In the nation’s largest strike in four years, Verizon Communications and its unions are deeply divided over the company’s assertions that its traditional landline business is performing so badly that it needs large-scale concessions.
The unions’ refusal to believe Verizon is one reason, labor relations experts say, that the 45,000 workers who went on strike Sunday are already dug in and braced for a lengthy walkout. Heightening the stakes, some industry analysts say Verizon sees the weak economy as a prime opportunity to chop union costs.
Full story: Verizon Landline Unit at Heart of Strike