It's kind of the worst position they can be in. In its ongoing negotiations with Verizon, the unions are seeking the right to represent workers in the wireless business, provided they can persuade a majority to sign cards asking for union certification. In an election, the company has the right to campaign against the union. It argues that Verizon Wireless is a separate company, whose employees must negotiate with its own management. Verizon only owns 55 percent of the wireless business, it says, sharing the venture with Vodafone.
Analysts say the company's tough line reflects a basic change in the industry.
For decades, the local telephone company could afford to pay what it took to enjoy smooth relations with labor because it was the sole choice for local telephone service. Now, new areas of growth such as wireless and Internet access are characterized by steep competition, forcing the company to aggressively limit costs. Verizon acknowledges its reluctance to see union representation at its wireless unit. Verizon Wireless must compete with them. The unions are also seeking improvements in the working conditions of operators and customer service representatives, who have come under increasing pressure in the face of spiraling demand for their time.