Verizon Communications and its two main unions seem to
be making slow progress as they work out their last few
unsettled issues. Verizon would like to alter the
contract's job security provisions in order to deal with
fierce industry competition but the unions note that the
company has already significantly reduced its unionized
workforce. Verizon would also like union members to
shoulder greater health care costs, but the unions argue
that the company has made enough profit to pay health
care benefits.
See "Both Sides See Verizon Talks Inching Toward an Agreement", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, August 6, 2003