Author: John Rowley

In late May, the IBEW, the CWA, and Verizon began negotiations to determine whether an agreement could be reached to extend the current collective bargaining agreements. By late June, significant differences remained between the parties’ proposals, and the Unions informed the Company of our intention to conclude negotiations. At the Company’s request, a high-level meeting was held, during which the Unions agreed to continue discussions, with the understanding that the Company was prepared to more fully address the Unions’ concerns. Despite these continued efforts, the Company has not adequately responded to the needs and priorities of our members. Instead, the…Continue readingEarly discussion with Verizon on an extension of the current contract have concluded with no agreement.

Thank you to Senator Edward Markey and his staff for continuing to hold Verizon accountable for worker and community Health Hazards. The most precious of commodities any of us have is our Health and the Health of our families.We know the lead is there.They know where the lead is.We can work together to address the issue.Alternatively, they can ignore and we can continue to expose and reveal.It is a choice.In this instance… They cannot run and they cannot hide. To Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg and the Verizon Board of Directors-It is not your imagination. The ticking clock is indeed getting…Continue readingUpdate -Lead Cable & Verizon – Senator Edward Markey

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Brother Dominic Siclari. Please keep Dominic and his family in your thoughts and prayers. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/masslive/name/dominic-siclari-obituary?id=58457355

On January 31, 2024, I submitted a formal request to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Health Hazard Evaluation Program via the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  NIOSH officials visited Verizon locations in Western Massachusetts in September of 2024 & January of 2025. In March of 2025 partial findings were released. On May 16, 2025, the Final Report has been received. The Bulk Analysis Sediment tests. “We collected three samples for bulk analysis, two from manholes where a cable transfer was in process and one from a dry manhole during preparation for fiber-optic cable installation. The highest…Continue readingNIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation

The Executive Board has declared the Unit 2 – Pittsfield position on the Board vacant. Members who wish to apply for the position must send a letter stating such interest to: IBEW Local 2324 Executive Board Attn: Recording Secretary 733 Chapin St., Suite 102 Ludlow, MA 01506 All correspondence must be received via USPS no later than June 2, 2025. The Executive will select the Unit 2 – Pittsfield Executive Board from the applicants to serve the remainder of the current term at its meeting on June 3, 2025. The new Unit 2 – Pittsfield Executive Board Representative will be…Continue readingIBEW 2324 Executive Board declares vacancy for Unit 2 – Pittsfield

Going on Strike over a benefit that applied to those who had yet to be hired was untenable.  Rather, the determination was, should that become a cause to fight for, those that are here will have to decide if that fight was going to occur.  That time may very well be now or never. Currently, those without Retiree Medical coverage receive up to $576/yr of service with a maximum of 25 years = $14,400/yr. (from Article VI.2.D of the 2022 MOU).  Current Medical plans in marketplace are available.  They have wide ranging premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.  They are not…Continue readingMembers of IBEW Local 2324 – In the Memorandum of Understanding from 2008 the Agreement was to no longer cover those who were hired on or after August 3, 2008 with Retiree Medical for those hired before August 3, 2008…

From an email received today from IBEW SCT-6 Chairman & IBEW 2222 Business Manager Myles Calvey- Verizon, the CWA, and IBEW are jointly announcing today that they will be entering into bargaining beginning May 21, 2025 to determine whether it is possible to agree on the terms of a contract extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that does not expire until August 1, 2026. Chairman Calvey also informed the other Business Managers of the IBEW SCT-6 Council that Eric Hetrick, Business Manager of IBEW Local 2322, will be joining Chairman Calvey at Bargaining this year. When further developments are supplied…Continue readingApril 9, 2025 Subject – Join Statement Verizon Bargaining

This week Dr. Phillip Landrigan from Boston College prepared a Document specifically for Telecom Workers related to Lead Exposure. Please read below.