Bernie Sanders joins Verizon picket line in NYC

Reuters reported that almost 40,000 Verizon workers walked off their job after contract talks hit an impasse.

Meanwhile, between 300 and 400 union members walked a picket line outside the company’s office in downtown Albany and about a dozen employees began to picket outside Verizon’s building in downtown Baltimore.

In its statement, the company said it had been willing to participate in mediation if the unions extended their strike deadline, but that the unions instead called a strike.

Sanders told workers at a picket line in Brooklyn they displayed courage by standing up to the telecommunications giant. “I know you’ve thought a whole lot about it, and I know your families will pay a price”, he said to the protesters.

Democratic frontrunner Hillary ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonSanders fundraising for 3 House candidates Clinton says Verizon should produce “fair offer” for striking workers The Hill’s 12:30 Report MORE joined rival Sen.

Verizon says it’s ready for the strike and notes that it is experienced in dealing with work stoppages.

Tonas said the CWA has been working with Verizon since August 2015, when their last labor contract expired, but no agreement has been reached yet and about 39,000 workers have been working without a contract.

Dunn and other local union workers on strike were demonstrating just yards away from the Verizon Wireless store at Smith Haven Mall.

Mark OBraitis, 53, of Manorville, a material systems technician who installs equipment at Verizon buildings, said at Smith Haven Mall that he has worked for the company for almost 29 years.

James Cutter, a local CWA president, says the workers are prepared to continuing striking until their demands are met. He said, “Unfortunately, they have been unwilling to negotiate in good faith and have now called this job action”.

The workers want more job security and to keep their medical benefits intact.

The short answer from the company is “no”, as they explain that 10,000 nonunion employees were trained to take over for those who are picketing the company.

“We will be there for our customers”, said Young.

They said they’ll be there until 8:30 Thursday night. The union has a number of grievances, including Verizon outsourcing 5,000 jobs, hiring non-union contractors at lower wages, and closing call centers.

In 2011, Verizon union workers first started contributing toward their health insurance.