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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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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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COVID-19 Update From Verizon

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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.

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New MA Paid Family Medical Leave

If you have any questions, Massachusetts has updated its information on the MA Paid Family Medical Leave, which you can find via this link. 

“Establishes a system for paid family leave of up to 12 weeks to care for a family member, and up to 20 weeks for your own illness. The tax that pays for it begins in 2019, and leave will be available beginning in 2021.”

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MA Unemployment Decision

Brothers and Sisters, 

After a long, uphill battle, CWA and IBEW have just been notified of the MA Unemployment decision by the Boston Municipal Court. Unfortunately, because our strike was so effective, our unemployment appeal has been denied.

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