CWAers Tell PSC What's Really Happening at Verizon

The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has called public hearings to discuss the state of telecommunications in New York State, and CWA members are showing up and letting them know what’s really going on at Verizon: job losses, deteriorating service quality, and millions without FiOS.

While Verizon is failing to build out FiOS and maintain its copper network, at the bargaining table the company is proposing to completely eliminate job security to slash thousands of jobs. That’s unacceptable.

The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has called public hearings to discuss the state of telecommunications in New York State, and CWA members are showing up and letting them know what’s really going on: job losses, deteriorating service quality, and millions without FiOS. RSVP to a hearing near you: July 28 - Utica July 29 - Binghampton August 4 - Lake Placid August 5 - Buffalo Note: We are expecting details on Capital District and Hudson Valley hearings soon. In New York City on Wednesday, CWAers filled the room to hear and give testimony about their experiences. The PSC needs to know that what’s good for consumers is also good for workers. Verizon needs to be held accountable.  While Verizon is failing to build out FiOS and maintain its copper network, at the bargaining table the company is proposing to completely eliminate job security to slash thousands of jobs. That’s unacceptable. CWA Local 1101 President Keith Purce urged the PSC to hold Verizon accountable for failing to build out FiOS in NYC despite it’s promises. “We’re fighting to protect our jobs at a time when Verizon seems intent on destroying them.  We’re proud of the work we do and we believe all New Yorkers should have access to quality telephone  service and affordable high speed internet.  We need those good jobs. Our families need them. New York needs them. And New Yorkers need the affordable, reliable high speed internet and phone service that those jobs bring with them.” Patrick Welsh, a retiree who worked at the company for 36 years as a cable splicer and pay phone installer, spoke about the need for the PSC to enforce standards  at Verizon. “When I worked at Verizon, the PSC was powerful and feared by management.  Any hint of a PSC inspection in the manager's area sent them scurrying to have us check every possible problem.  In the public phone department, if we were asked to work Sunday we knew the PSC was coming on Monday.  But now, because of deregulation and the lowering of standards and fines, that is not the case anymore, New York State telecommunications customers have minimal protection against telephone and cable provider’s abuses,” said Welsh.  Welsh went on to testify about Verizon’s deteriorating service quality for copper customers. “Over the past five years, service has changed dramatically.  When customers lose service they are not told service will be restored in 24 to 48 hours, they are told 3 or 4 weeks or whenever.  Many customers, particularly seniors, still rely solely on their copper lines to stay in touch with family and others.” “Having no service for 3 or 4 weeks is not uncommon and is an unnecessary and blatant violation of Verizon’s mandate.  Unnecessary because they have the workforce to maintain their infrastructure and blatant because they are consciously reducing that workforce,” said Welsh.  https://twitter.com/CWADistrict1/status/621473233305477121 Several other CWAers, gave testimony during the event.  Additionally, state and local elected officials spoke out about Verizon’s bad behavior at a press conference ahead of the hearing. https://twitter.com/BenKallos/status/621362424164192256 On July 9th, CWAers from Locals 1108, 1104, 1106 and 1105 flooded the first PSC hearing in Smithtown, NY. “The PSC must update its definition of basic service to include high speed broadband to keep pace with the FCC. This would reverse the the negative effects both on the workers who build, maintain, and service the network who have seen the loss of thousands of jobs here in New York, and our customers.” said Michael Gendron, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 1108. CWAers will keep turning out to these hearings to make their voices heard. Please RSVP and attend the PSC hearing near you to take this opportunity to make a stand.The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) has called public hearings to discuss the state of telecommunications in New York State, and CWA members are showing up and letting them know what’s really going on: job losses, deteriorating service quality, and millions without FiOS.

RSVP to an upcoming hearing near you:

July 28 - Utica

July 29 - Binghampton

August 4 - Lake Placid

August 5 - Buffalo

Note: We are expecting details on Capital District and Hudson Valley hearings soon.

At the second PSC hearing in New York City on Wednesday, CWAers filled the room to give testimony. 

CWA Local 1101 President Keith Purce urged the PSC to hold Verizon accountable for failing to build out FiOS in NYC despite its promises. “We’re fighting to protect our jobs at a time when Verizon seems intent on destroying them.  We’re proud of the work we do and we believe all New Yorkers should have access to quality telephone  service and affordable high speed internet. 

We need those good jobs. Our families need them. New York needs them. And New Yorkers need the affordable, reliable high speed internet and phone service that those jobs bring with them.”

Testimony at NYC PSC hearing:"Poor service has become the norm for copper customers. PSC needs to enforce standards." pic.twitter.com/lHJyXLm2i7

— CWA District 1 (@CWADistrict1) July 16, 2015

Patrick Welsh, a retiree who worked at the company for 36 years as a cable splicer and pay phone installer, spoke about the need for the PSC to enforce standards  at Verizon. “When I worked at Verizon, the PSC was powerful and feared by management. Any hint of a PSC inspection in the manager's area sent them scurrying to have us check every possible problem.  In the public phone department, if we were asked to work Sunday we knew the PSC was coming on Monday.  But now, because of deregulation and the lowering of standards and fines, that is not the case anymore, New York State telecommunications customers have minimal protection against telephone and cable provider’s abuses,” said Welsh. 

Welsh went on to testify about Verizon’s deteriorating service quality for copper customers. “Over the past five years, service has changed dramatically.  When customers lose service they are not told service will be restored in 24 to 48 hours, they are told 3 or 4 weeks or whenever.  Many customers, particularly seniors, still rely solely on their copper lines to stay in touch with family and others.”

“Having no service for 3 or 4 weeks is not uncommon and is an unnecessary and blatant violation of Verizon’s mandate.  Unnecessary because they have the workforce to maintain their infrastructure and blatant because they are consciously reducing that workforce,” said Welsh. 

Several other CWAers and members of the public gave testimony during the event. Ahead of the hearing, state and local elected officials spoke out about Verizon’s bad behavior at a press conference.

 

Verizon must keep its promise to NYC and ensure all have access to high-speed fiber internet. #wheresmyfiospic.twitter.com/04xJ2FEwHp

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) July 15, 2015

 

On July 9th, CWAers from Locals 1108, 1104, 1106 and 1105 flooded the first PSC hearing in Smithtown, NY. “The PSC must update its definition of basic service to include high speed broadband to keep pace with the FCC. This would reverse the the negative effects both on the workers who build, maintain, and service the network who have seen the loss of thousands of jobs here in New York, and our customers,” said Michael Gendron, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 1108.

CWAers will keep turning out to these hearings to make their voices heard. Please RSVP and attend the PSC hearing near you to take this opportunity to make a stand.