DEWITT -- A contract dispute between union workers and Verizon could prompt roughly 45,000 workers along the East Coast to walk to picket line starting at 12:01 am Sunday.
That would include about 1,000 union workers in Central New York, according to Christopher Ryan, Executive VP of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1123.
Ryan said talks between the union and Verizon are continuing but, so far, no progress has been made. He said those talks will continue as we approach the midnight deadline, along with internal discussions among union officials. At this point, Ryan said the two sides are,"miles apart."
Right now, there are several sticking points to ratifying a new deal, according to Ryan, who said workers are concerned with cuts to pension and health care along with long-term job security.
Ryan said workers are ready to strike and have already coordinated picket assignments for the Verizon Facility in DeWitt.
Because the union represents people who install and repair telephone lines, customer service and tech support, Ryan said there won't be anyone to fix the Verizon network should it malfunction locally if workers go on strike.
Verizon was not available for comment this weekend.
