Verizon Sale Announced

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) learned
late on Monday, January 16, of Verizon’s plans to
announce today that they will be selling their Vermont
landlines to Fairpoint Communications. While details
are still emerging, it is a requirement that any such
action be approved by our Public Service Board. The
CWA intends to obtain party status in these hearings
to assure that the concerns of our members and Vermont
rate payers are addressed through the PSB process.
While testifying before the Vermont Senate Finance
Committee on January 9, PSD Commissioner David O’Brien
stated that any approval would be for a level of
service and access that is better than what we
currently have. He also stressed the importance of any
buyer having essential financial resources available.
Among the CWA concerns are:
- How can we protect telecom jobs, service quality,
and regional economic development that depends on
broadband connections?

- With Verizon leaving our state, what's the future of
high speed broadband service In Vermont?

- How should state legislators and regulators respond
to Verizon's abandonment of its "low-value" landline
customers?

- How can labor, small businesses and consumers fight
rural telecom red-lining and achieve hi-speed internet
access for all?
- Will the resulting fragmentation of the bargaining
unit have a harmful effect on contract negotiations in
2008?
As part of the effort to oppose the sale of Verizon’s
landlines in Vermont and to be included in the
regulatory process, the Communications Workers of
America Local 1400 and International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers Local 2326 are holding a
legislative reception in the Statehouse cafeteria on
Wednesday, January 25th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
CWA Research Economist Kenneth R. Peres, PhD will be
the featured speaker and local Vermont Verizon
employees will be present to discuss their concerns.
For more information, contact Ralph Montefusco at
802-598-5613.

------------------------------------------------------
Ralph J. Montefusco
172 Woodbury Road
Burlington, Vermont 05408
802-598-5613 (Cell Phone)
802-862-4085 (Home Phone)