to protocols to clean and sanitize our offices, vehicles and equipment, as well as closely monitoring the situation in each community. As always, our customers and communities depend on our communications networks and services, and we’re committed to keeping them connected.

Here’s what you can expect next. Each organization will be conducting its own evaluation of which positions are appropriate for work at home. Your leader will let you know if your job permits this work-from-home option. Until you hear otherwise from your leader, continue to report for your normal work assignment. If you hear from your leader that your job is eligible, you will be able to volunteer. If there are more volunteers than we can accommodate, seniority will determine who can work from home. Your leader will work with you on the details and you’ll be expected and required to:

  • Comply with all of Verizon’s rules and policies including the Code of Conduct.
  • Safeguard all company property and information. Install and maintain all company property (e.g., laptops, power cords, monitors, etc.) provided to you to effectively work at home.

Our people are our greatest strength and your health and well-being is our top priority. We are grateful to the leadership of the CWA and the IBEW for supporting this initiative. We will continue to keep in close contact as we navigate the days ahead.