Verizon and its main unions are still locked in contract negotiations after extending talks to delay a strike. To put increased pressure on Verizon, the A.F.L.-C.I.O is planning to ask about 3.5 million people to log their names, addresses and phone numbers on a Web site that says they would consider switching to competitor AT&T's phone service. Verizon has issued a statement saying that this campaign will only hurt workers as it will lead to further job cuts.
See "Verizon Union Raises Stakes Over Contract", The New York Times, August 12, 2003